A once thriving beacon of healthcare in North West now stands as a haunting reminder of neglect.  The Thusong District Hospital, situated between Lichtenburg and Mafikeng, has become a canvas for decay, with residents stripping away what remains of the institution. The hospital was closed two years ago by the North West Health Department after heat was detected emanating from the pharmacy floor.

The hospital was the primary source of medical care for residents. From routine check-ups to emergency surgeries. Since North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha announced the closure and demolishing of the hospital in 2022, it has not been attendant.

The family planning ward of Thusong Hospital in North West. Photo: twitter.com                            

Provincial Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, explained the facility was handed over to public works which were in the process of obtaining permission from the national to demolish the building.

“Unfortunately what we see now is the community has gone ahead of the government, they are demolishing ahead of the government. The problem with this is that it's not procedural and is posing a lot of risk to our communities who are coming here to strip the facility,” he said.

 Residents who live near the hospital stripping away what is left of the hospital. Photo: twitter.com

Lekgethwane said the department tried very hard to warn residents about the dangers of continuing to illegally strip the building after they were informed by experts the soil is unstable and buildings may collapse anytime. Desperation has driven some of these residents to continue to salvage whatever materials they can find, from metal fixtures to furniture, in hopes of repurposing them for their own needs.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg