GQEBERHA – Pressure is mounting on the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to stop redirecting funds intended for the long-awaited renovation of the city’s Main Public Library.
The Main Public Library, situated in Central, has remained closed to the public for the past 12 years as vital repair work is needed.
In a bid to raise funds for its upkeep, the Main Library Friends, a volunteer group established in 2004, has temporarily reopened the Main Library to international tourists arriving on cruise ships.
In a social media statement, Freedom Front Plus councillor, Bill Harington, said the party would not support the metro’s adjustment tabled before council on Wednesday, 25 February, if it again removes funding allocated to repair the facility.
According to Harington, money earmarked for the project has been shifted to other wards for six consecutive years, while the library remains closed to the public because of safety and security concerns.
“The Main Public Library is not a luxury; it is an essential community asset,” he shared. “It serves learners, job seekers, researchers, pensioners and residents who rely on access to books, study space, internet services and educational resources.”
Harington shared that the tender process for repairs was finalised last year and that a contractor could be appointed.
“There is therefore no valid administrative reason for further delay. What is required now is political will and a firm commitment to follow through on the council’s own decisions,” he said.
The party is calling for the immediate retention of the repair budget, the formal appointment of a contractor and a clear timeline for completion to be communicated to residents.
Concerns about delays have also been raised by the Main Library Friends, a volunteer group advocating for the reopening of the historic facility.
In a letter (dated 11 February) addressed to the metro’s Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture directorate, the group said budgets allocated for renovations in previous financial years were not spent, while funding for the current year may again be reprioritised.
Chairperson Graham Taylor said members were worried about the “shifting dates for the completion of the requisite renovations for the reopening of the Main Public Library”.
“Budget was set aside for the requisite renovations following IDP representations for the 2023/2024 financial year, but the budget was not spent,” Taylor wrote.
He added that a reported R11 million allocated for the 2024/2025 financial year also went unused, while R25 million set aside for the 2025/26 financial year is now reportedly being reprioritised.
“Our membership is deeply concerned at the continual shifting of the procurement goalposts for the Main Public Library,” Taylor said, warning that the delays are holding back the potential development of the library as an “iconic inspiration for the city”.
The organisation has asked the municipality to provide clear answers on the reasons for the procurement delays, a detailed scope of work, a project schedule and confirmed construction dates.
Despite the delays, the group says it has continued promoting the library and demonstrating public interest in its future.
“As matters currently stand, we are faced with an increasing vocal constituency who are urging us to embark on public actions to ensure that the Main Public Library receives the recognition and development that it so richly deserves,” he said.
Questions sent to Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, on Tuesday, 24 February, were acknowledged but not yet answered at the time of going to print on Monday, 2 March.
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