Community laments library’s lack of power

TWENTY-FOUR computers with internet connectivity have been gathering dust at the Mount Ayliff library since it opened two and a half years ago.

The newly-built library has not had electricity since it was officially opened by sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Pemmy Majodina in October 2014.

The library, staffed by a librarian and two assistants, is managed by the department, but maintained by the Mzimvubu local municipality, which falls under the Alfred Nzo district municipality.

A stone’s throw away from the library is Mount Ayliff Comprehensive school.

Principal Lebanon Mogele said the lack of electricity at the library was infringing on the rights of pupils and the community, who should be benefiting from its resources.

“It’s a serious problem.

“The library has been like that for years.

“Nothing can justify why there has not been electricity there all this time, it’s just not on,” Mogele said.

“The library currently relies on natural light and it becomes difficult for pupils to study extensively because it gets dark soon and when it is overcast they experience difficulty inside there.”

Mogele said his school of 1 165 pupils needed the benefit of the computers that were standing idle.

“We should be encouraging learners to practice their computer applied technology subject on the library’s computers, but we can’t even do that.”

Mogele said the school was doing well and had obtained a 67.4% matric pass rate last year.

“Imagine how much more we could be achieving if the library could just have electricity.”

Xoliswa Mlenzana said her daughter Azukiswe, a Grade 6 pupil at Mount Ayliff Junior, used the library daily.

“She often complains that the books are old and outdated though,” she said.

“After school she does her homework at the library where she can study quietly, but at times she leaves before she’s done because it becomes dark quickly.

Dsrac spokesman Andile Nduna said from their side they had paid everything due to make electricity happen.

“The department has paid all the necessary monies for the installation of electricity at Mount Ayliff library through the implementation agency of Coega.

“Since these delays are yet to be addressed and sorted, we have since approached Mzimvubu municipality for a contingency plan in order to rectify the electricity matter,” said Nduna. —