R220m hospital project closer to approval

PLANS for the R220-million Melomed Richards Bay Hospital are in the final stages of approval.

Speaking at a Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry Empangeni Divisional meeting on Thursday, Empangeni Divisional Chairperson Dave Whittaker confirmed building plans were submitted and a final go-ahead awaited.

‘Although final approval must still be received, we cannot see this being withheld,’ said Whittaker.

In March a 20-year lease agreement was signed by Liberty Properties and partners Tuscaloosa with Melomed Richards Bay for the development of the 100-bed hospital at the John Ross Eco Junction.

It is the property giant’s first venture into the healthcare sector.

‘This is phase one, but future expansion plans are in the pipeline, which is good news for our area.’

The expected completion date of the private hospital will be December 2016, with building starting in the third quarter of this year.

Chamber talk

Feedback was also given on several issues discussed at previous chamber meetings.

Whittaker was pleased to announce that the daily commute between Richards Bay and Empangeni would be noticeably smoother after some intense lobbying by the chamber to have the synchronisation of the traffic lights adjusted.

‘I can attest to this myself,’ he said. ‘The traffic lights are functioning much better, while still allowing for the necessary gaps for traffic calming.’

Whittaker also reported that discussions between chamber executives and municipal officials on pertinent issues were more frequent.

Discussions surrounding infrastructure backlogs hampering the upliftment of the town itself were proceeding well.

One of the issues under discussion was the activities of illegal car washers.

The chamber is of the opinion that illegal car washers should be organised in a more structured manner.

‘We are not saying we are against the job creation, but it is important to bring some structure to these practices,’ Whittaker said.

The next ZCCI Empangeni Divisional meeting will be held on 25 June, which will be the AGM for 2015.

@kcowan23