Bedfordview Library in Ekurhuleni is facing a severe shortage of resources as well as infrastructure damage.
During my visit to this library on Monday as part of the DA Gauteng Library Campaign, l was disappointed to see the dire state of the library.
I was informed that the Ekurhuleni municipality is aware of these challenges and has failed to attend to them even though they have been bought to the municipality’s attention.
The roof is leaking and this has resulted in the library books being damaged by water.
There is a severe shortage of tables and chairs in the library. The existing chairs are old and broken which poses a danger to library users and the staff.
The facility is not disability friendly.
The library auditorium is empty with no furniture and curtains.
The study room is not conducive for studying as is it stifling hot with no air conditioner.
The books in this library are outdated and there are not enough for all the library users.
There is also no internet connection; the Ekurhuleni WI-FI has not been connected.
This is completely unacceptable and we call upon the Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina to intervene as a matter of urgency in fixing this library.
We will also be putting pressure on the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC, Faith Mazibuko to engage her ANC counterpart in ensuring that they address all the challenges faced by this library.