The library was officially handed over by the Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Faith Mazibuko, and MMC for Community Service, councillor Dora Mlamba on August 16.
The Leondale library was unveiled in Germiston on the same day.
The Kingsway Library has new books, computers and Wi-Fi with access to electronic databases of books, study areas, a children’s library and a reference section.
This library will serve as a community centre where artistic, cultural as well as skills development programmes and activities can take place.
Mazibuko said she was happy to open the libraries.
“I urge learners and all community members to take up membership at these libraries so they can access valuable information stored here,” said Mazibuko.
“I would also like to urge the community to take ownership of these libraries and to protect them against vandalism for the future of our children.”
The department aims to inculcate a culture of lifelong reading and learning for Gauteng citizens, by giving them access to information and technological resources, awareness, development and training programmes and activities.
Mazibuko added that residents should use the slogan ‘born to read’.
“Read and read for pleasure, read for fun and read to get information, when a library is open no matter how big or small the size and shape is, democracy is also opened,” she added.
In a press release by the DA, they said construction of the Kingsway Library cost the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) an additional R3-million.
They said the original budget for the library was R10 993 753 and the duration of the project was supposed to be eight months from April 2014.
The DA Benoni/Daveyton constituency head, Michele Clarke, said this was revealed by Mazibuko in a written reply to DA questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
“Failure of the department to follow proper procedures resulted in Ekurhuleni Building Control stopping the construction work,” said Clarke.
“The construction was stopped from July 31, 2014 until the end of April 2015 because the building plans were not approved at the time.”
The construction of the library resumed on July 20, 2015 and was further extended to March 31, 2017.
Clarke added that the delay had cost implications as this budget was adjusted to R13 376 534.
She said her party will hold Mazibuko to account in ensuring that all the projects that are under her department are properly managed and planned as failure to adhere to the proper procedures impacts badly on taxpayer’s pockets and the delivery of services.
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