UPDATE: Uncertainty still hangs over Overkruin library reopening

Uncertainty around the reopening of the Overkruin library was set to continue for a “considerable number of months”, the Tshwane metro has said.

Spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the delay was occasioned by adherence to the supply-chain management processes for the renewal of the contract.

“The process might take a considerable number of months to conclude.”

Mashigo said an earlier tender advertisement was declared “unresponsive” because no successful bidder was found and a request to deviate from supply chain management processes had to be approved.

ALSO READ: Offline north library a headache for eager reader

When the tender was declared “unresponsive” Mashigo said, “many prospective bidders were disqualified on the basis of missing the briefing” [tender meeting].

“The department has now refined the specifications …we [will be] resuming another tender process,” he said in May.

In December 2017, the metro announced the temporary closure of the library “necessitated by logistical issues”.

In the statement, it said: “The city is working diligently towards resolving this.

“Members of the public will be informed as soon as the issues are resolved.

ALSO READ: New library for Ga-Rankuwa residents

“In the event of a need to relocate the library service to a new facility, we will communicate such a decision.”

However, in August 2018, Mashigo said the closure was in fact necessitated by a “dispute” between the metro and the landlord, and not an expired lease as had been previously announced.

“There is an ongoing legal process to resolve the dispute,” he said.

Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:

Rekord East

Rekord North

Rekord Centurion

Rekord Moot

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram