High-tech Sheppie library is now open
The state-of-the-art facility cost the department of arts and culture more than R53-million.
The South Coast was a hive of activity recently with three major projects being officially handed over.
The Port Shepstone public library, the Siyanqoba Early Childhood Development Centre in Oshabeni and the Harding public library are now open for business.
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The state-of-the-art library in Port Shepstone, which cost the department of arts and culture more than R53-million, was opened by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu.
Also present were MEC for arts, culture, sports and recreation, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor Cynthia Mqwebu, Ugu mayor Mondli Chiliza and Inkosi Mxolisi Xolo.
Reportedly the first of its kind in the province, the facility is more than just a library.
The three-storey building also features a cyber cafe, gaming zone, WiFi, and mini library for the visually impaired.
Mr Mchunu urged users to take good care of the library as it would provide access to information and wonderful learning opportunities for South Coast communities.
Construction began in 2016 and was completed early this year.
MEC Sithole-Moloi said the facility had been centrally positioned and would address the need for a library that was more accessible, in terms of both proximity and content.
“The library will be a haven for patrons, from youngsters learning to read and write, to job seekers who will have access to computers with free internet.
“It also has facilities such as access ramps for the physically disabled and a mini library for the blind, along with equipment to help them have a full library experience.”
Social development MEC Weziwe Thusi, together with RNM deputy mayor, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga headed to Oshabeni where the R5.3-million Siyanqoba Early Childhood Development Centre, which will accommodate 104 children, was handed over to the overjoyed community.
The new library for the Hafuleni Kwa-Jali community in Harding, which comprises various divisions including a cyber section that promotes the ‘fourth industrial revolution’, was also opened.
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