KNYSNA NEWS - The decade-long wait for the opening of a new Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) facility has finally come to an end, with the building officially opened yesterday, Wednesday 7 February. The new FPS facility will serve the population of Knysna, Sedgefield, Rheenendal, Plettenberg Bay and their surrounding areas.
Originally set to cost R26,3m, and meant to be set for occupation by June 2023, the facility was finally ready in September 2023 and came in at a total cost of R32,956m.
It was officially commissioned in October with the Knysna Forensic Pathology Services taking occupation that month.
Since then, the officials at the Knysna Forensic Pathology Laboratory (FPL) have facilitated 42 identifications and conducted 39 post-mortems.
Based on the standardised design seen at the Beaufort West Forensic Pathology Laboratory (FPL), Knysna FPL replaces the previous facility at the Knysna Police Station, which had become outdated and, due to the site confines, could not fulfill service requirements, which posed certain occupational health and safety concerns.
Importance of the facility
The Forensic Pathology Services are a key arm of the Western Cape Government's Department of Health and Wellness, and plays a significant role in any criminal investigation or judicial process.
Therefore having a proper facility at their disposal is of paramount importance.
A decision was made in 2013 to get the ball rolling on a new facility, and in July that year the business case for the facility was first presented.
Nine years later, in 2022, the Department of Public Works awarded the tender for the project and handed over the site to the contractors.
It would be a year later that the project would finally reach completion, 10 years after it was first set in motion.
Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa, Knysna FPS facility manager Werner Jonck, WC Minister of Health and Wellness Nomafrench Mbombo, Director of WC FPS Vonita Thompson, Chief Director of Emergency and Clinical Service Support Dr Juanita Arendse and Garden Route District Municipality Speaker Georlene Wolmarans cutting the ribbon to open the new facility. Photo: Blake Linder
Improved offerings
According to Luke Albert, media liaison officer for the WC Ministry of Health and Wellness, the new facility has resulted in improved service delivery by offering improved medico-legal support to investigations for the justice system.
Further it offers an improved and dignified public experience with an appropriate public interface and bereavement space, as well as an overall improved staff morale.
During the construction of the Knysna FPL, the contractors were able to achieve a 20,99% representation of local BEE subcontractors in the area.
In addition to this, six National Youth Service (NYS) learners were involved with a further nine individuals having received training in brick-laying and financial life skills.
Knysna FPS facility manager Werner Jonck (centre) shows Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa (left) and WC Minister of Health and Wellness Nomafrench Mbombo (right) along with other dignitaries around the new facility.
A pivotal role in healthcare
Attending the event, the Director of Forensic Pathology Services in the Western Cape, Vonita Thompson, said, "This facility will provide the dignified space that our communities in the greater Knysna, Sedgefield, Rheenendal, Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas require during a difficult time - when they have to visit the facility when a loved one passed away due to unnatural causes. Additionally, the facility will also provide fit-for-purpose facilities for our staff."
Western Cape Health and Wellness Minister Nomafrench Mbombo said she was honoured to officially open the key piece of infrastructure.
"As the department which cares for our residents these services hold a pivotal role within our healthcare landscape and is often not recognised for the important work it does on a daily basis.
"The commission of this facility represents a significant investment in both our healthcare infrastructure and the well-being of our communities. I look forward to the impact it will continue to have on the lives of our residents."
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