Pretoria: The Gauteng Department of Health says preparations to refurbish Kempton Park Hospital are well underway, with construction expected to begin in March 2013.

The department expects construction to be completed by July 2014, and for the hospital to re-open in 2015. It is hoped the initiative will boost the quality of healthcare in the province.

The re-opening of this hospital was delayed by legal matters that had to be resolved and a lack of financial and human resources, amongst others.

“In terms of the Gauteng provincial government’s estimates of capital expenditure, a provisional medium term budget estimate of R244 million has been allocated over three years for the complete refurbishment and re-opening of this hospital,” said department spokesperson Simon Zwane, adding that further funding will be provided in subsequent years for the completion of the project.

Meanwhile, the department said it was making progress in paying municipalities, with more that R790 million released to different municipalities in the province between April and August 2012.

An amount of R790 709 609.58 was paid by the department for services such as water and lights, primary health care and emergency medical services.

Zwane said the department was yet to pay R47 762 836 32 to municipalities, including City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni Local Municipality, Emfuleni Local Municipality, Eskom and Mogale City Local Municipalities.

“The above is in respect of services where invoices have been processed and is awaiting cash release. Where invoices are in dispute with the municipality, these invoices will not be processed until the dispute is resolved.

“This delay in payment has little or no effect on public health institutions as the department has engaged with municipalities making a commitment to pay and municipalities also committed not to cut services,” Zwane said.