No library as council defaults

THE Hillary community library has been closed indefinitely because the ethekwini Municipality has failed to pay the rent on the premises.

The Hillary Shopping Centre management said the city had not paid since January. When schools reopened for the second term this week, pupils found the library locked, with a notice on the door informing them of its indefinite closure.

The municipality said the library had been closed due to “unforeseen circumstances” and residents were directed to the Malvern library, 5km away.

The centre’s management had been liaising with the city about the renewal of the lease since October.

“Their five-year lease agreement came to en end in January but the municipality asked to continue using the premises, with the promise to sign a new one and pay the monthly rent.

“They have not paid rent since then. I have not received a reason for the non-payment, hence the decision to lock the premises.

“They need to pay the outstanding rent, and sign the new lease, so they can continue operating the library. I am concerned because many people have been affected by the closure of this library,” said a manager, who did not want to be named.

Resident Bhuti Simelane had made enquiries to the municipality about the closure but got no response. His two children, who were at university and high school, depended on the library.

“We didn’t know about the closure of the library until I heard about it on the radio. I now have to drive my children to use other libraries. Can you imagine how difficult it is for people who don’t have vehicles, because there are no taxis in the area?” he said.

The municipality said it had nothing further to add when pressed to comment.