In early March, OFM News reported that the province had not budgeted for the operational expenses of the institution, resulting in delays to the hospital opening its doors, albeit structurally complete. Saul instructed Mase Monopole, who he recently appointed as Health MEC, to ensure that doctors and nurses come to the province.

The previous Northern Cape Finance MEC, MacCollen Jack, said his department had joined hands with the national department to expedite the opening of the hospital. This partnership will now be continued by the newly appointed MEC for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, Maruping Mathews Lekwene.

All this while the national probe into the alleged mismanagement of funds relating to the construction of the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital is reportedly being finalised. Forensic auditors have submitted a report to the public prosecutor to ascertain whether individuals can be held liable for the misappropriation of funds. Construction to the 286-bed medical facility began in 2006 and was roughly completed in 2018.

OFM News