Mobile library a no-show
When the Addie visited the premises on Tuesday there was no library bus to be found. The library's gates were locked, and disappointed residents were milling about.
Last month the Addie published a story in which the metro promised to provide a mobile library service every Tuesday from 8.30am to 1pm.
This comes as the Springs Library has been closed for repairs for a long time.
However, when the Addie visited the premises on Tuesday, there was no library bus to be found.
The library’s gates were locked, and disappointed residents were milling about.
The Addie approached the metro on behalf of Springsites to ask why the mobile library hadn’t been provided.
Metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe says, “The mobile library is an ongoing process.
“It comes on Tuesdays from 8am to 10am and on Wednesdays from 8.30am to 1pm.”
Also see:Â Springs library closed… again
Gadebe says the community was notified that the mobile library would be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
He says the bus is parked at the back of the library.
However, in the metro’s previous statement, Wednesdays were not mentioned.
The repair and renovation of the library is on hold owing to lack of resources, adds Gadebe.
Gadebe says, “The situation in the library remains the same until we source the funds to do the following repairs: replace the damaged waterproofing on the roof to stop the leakage that is causing damage to all internal assets; repair or replace the electrical wiring that has been damaged as a result of the roof leaks; replace damaged carpets; paint the walls; and replace damaged cupboards and other minor things.”
“We hope that funds will be made available for all repairs in the new financial year as the library is presently uninhabitable and does not comply with occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations.”
Ward 75 councillor Dean Stone says: “I am not happy with the answers given to the questions and I am following up on the matter.
“I am also disappointed that as the ward councillor I was not informed about any delays to the refurbishment of the library.
“How does the metro expect me to tell Springsites what is happening at the library if they don’t update me as the councillor of the progress made?
“I would also like to know how much will be made available for this financial year.
“Who is the contractor responsible for the restoration?
“I have requested a meeting with the head of department (HOD) of libraries to have these questions answered.”
Gadebe says, “The library will be opened in the new financial year (starting June 1) as soon as all the repairs have been done.”
