The Limpopo health department is facing criticism for its ongoing payment of a hefty monthly rental for a deteriorating building in Polokwane that houses the provincial medicine depot. Despite the building’s poor condition, the department continues to pay R150,000 per month to the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) without a clear plan to address the state of the building. Workers at the facility have raised concerns about the building’s impact on their work and health.
The medicine depot plays a vital role in servicing over 400 clinics and 43 hospitals across Limpopo. However, the building, which has been in use since 2011, has been in a state of disrepair since 2021 when heavy rains damaged equipment, furniture, and medicines. Employees at the depot have described the situation as unbearable, with one worker noting that the roof was damaged by the rains, leaving part of it submerged in water.
On rainy days, water floods the building, making it nearly impossible for staff to work. The persistent water leakage also leaves carpets smelling damp, raising concerns about the long-term impact on their health due to mold. Despite these issues, the department continues to pay rent to ensure uninterrupted services from the medicine depot until a new facility is operational.
The new pharmaceutical depot is expected to be completed in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, at which point the department will relocate and cease payments for the current rundown building. The Conty Lebepe Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting marginalized communities in Limpopo, has raised concerns about the department’s decision to pay rent for a deteriorating property instead of finding a suitable building.
The foundation’s national coordinator, Conty Lebepe, visited the building and described the situation as appalling. The department has awarded a contract for the construction of the new pharmaceutical depot, which is currently underway. Once the new facility is ready, the department will relocate and stop payments for the current building. The department spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, has assured that the temporary arrangement will end once the new depot is operational.
