Despite the City of Mbombela (CoM) not providing much detail regarding the repairs of the White River Library, they are finally going to become a reality with the municipal council’s approval of the R4.5m budget for the project.

The library closed its doors two years ago after being damaged in the 2023 floods. Funds to repair the damage are now being provided under the adjustment budget. The area’s ward councillor, Rowan Torr, welcomed the decision ‘because it’s been long overdue since the closure’.

A contractor was appointed to undertake the repairs early last year, but due to insufficient funds, could not move ahead with the project.
The library was closed because the walls and roof were in dire condition, endangering the lives of its users and staff.

“The contractor will start with the roof repairs, which will take three months. Then the walls and carpets will be dealt with later this year,” Torr said.

ALSO READ: White River Library building repairs long overdue

During February 2023, heavy rain wreaked havoc on infrastructure across the province.

Torr said the library renovations need be completed before the municipal financial year-end in July.

According to him, he spoke to the contractor who confirmed that the entire roof needs to be replaced. Certain walls and floors also need serious attention. The contractor is waiting for the go-ahead from the municipality to commence work.

ALSO READ: White River Library made to wait for the next budget

Previously, the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation’s spokesperson, Sibongile Nkosi, said the closure was due to a leaking roof as well as walls and floors being in poor condition.

“The library was registered for repair under the emergency projects affected by the floods. The promised funds were never made available by the National Disaster Management Centre. However, the White River Library’s renovations were prioritised for the 2024/25 financial year as per the departmental business plan,” Nkosi said.

The CoM’s spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, confirmed that the municipality has made funds available to repair the library and a contractor was appointed to do so.