Cape's hi-tech centre for disabled
Nombini Matomela
13 December 2004
A high-tech centre has been opened in Mitchell's Plain in the Western Cape to offer rehabilitation services for quadriplegic and spinal injury patients in the province.
Based at the Lentegeur Hospital, the R100-million centre will ease the pressure at the Conradie and Karl Bremer hospitals, that offered these services previously.
Speaking at the opening of the centre on International Day of Disabled People on 3 December, Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool described the centre as a world-class facility. "There's excellent access for people with disabilities to come here by train and other transport facilities", he said.
Health MEC Pierre Uys said the centre would encourage the social integration and empowerment of the disabled.
The facility is a joint project between the provincial departments of health and public works and transport.
On the same day, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe and his provincial counterpart, Mcebisi
Skwatsha, opened the new facilities at Mandalay Station. The station has been upgraded, in conjunction with the SA Rail Commuter Corporation, at a cost of R20-million to benefit disabled commuters.
The station, nearby the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre and regularly used by patients at the facility, has been fitted with a lift and ramps to make access easier for people on wheelchairs and other walking aids.
Source: BuaNews
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