Libraries’ projects well on track

LEBOWAKGOMO – Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture MEC, Jerry Maseko, announced that Moutse West, Matlerekeng Library, is one of the three in the province that have contractors appointed and site handovers of which will be completed soon.

MEC Maseko was speaking during the 2024/2025 tabling of the department’s budget at the provincial legislature in Lebowakgomo on Thursday, 15 August.

MEC Maseko said the department has conducted intervention through site visits, together with Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure officials, at Botshabelo, Tshaulu and Mampane libraries in July and this month, respectively, to assist contractors address the challenges that are affecting their progress on site.

Maseko indicated that construction of libraries have been affected by numerous community disruptions and lack of skilled and compliant sub-contractors. He said the site visits made interventions on the challenges that affected the progress on libraries.

“The department will be continuing with the construction of Vleifontein, Tshaulu, Botshabelo and Mampane library projects. By the end of July 2024, Tshaulu was at 42%, Mampane at 70%, Vleifontein at 82% and Botshabelo at 90%. These libraries are scheduled for completion by the end of this financial year,” informed Maseko.

The MEC stated that in terms of infrastructure development for library services, the department appreciates the contribution of the mining sector in Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality to construct Twickenham Library and the Masia Traditional Authority for the construction of the Ha Masia Library.

“The libraries as mentioned will be supported by the department through the provision of library materials, staff and other equipment,” highlighted Maseko.

The library and archive services received R242.358m. Maseko said the allocated budget is directed towards the construction of new libraries, maintenance and repairs of existing facilities, buying books, provision of ICT infrastructure, free internet access, appointment of librarians, security services and general workers.

Maseko outlined that a mini library and museum are planned to be constructed at the site for preservation of the heritage of the Sekhukhune Kingship. He averred that the project will be implemented through partnership with Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality.

The overall budget allocation for the department for the 2024/2025 financial year has increased from R621.816m to R827.099m, which translates into 33% increase in the 2024/2025 financial period as a result of additional and provincial priorities allocations under the equitable share and a slight increase on conditional grants.

The budget comprises an equitable share allocation of R596.025m, which takes 72% of the overall budget and the remaining 28% relates to the amount of R231.074m that is allocated to conditional grants.

With the overall budget, administration has been allocated R200.270m, cultural affairs allocated R273.300m and sport and recreation allocated R111.171m.