For this week’s #MunicipalMonday, the Herald focuses on the Venterspos Library that has been closed for upgrades. Initially it was said that the facility would reopen within approximately a month’s time.
Despite the notice indicating that it would be open to the public again on 31 March 2017, the library remains closed. On 17 August the Herald reported about the same library that was officially opened by the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture and Recreation on 28 October 2014. Great expectations were created and especially children in the area were very excited to work in the new building and do research. Just two and a half years later, its doors were closed.
On Friday 15 September, Faith Mazibuko, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) visited the library for the first time and promised that it would reopen and be fully functional on 2 October 2017.
On Monday, 18 September, the DA Gauteng spokesperson for SACR, Paul Willemburg, MPL, as well as the DA PR councillor for Wards 2 and 25, Gerhard Kruger, conducted an oversight visit to the building.
A worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Herald that the reason for the library remaining closed is problems with the building, which included:
• Roof
• Electricity
• Flooring
• Book shelves
• Waterproofing
Willemburg told the Herald that it is evident that contractors who were appointed to do the upgrades did not have the required expertise. The assistant manager of Library Services, Esmé Kuipers said that she received instructions to pack up all the books and equipment for the upgrade in March. The books have been in boxes ever since
“The value of the books is approximately R280 per book. Just think how much money is being kept in these boxes,” said Willemburg.
Kruger told the Herald that the matric final exam is just 35 days away and the library is still closed.
“This library must be opened. Where are the students supposed to study?” he asked.
Kuipers is very upset because libraries are like her children. She wants to know why a facility that was provided for the benefit of the community is no longer accessible.
“This is not good enough for the community. It is unacceptable and this shows what the persons who are responsible for the closure think of the community,” said Willemburg.
Willemburg will do the following:
• Ask questions in the legislature
• Request the exact amount that was spent to be revealed
• Ask why the library has been closed for so long
Willemburg feels that taxpayers do not benefit from the service, children are being disadvantaged and there is no service from the relevant department. He told the Herald he will continue to follow up.
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