Patients living at a mental care facility in Durban have been subjected to living with a rat infestation, bed bugs and lice.
Speaking to IOL on the basis of anonymity, a source claimed that residents living at the Manor Halfway House in Windermere were living in atrocious conditions.
"Currently, there is an infestation of rats, bed bugs and lice. Residents are sleeping outside because they feel unsafe in their rooms. Lice are biting into their skin and rats are visible when meals are prepared," the source claimed.
According to the non-profit organisation's CEO, Mbonisi Sibisi, they were alerted to the issues during a recent meeting.
He explained that the facility is subsidised by the Department of Health for the services that they offer which include, psycho-social support, rehabilitation, nutrition and facilities for the patients.
"On Monday, there was a climate meeting where residents express their concerns to our social worker," he said.
Sibisi confirmed that these social workers work with the NPO, and their services are subsidised by the Department of Social Development, along with payments from the NPO.
"Residents raised the issue of rats and bed bugs and on Tuesday, we hired a pest control company to clean up," he said.
Sibisi told IOL that they have been using pesticides continually to get rid of bed bugs but the beds are old. He said they are hoping to get rid of the beds at the facility and acquire new ones for patients.
"We have cleaning staff and carers on site 24/7. We are trying to raise funds for new beds," he added.
Democratic Alliance spokesperson on Social Development, Shontel de Boer, called for urgent action to be taken.
"This seems to be another Esidimeni right on our doorsteps here in Durban," she said referring to the Life Esidimeni where more than 144 mental health patients died after they were transferred from the Life Esidimeni facility to other non-government organisations after Executive Council for Health announced the contract termination of the hospital and Department of Health.
"We cannot allow organisations funded by government to treat people in such poor conditions. This organisation is funded by both the Department of health and the Department of Social Development yet the care and conditions are in such a poor state," she said.
De Boer called on the MECs for both offices to investigate this institution and ensure that the care and conditions are within the standard according to funding regulations.
According to the Department of Health, it does provide financial support to Manor Halfway House however the facility is privately owned.
Department spokesperson, Ntokozo Maphisa, explained that the management and operation of the facility remain the sole responsibility of its proprietors.
"Under the NPO Act, our role is limited to offering guidance and advice, as we are not empowered to enforce punitive measures. Additionally, in accordance with the Health Act, environmental health matters fall under the jurisdiction of the local government, and in this case the eThekwini Municipality.
"Regarding rodents prevention and management, this is also the responsibility of the local government. That said, the management of the facility must take all necessary precautions to implement and maintain effective pest control measures to ensure a safe and hygienic environment," said Maphisa.
The Department of Social Development confirmed that it was not aware of the issue but will deploy a team to the centre to conduct and inspection.
IOL