Questions about the Empangeni museum

About three months ago, I wrote to the uMhlathuze municipal manager, informing him that rain water leaking through the concrete roof of the museum in Empangeni, is destroying the woodwork of the windows and plaster on the walls of this historical building.

To date nothing has been done to improve the situation.

This building has stood strong and proud for over a century, and has provided great enjoyment to the entire community for many decades as the Empangeni Town Hall.

In its old age, it was converted into the Empangeni Arts Culture and History museum.

At present it is living up to its name, hosting a very interesting exhibition of small stones and fossils found in the Zululand area.

It also has a beautiful display of local art and beadwork.

For the historians and politicallyminded folk, there is a very interesting display of the country’s history regarding land reform.

What ruffles my feathers, however, is the silent encroachment of huge modern glass windows on one side of the museum, while on the opposite side, black moss is accumulating on the walls, while foliage is growing on the roof top.

I wonder if the mayor or municipal spokesperson can inform ratepayers what exactly is happening to our museum, as I hear it’s giving birth to a restaurant and night club?

Did council call for public opinion and tenders? Are there plans?

Did somebody sign a lease, and if so, for what, for how long and at what rental? Just interested.