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Residents of Greenpoint in Kimberley say they have given up hope that the newly built, state-of-the-art library that has been standing idle since 2020 will ever open.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, however, assured NoordkaapBulletin it would open “soon”. One of the community members, who wishes to remain anonymous, says they get no clear answers from the department as to when it will open.
“The community protested before when it was about to open, as we understood that no local people from Greenpoint would be appointed. It is always people from Galeshewe who are appointed, never from our own community, which is unfair.
“The children here cannot use any library services, as the municipal library that was open for years closed down when the department decided to open its own library.
“Officials took the books and computers from the municipality, but never opened the library. We hear it has a state-of-the-art layout inside, with glass walls and stunning amenities. But what is the use if it stands idle?”
In 2019 the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Desery Fienies, set aside R13 million for the construction, and said free internet access would be available.
'Interviews completed, appointment letters signed'
Conrad Fortune, departmental spokesperson, says they will appoint staff at the Greenpoint Library soon and open it to the community.
“The interview process was completed, and once appointment letters have been signed and accepted by the candidates we will disclose who they are. This process is running concurrently with the opening of the library. The opening date will be announced soon.”
Meanwhile the department is hosting the Diamonds and Dorings Music Festival at the end of March at a budget over R2,2 million.
While it has set aside money for the festival, the department’s signage and museums are dilapidated, but they are acting, Fortune says.
“The tough austerity measures as regulated by cost containment regulations has resulted in the department and entities receiving less budget and regulated restrictions. This compels the department to be more creative, innovative, to get more bang for the buck when focusing on our corporate image and identity.”
Fortune says they are embarking on a “comprehensive exercise where we are doing an analysis of the status of signage at all our buildings.
“This exercise will determine the cost implications and based on this we will determine its affordability and if it will be done in phases. We have recently completed the newly constructed offices at the Mervin J. Erlank Precinct.
“We are aware that the signage at some of our buildings is either faded, non-existent and dilapidated. We will determine time frames for the completion of the signage project.”
R40 million available for infrastructure maintenance
They have requested assistance from the Department of Public Works with a grader to clean the entire archives grounds. The department appointed a non-profit organisation (NPO) to start a community garden to help maintain the archives yard.
“In support of the NPO, five workers of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) have been appointed on a 12-month contract to ensure that it remains neat and clean.”
He says the national Department of Tourism has made available R40 million for infrastructure maintenance at the eight McGregor Museum satellite sites: McGregor Museum in Atlas Street, Rudd House, Dunluce House, Duggan-Cronin, Wildebeest Kuil, Wonderwerk Cave, Magersfontein, and the Alexander McGregor Museum.
“The restoration work started in January 2024 and will conclude within six months. The project is being implemented by the Development Bank of South Africa.”
