Mpumalanga, 17 April 2024 - Given that 82.6% of the population is dependent on public health services, there is an urgent need to build new infrastructure and make sufficient changes to the current system. The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) will be officially opening of the Balfour Community Health Centre (CHC) constructed in collaboration with the Department of Health on 18 April 2024. This endeavour has employed 27 SMMEs and 585 local labourers, provided 90 training opportunities and utilised 36 subcontractors. This investment, at a total project cost of R373,199,734, represents a commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility while driving sustainable development and prosperity in the Balfour community.
The establishment of the Balfour CHC commenced with the site handover on 17 October 2019 and construction on 7 November 2019 with practical completion of the facility on 31 August 2023. Equipment installation was accomplished on 23 November 2023, when the facility was handed over to the National and Mpumalanga Departments of Health.
The Balfour CHC stands as a testament to the DBSA's commitment to advancing sustainable development and promoting access to essential services, particularly in underserved communities. This state-of-the-art facility will play a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes, enhancing the quality of life, and promoting wellness within the Balfour community and its surrounding areas.
“The Balfour Community Health Centre reflects the Bank's commitment to building resilient infrastructure and improving access to essential healthcare services. As part of the Infrastructure Delivery Division, we are proud to have played an important role in this project, demonstrating our dedication to ensuring that vital infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently and effectively,” said Chuene Ramphele, Group Executive: Infrastructure Delivery Division at DBSA.
The Balfour CHC is a modern facility serving Balfour and its surroundings, providing a range of healthcare services. It offers primary care for general health needs, specialised services for maternal and child health, support for chronic disease management, and community health education. The centre, which is prepared to handle emergencies, strives to enhance community wellness and health outcomes by offering all-inclusive care and encouraging preventive measures.
“The DBSA’s purpose is to support public and private infrastructure projects that are aligned with the needs of each citizen as well as the policies and goals of the Department of Health. This marks years of commitment and cooperation in supplying the Balfour community with essential healthcare infrastructure. We remain steadfast in our mission to empower communities through sustainable development initiatives, driving positive change and fostering inclusive growth,” concluded Ramphele.
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The DBSA is a leading Development Finance Institution (DFI), wholly owned by the government of South Africa. Established in 1983, the DBSA is mandated to promote economic growth and regional integration by mobilising financial and other resources from national and international private and public sectors for sustainable development projects and programmes in South Africa, SADC, and the wider African continent.
For more information visit www.dbsa.org. Email: dbsa@dbsa.org