Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane announced on Tuesday a R594-million project to refurbish hospitals within the province.   

Addressing the media at the Sir Henry Elliot Hospital in Mthatha, Mabuyane said the funds had been set aside to improve health-care facilities in the province, where he has been conducting site visits. 

According to SABC News, Mabuyane said 86 refurbishment projects across all districts and metros had been identified, which would guarantee 2 458 beds for Covid-19 patients. 

The Eastern Cape has recorded 84 092 cases of Covid-19, with 1 578 active cases, 2 567 deaths and 79 947 recoveries. 

According to News24, the province has also made R2.7-million available for the construction of a mortuary as concerns were raised by Mabuyane over the increasing mortality rate after 70 people died of Covid-19 within 24 hours in the Eastern Cape. 

He said the fatalities were due to comorbidities, with diabetes and hypertension being the leading cause of deaths among patients with Covid-19, the online publication reported.

Mabuyane said oxygen remained a vital resource in saving the lives of patients with Covid-19 and the province had thus identified 25 hospitals to receive bulk tank oxygen supply. 

News24 further quoted Mabuyane as revealing that 79 of the 86 projects under way were being run by the Department of Public Works’ in-house professionals, which would cost R408-million.

This would save the province R94-million in consulting fees, according to the premier.