​Rofhiwa Marubini-Tshitahe 
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has signed a proclamation to transfer all functions relating to the refurbishments at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital from the Department of Infrastructure Development to the Department of Health. 
This follows the delays in the implementation of the full project to restore services at the hospital.
Speaking in a media briefing on Thursday, Gauteng Acting Director-General Thabo Masebe said they were looking to fast-track the process after the health and infrastructure development departments in the province failed to take on the task.
"One of the problems that led to the delays was that there was no agreement between the Department of Health, which is a client department, and the Department of Infrastructure Development.
"The Department of Health did not agree on the scope of work and the budget that was proposed by the infrastructure development," said Masebe.
The hospital has been closed since April last year when the fire gutted some units, which caused extensive structural damage.
In May 2021, remedial works commenced on the Radiation Oncology building, which was not affected by the fire. By the end of June 2021, the remedial works in this building were completed, allowing for the gradual reopening of the building. 
Sections of the hospital unaffected by the fire were also reopened which greatly assisted in relieving pressure during the height of COVID-19 infections.
In October 2021, the Solidarity Fund and SPIRE Fund offered donations to the value of R68 million for the refurbishment of the Accident and Emergency Section and other wards in the affected block. 
The first phase of the project will be completed at the end of February 2022 and the Accident and Emergency Section will be handed over to clinicians for resumption of services. 
Due to capacity issues in the Gauteng Health Department, Masebe said the national department would lead the hospital's rehabilitation. 
Masebe added that tight controls had to be placed on the project to ensure the corruption that happened with the renovations of the Ashanti Gold Hospital didn't happen again.  
Last week, the provincial government suspended nine officials over the R588-million renovation at the Ashanti Gold Hospital, on the recommendation of the Special Investigative Unit.
In this regard, Masebe said Makhura and the Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla will 
receive regular reports on the progress of the project.
Head of Infrastructure in the Health Department, Ayanda Dakela hopes that the project will be completed by 2023.
"We have developed a project plan that has been given to both the minister of health and the premier," said Dakela.
Gauteng MEC for Health Nomathemba Mokgethi is pleased with the remedial action to fast-track the refurbishment of the hospital. 
"The completion of the works will help ease the pressure on the surrounding hospitals," said Mokgethi.