R2.835 billion spent on a hospital project which is not complete despite starting in 2020

The multi-billion rand construction of Mapulaneng Hospital commenced in 2020 and was scheduled for completion in July 2026. However, it is still not fully operational.

This was revealed by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi in response to a Parliamentary question about the project.

The new Mapulaneng Hospital, located in Bushbuckridge within the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, is a key project in Mpumalanga.

It is one of the largest infrastructure projects being implemented by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads, and Transport.

Upon completion, Mapulaneng Hospital will serve as a regional referral hospital, supporting several healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas.

The hospital will enhance access to healthcare services, offering clinical and non-clinical services to communities across the province.

Motsoaledi was asked whether the Mapulaneng Hospital was fully operational, and, if not, about the reasons for the delay.

He revealed that the hospital was not yet fully operational, primarily due to the liquidation process of the Contractor on Phase 3A.

This phase includes the hospital wards, theatres, CSSD, OPD, radiology, main entrance, and support building.

Another problem was prolonged community-related disruptions, which resulted in the closure of the construction site and consequently no access to the site.

“The site closure affected the execution of works under both Phase 3A and Phase 3C, as construction activities could not proceed during the period,” he said.

Motsoaledi said that Phase 3B, which include the residences, gymnasium, library, swimming pool, and sports facilities, achieved Practical Completion in January 2026.

He explained that the July 2026 completion and operation date was informed by the approved construction programme and the contractual completion date.

“This timeline was presented to the Department of Health by the implementing agent at the time,” he said.

“However, subsequent developments and circumstances materially affected the achievement of this timeframe.”

“These developments included the liquidation process affecting the Phase 3A contractor and prolonged community-related disruptions.”