Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, has strongly condemned the burning of a multipurpose centre and a clinic in Tarlton on the West Rand this morning.
Hundreds of Tarlton residents who were protesting against service delivery in the area burnt down a multipurpose centre and part of the clinic destroying all medication including baby formula which is stored at the clinic.
MEC Mahlangu says while communities have a right to protest and raise issues, the destruction of public property is unacceptable.
"Destruction of state property such as clinics and multipurpose centres cannot be regarded as a form of protest, but an act of criminality as this has the potential to deny residents their right to access health services and other essential needs," she said.
She has also called on the police to ensure that the perpetrators' are arrested and face the full might of the law.
Meanwhile the department is in the process of putting in place interim measures such as a mobile clinic to ensure that services continue to be rendered.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
4 June 2010
