Joburg forensic lab enters final six-month stretch after seven-year construction delay

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30-09-2026
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Eyewitnessnews
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The Johannesburg Forensic Pathology Laboratory was meant to open seven years ago, with its original R500 million budget later ballooning to R800 million. Officials now say it will finally be operational within six months.

An official has promised that the long-awaited new Johannesburg Forensic Pathology Laboratory near Helen Joseph Hospital will be operational within six months.

The facility was meant to open seven years ago and was initially budgeted at just over R500 million, a figure that later escalated to R800 million.

702’s Bongani Bingwa spoke to Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development spokesperson Theo Nkonki about the repeated delays.

Nkonki said that when MEC Jacob Mamabolo took over in 2024, the remaining work was split into two phases. The outstanding construction work is now complete, and the project is moving into its final phase.

This will include testing and commissioning equipment, as well as the HVAC system, to ensure the pathology lab meets the required air-quality standards.

“So, we are looking at the last six months. It’s a final stage of six months now,” said Nkonki.

The project has missed several deadlines over the years.

Nkonki said the department launched a turnaround strategy in August last year to address deficiencies in the system, including poor planning and appointing contractors who were not equipped to complete projects.

“We’ve put certain safeguards in place now to make sure that people are monitored and comply with the law when they make appointments. We also make sure that the people they appoint have the financial muscle to carry the projects.

“It’s been the case where we appoint someone who will wait for us to pay their invoices before they can continue on site. So, that has been a big problem for us.”

He said poor workmanship was also being addressed.

“We have put in place a multidisciplinary team that serves as a second layer to monitor what is happening on site continuously. They are called the A-Team.”

When pressed by Bingwa about the numerous delays, Nkonki reiterated the six-month commitment.

“Our best explanation is that we are getting it right now. Six months. Give us six months and you will see the project handed over to the people of Gauteng.”