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MBABANE – E10 million has been set aside for the first phase of the reconstruction of the Nhlangano National Library.

The library was torched by unknown people during the 2021 political unrest. The whole structure, including everything inside the building was reduced to ashes.

News about the envisaged reconstruction of the library was announced by Dudu Dlamini, the National Librarian Acting Director, in an interview with Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS).

Dlamini said the reconstruction would be at the same site where the previous structure was. According to Dlamini, the project would take three years and would be constructed in stages. “We are already in the process of rebuilding the Nhlangano National Library. There is a contractor that has already been given the task. We will start with the first phase, for now, which will cost E10 million,” said Dlamini.

The acting director further said they were looking for support from various stakeholders in terms of gadgets (computers) that would be used in the library as those that were used in the past were destroyed in the fire.

Dlamini further stated that the reconstruction of the library and everything needed would not surpass E50 million within the three years.

Affected

Meanwhile, Wilson Mdluli, a popular Shiselweni resident, revealed that the burning down of the library negatively affected their children to the extent that they did not know where to go when doing research.

He said despite everything that happened in the past, they were happy that finally pupils, as well as members of the public, would have their library back. He said before it was devastated, many people were making use of the facility.

“Learners, students and churches were greatly affected after the library was torched down by unknown people. Because of that, our children have no place to go for academic research,” said Mdluli.

According to Mdluli, politics should embrace principles of respect and not violence. He said it was, therefore, important for all members of the society to engage in positive discussions instead of burning down structures when protesting. Mdluli said he hoped that no one would disturb the construction.

Nhlangano Town Council Chief Executive Officer Babsy Mavuso said government representatives had already visited the site.

He said it was, therefore, difficult for the municipality to comment on their behalf. “The municipality can offer support to government since such a structure was of necessity to the Nhlangano people as well as our children,” said Mavuso.