Note to Editors: Please note Tammy Colley, MPL sound bite in English
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised the alarm over the long-delayed KwaMdakane Library project in Dannhauser. This, as the facility – first unveiled in 2021 and due to open in October last year – remains unfinished and unopened to the community it is meant to serve. (view here, here and here)
The DA’s concerns come after KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Sports, Arts and Culture portfolio committee conducted an oversight inspection of the facility last week as part of the Legislature’s responsibility to ensure accountability and delivery.
The KwaMdakane Library was intended to provide much-needed access to books, information and digital connectivity to Ward 11 residents. Instead, it has become yet another example of delayed service delivery.
Regrettably, the reasons for the delays are all too familiar. Interference by so-called ‘business forums’ and poor contractor performance have once again undermined progress on a critical public project.
While the DA supports decisive action against underperforming contractors, such action must be taken swiftly when issues first arise to prevent prolonged delays.
During the oversight inspection, portfolio committee members received a firm commitment KZN’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the contractor that the project will be completed by the end of May. This commitment must now be honoured without further excuses or extensions.
The people of Dannhauser deserve a functioning library that opens doors to knowledge, opportunity and development. Each delay has not only stalled progress, it has also undermined the dignity of the community.
The DA welcomes the commitment shown by DSAC. As a solid partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) we will continue to exercise strong oversight so that this project is finally completed and delivered to those it was intended to serve.