UPDATE: Residents wait with bated breath for library to open
Hopefully the facility will be open for public use soon.
With books packed, computers installed and the building revamped at a cost of around R15-million, the Newcastle Library is almost complete after months of delays.
Councillor, Bertie Meiring conducted an oversight visit on September 18, where he found the aluminium work was yet to be completed.
He explained the aluminium frames on some of the doors needed to be replaced for security reasons.
Cllr Meiring anticipated the library would be open by the end of October, but was not holding his breath: “There is a rollover of R2-million which needs to be approved by the provincial Treasury,” reported Cllr Meiring.
In response to a recent media inquiry, Newcastle Municipality’s Head of Communications, Dr Dumisani Thabethe claimed the project was 98 per cent complete.
“The contractor has submitted a report in respect of challenges experienced with the completion of the project, which is presently receiving attention.”
Dr Thabethe confirmed the landscaping was conducted internally by the municipality and had been finalised as well as the installation of the network infrastructure.
Regarding the delays reported by the contractor, he said they were ‘structural in nature’ and went on to explain the penalties owed by the contractor would be levied up until the completion of the project.
Built during the 80s, the Newcastle Library has been a flagship of Newcastle for around four decades.
Phase One of the refurbishment of the library commenced on July 18, 2016, while Phase Two began in 2017.
Hopefully the facility will be open for public use soon.
In conclusion, Dr Thabethe said the date of official opening will be ‘communicated in due course’.
ALSO READ: No new chapter for Newcastle Library
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