MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Libraries remain closed while NMB coalition of corruption drags its feet

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Dear MyPE

It has been more than a month since national government announced the reopening of libraries, but still it seems that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has no concrete plan in place to expedite the opening of these valuable resources.

Schools reopened this week and learners will be in desperate need of research material and study areas that can be provided by the Metro’s libraries.

Many residents are also heavily reliant on libraries as a source of information and entertainment.

A reply to questions submitted to the Metro highlighted that a lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Covid-19 staff training is the main reason for the delay.

The Metro has confirmed that a functionality and readiness report was submitted to the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture on 13 July 2020.

According to the Municipality a readiness plan for the reopening of libraries has been prepared, but this seems to be just a box ticking effort, especially as staff in many instances still have to receive Covid-19 compliance training and PPE.

Of further concern is the vandalism and attempted break-ins at libraries such as Newton Park and Walmer during the lockdown period.

The only form of security in place is for librarians to walk around the building daily to ascertain if there have been any damages or break-ins.

The situation is unacceptable and I will, therefore, write to the Acting Mayor, Cllr Thsonono Buyeye, to request that he expedite the reopening of libraries and the provision of security to these institutions.

The ANC-led coalition of corruption government is yet again failing the people by depriving them of this valuable source of learning and information.

The DA can fix this mess – we’ve done it before and we will do it again.

Together we can take Nelson Mandela Bay forward.

Regards

Cllr Margaret de Andrade
DA NMB Spokesperson for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture

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