As part of its ongoing mandate to monitor infrastructure delivery and ensure quality public facilities, the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads and Transport conducted an oversight visit to the KwaMhlanga Community Library on Friday, February 21.

During the visit, the MEC for culture, sport and recreation, Leah Mabuza, outlined the purpose of the engagement: to present the project file and provide a progress report on the construction of the new library, as of February 12.

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The committee was informed that the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation is the client, while the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport serves as the implementing agent.

The R19.9m project involved the construction of a fully equipped community library in KwaMhlanga township, complete with various activity rooms and halls, a guard house, and a refuse area.

The project also contributed to local economic development by creating employment opportunities, with attention to gender equality and inclusive participation.

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Members were advised that the library was formally handed over to the client department in June 2024.

Following the handover, water ingress was identified through the louvres in the double-volume reception area during heavy rainfall.

In line with engineering recommendations, the contractor resolved the issue by installing aluminium windows on November 28, 2025, effectively mitigating the problem.