The FF Plus is seriously concerned about the condition of 21 libraries in the Mogale City Local Municipality (Krugersdorp, Magaliesburg, Muldersdrift) which pose a danger to the public.
During a meeting of the local Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Recreation, the party wanted to know why these libraries are still open to the public seeing as they pose a significant threat to their safety.
The party also wanted to know whether the contractors responsible for doing repairs to the libraries will be held accountable for failing to meet the requirements of their contracts.
Three of the libraries, Kagiso, Joe Slovo and Rietvallei, are already closed to the public.
Some of the main problems at the libraries that are still open to the public include broken roof panels, sagging ceilings, a lack of proper fencing, broken light switches and other power problems, broken air-conditioners, stolen computers and burst geysers.
Sewage is flowing past the Hekpoort Library’s entrance, there are several lights, both inside and outside, that are not working, the roof is leaking and there are exposed power cables inside the building.
The construction of a library in Kagiso Extension 6 commenced in 2016, at an estimated amount of R341 million, but it has still not been completed. Thus far, only the walls have been erected with no roof, windows or electrical wiring.
Mogale City had no choice but to hand over the project to the Gauteng government.
The Joe Slovo Mobile Library is closed due to a dispute between Mogale City and the landowner. There are rumours that this Library will be moved to Lanseria.
The mobile library in Extension 1, Kagiso, was supposed to be moved to a different location on 30 June, but that has not yet happened either.
Communities have the right to public libraries, especially the youth who need to have access to information to complete school projects. However, people should not be exposed to unsafe conditions.
The FF Plus will, therefore, put pressure on Mogale City to complete the repairs to all the libraries as soon as possible.
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