GOOD Press Statement by Celeste Wannenburgh,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
27 July 2023
The GOOD Party is opposed to the transfer of land, currently used for community healthcare services, back to the Western Cape Government (Department of Infrastructure).
On the agenda for tomorrow’s City of Cape Town council meeting (Volume 3, Items C24 and C28) is the proposal to accept the amendments of the previous Council resolution C21/08/18.
GOOD feels strongly that this should not be adopted as it does not serve the community’s best interest.
In a proposal, supported by James Vos, Mayco Member for Economic Growth, Eikendal Primary Healthcare Services (Erf 9831 in Kraaifontein) and Milnerton Primary Healthcare Services (Erf 32731 in Bothasig) will be divided and a portion of land transferred back to the Western Cape Government.
GOOD believes the unused land should rather be used to boost the diminishing health care services and systems across the city.
The communities desperately need better facilities, bigger waiting rooms and more consultation rooms.
Our elderly, sick and disabled patients, who queue for hours waiting to see a doctor, would welcome seating areas, under roof and out of the cold and rain.
The communities that are dependent on these facilities are in desperate need of bigger and better healthcare services.
The fact that James Vos recommended the sale of surplus land shows how out of touch he is with the needs of the community.
This high-density area needs better services, not smaller facilities.
The Executive Mayor and Mayco are not estate agents of public land.
The GOOD Party is concerned that there has not been full transparency with this proposal.
It has not been made clear what will happen to the 2023/ 2024 budgets earmarked for these city-owned properties and their related public services.
And there has been no impact assessment on the current healthcare service being offered.
If James Vos is adamant to continue with the resolution, then he should be upfront with the public and share the intended vision behind these transfers.
The city has been closing several clinics in high-density areas of Cape Town due to budget cuts.
We should not paralyze the few we have left.
GOOD demands that the transfer of these properties be reassessed.
The City of Cape Town should not compromise on our citizens’ right to basic healthcare.
Media Enquiries:
Celeste Wannenburgh, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
Cell: 061 116 5392
Email: cmkwannenburgh@gmail.com
Samantha Jackson, GOOD Acting Media Manager
Cell: 083 550 9875
Email: media@forgood.org.za