Municipality holds library contractor liable

Instead, the contractor decided to enter the library through a makeshift wall without the knowledge of management, and began work with the books, shelves and equipment still in place.

February 23, 2018

Bruce Douglas 1 minute read

The contractor on the Library expansion damaged books and equipment at the beginning of the year.

The municipality hopes work at Newcastle Library will near completion in two months time.

During a press briefing last Thursday, Mayor, Makhosini Nkosi explained circumstances which led to partial destruction of the library (and continued tension in local council).

“We were just disappointed by the contractor, who after the December holidays decided to start doing the work without following the agreed plan of work.”

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Nkosi said the arrangement was that during January, library staff and the contractor would agree on which areas of the library to work on.

Staff would then clear the space of books and equipment.

Instead, the contractor decided to enter the library through a makeshift wall without the knowledge of management, and began work with the books, shelves and equipment still in place.

“We have assessed the damages and are holding the contractor liable for the damage caused to books and machinery.”

Nkosi added the contractor had since indicated he had liability insurance in place to cover the municipality’s claim.

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However, he could not confirm when the project would conclude.

“We hope that within the next two months, it will be nearing completion. We need to reiterate the project to expand the library is a very good project; it is going on very well.”