Torched library costs taxpayers E4.9m

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NHLANGANO – Yet again, taxpayers will fork out at least E4.9 million for the rehabilitation of the burnt Nhlangano National Library. The costs incurred are in respect of just a part of the rehabilitation project, which is overseen by Microprojects after the library was attacked by arsonists during the civil unrest in 2021.

Last week, this publication reported that four tinkhundla centres that were also targeted and destroyed through arson during the civil unrest had also received a facelift. The four centres were rehabilitated at the cost of E13.6 million. The Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development had said that it sourced the funds from the Reconstruction Fund. The Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini conducted a tour of the centres being Kwaluseni, Ndzingeni, Sandleni and LaMgabhi.

According to Microprojects Director Sibusiso Mbingo, the amount is for phase one of the project. When the phase is completed, he said the library would have two wings. However, it will also come at a price.

The completely new structure is phase one whereas phase two includes adjustments and modifications on the ruins of the old library. Mbingo said the tender for phase two has not yet gone out. Mbingo said phase one of the construction project was projected to last for a period of 10 months, having started on May 2023, and expected to end on April 2, 2024. Mbingo rated the work done so far to be at 70 per cent complete. “Currently the project is at 70 per cent complete, the contractor is busy with installation of ceiling, aluminum windows, the floors and electrical works,” he said.

The library is expected, from there on to start being of service to the people of Nhlangano and surrounding areas with its facilities that enable them to carryout research and the enhancement of literacy skills. Mbingo said phase one is a construction of double storey lecture theatre and offices. It also has electrical installation and the fittings of the lecture theatre that goes with fitted furniture, he said.

Bigger

Mbingo said the construction company was now installing the ceiling floors and other interior electrical works, having completed the walls and roofing. He said the library would be bigger when phase two is also completed. “Phase two of the project for the reconstruction of the library is still to go to tender,” he said.

He also said that phase two was expected to take 18 months to complete.

Mbingo also said that phase two will be the reconstruction of library with offices, consultation rooms, conference area, fixed furniture fittings and electrical as well as mechanical works. When pressed on whether the rebuilding will be done on the structure which was burned, he said part of the structure will be demolished but not in totality. He also said some will be kept, however, under the guidance of engineers.

Since the arson, the library remained

The first phase of the Nhlangano National Library twin-buildings construction is near completion. (Inset) The remains of the burnt interior of the Nhlangano National Library. a shadow of its former self. After it was burnt to ashes, it was cleared and even the remains of its roofing were removed. However, it did not stop being an undesirable attraction as well as a den of thieves. This was after it was reported that at least two people were arrested and charged for stealing from the library rubble.

This happened in October 2021. Two men were arrested for theft of items that included the remains of tables and chairs, doors and window frames, among others. Other unknown people were said to have helped themselves to Langa Bricks from the rubble, which they were suspected to have first packed into piles before siphoning them possibly for use in residential houses. Some items were said to have been sold at scrap yards. It was also reported that even vehicle owners had been found loading items from the ashes into their cars. When visited this week, people were found busy at work. They were on site and it was closed out to the public.

Though the library is still a stark reminder of the occurrence of the civil unrest of the year 2021, the construction site gives the hope of restoring it to its former glory and even better. It was gathered that the structure will not be demolished but modified giving Nhlangano Town a bigger library than before. It was received as good news by the town council which welcomed the reconstruction of the library.

invesTors

The Nhlangano Town Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Babsy Mavuso said they were happy about its rehabilitation because of the changes it brings. He said reconstruction work similar to that of the library restores the town’s confidence in attracting more investors. Mavuso said there were also the regional offices of the Ministry of Health which they were hoping to be rehabilitated too. He pointed out that the council was not mandated to maintain infrastructure. He said the council encourages safety and other things that make it possible for investors to plough in the city. “If investors come to invest in the town, it creates job opportunities for the people,” said Mavuso.

Mavuso said the library surely played a huge role for individuals and others who wanted to conduct research. He said that the council was also mandated to promote the improvement of the town’s beauty. “Structures that are dilapidated make the town shabby. It also reduces the value of the town. Therefore by rehabilitating such structures, it brings back the activity of the town. We are therefore happy to see such as the Council,” Mavuso said.

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maqhawe Mnisi has weighed in on the thought of keeping part of the structure for reconstruction. This is after Microprojects Director Sibusiso Mbingo suggested that part of the old and burnt library would be preserved. He said the construction would be under the guidance of engineers. When asked to share the expertise on construction on top of such structures, Mnisi said there were quality standards to be followed.