Thafalofefe

Lastweek thursday, I went to a hospital called Thafalofefe which is in the rurals past Butterworth. Me and the architect I work with on this project were appalled at what we saw. The condition of the hospital was in such a bad state. We went there to do some measured drawings of the TB ward in order to be able to draw up the as built for renovation purposes. After the two hour drive over beautiful hills and valleys we arrived and upon our arrival recieved masks for protection.

Me and my colleague measured the whole ward and had to keep on reassuring the staff that the condition of the hospital would be improved as they could not believe how fortunate they were. This experience made me so aware of the environment. There are so many hospitals in the outskirts of a town which have absolutely nobody who checks for constant maintenance. These type of facilities need to be constantly cared for in terms of maintenance since the health of people is dealt with. They need to encourage the recuperation of patients and not for their deterioration. The toilets had no doors, the frames were decaying and rotting, the kitchen counters looked like they came from and were installed in the 1900's and the windows had no curtains but sheets covering them as if to block a bit of sunlight. My heart went out to those patients who had to spend nights sleeping and waking up to such circumstances. My job was to measure and capture each and every fault in order for it to be recognised and fixed and I must say, I have never been so passionate and eager to take pictures in my whole life!

I drew up the as built and now I am drawing up a renovation schedule which will go to the Quantity surveyors as of wednesday of this week. After I am done with this hospital, I am going to go to the next hospital which will need renovation of its own too. Till then, its goodbye for now!

Till next time
//Yoli//

Some pictures witnessing the hospital's state