The residents of Bakerton could soon have access to a long-awaited new library, with ward councillor Dean Stone saying the facility is expected to be handed over within the next month or two after years of delays caused by funding challenges.

Construction of the upgraded Bakerton Library halted for nearly four years, but construction recently resumed.

The unfinished project also drew the attention of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), which visited the site during an oversight visit in September 2024.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, Stone said the main reason for the delay was the timing of provincial grant funding and the rising cost of the project.

“I think the major hold-up all the time was the provincial grants and the timing of the grants. I also think the cost was underestimated because at some stage it became a lot more than what had originally been budgeted for,” he said.

Stone explained that because the project was funded through a provincial grant, the City of Ekurhuleni was unable to continue construction without the money being transferred.

He indicated that the metro can only do so much, adding that if they do not get the grant, it is not on time.

He said that contractors also get upset because they need to be paid and they have workers on site who also need to be paid.

Stone also said the city maintained communication with the provincial government throughout the delays to secure the necessary funding.

“I sit on the Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture portfolio committee, so we kept an eye on the project.

“The metro continuously updated the province on the progress and the stage the project had reached. When another sphere of government is involved, it makes things more difficult because we cannot simply use our own budget. The grant can only be used for that specific purpose.”

Despite the lengthy delay, Stone said he had not received reports of vandalism at the unfinished building.

He added that the community had remained involved through a community liaison officer (CLO), who served as the link between residents and the contractor.

“There were a few issues in the beginning, but those were sorted out. The CLO remained in regular contact with the community throughout the project.

“When the project started, we shared the plans and updates with the community. My ward committee has been fully informed throughout because I had insight into the project through the portfolio committee,” said Stone.

He acknowledged that several anticipated completion dates had been missed due to delays with the final stages of construction.

Once the new library opens, Stone said the existing Bakerton Library building could continue serving the community in a different capacity.

“It is a very small building. It could possibly be used for storage or linked to the community hall for additional functions, but it is no longer sufficient as a library.”

Stone thanked residents for their patience and urged them to take care of the new facility once it opens.

“It is a pity that it took so long because of the provincial grant system, but we are finally at the stage where we can do a handover. I ask the community to please look after this library. It will be an amazing resource for the youth and for schools in the area.”

The publication sent an enquiry to the city regarding the status of the Bakerton Library project, the funding delays and the expected completion date. At the time of publication, the metro had not responded.