Overdue rent leads to city library closures
LIBRARIES are portals to all of the world’s knowledge, and when they close, it causes frustration and anger for those who rely on them.
And there were many angry and frustrated people at Montclair library which closed this week. They were there to return books, conduct research or use the internet but were baffled as to why it was closed.
It turned out ethekwini Municipality had defaulted on paying its rent and renewing its lease. And it was not the first time the city found itself in this situation.
In April, Hillary library was closed for the same reason but reopened in June, and the Umbilo library was closed in October for the same reason, but reopened three weeks later.
A source in the city said more closures were expected as the municipality had not yet finalised lease agreements with property owners.
When City Watch aaked the municipality for clarity, spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa said the closure was due to unforeseen circumstances.
She would not comment further or indicate when the library would reopen.
“Those who need to return books can drop them off at the library’s drop-box facility, which is emptied on a daily basis. Normal penalties for overdue books will still apply.
Members of the public may visit any other library closest to them to make use of the municipality’s services.”
DA ward councillor Gavin Hegter, who also sits on the city’s community services committee, said it was clearly poor planning that led to this situation. “You can’t get a proper response on what exactly happened,” he said.
The municipality started negotiations with JHI Properties in October, but officials delayed the process and a lease agreement was signed last week by the city manager.
“According to JHI Properties Agent, no rent has been paid since February.
There were also disputes between the agents and the city regarding invoices that were not corresponding.
It is poor management and, as a result, citizens are now suffering,” said Hegter.
Kelly Carmichael, portfolio manager for JHI Property, said the municipality had been urged to correctly manage the terms of its lease agreement and adhere to contractual obligations to retain their access to the premises let to them by the shopping centre owner.
“The matter is close to resolution so that all parties can move forward with the goal to enable the community to enjoy their library again, said Carmichael.
A parent, Nombuso Mavuso, said the closure would inconvenience pupils who wanted to use this winter holiday to catch up with their studies and prepare for exams.
“We will have to give our kids bus fares to travel to the nearest libraries. We are not interested in what is going on within the city; we just want the library to reopen for the sake of our kids,”said Mavuso.