The R18 million abandoned Dumela library project

by Katlego Suzan Phala MPL – DA Provincial Spokesperson on Sports Arts & Culture

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo will write to the Chairperson of the portfolio committee for Sports, Arts & Culture (SAC), Ms Mahodi Mahasela, to request MEC Thandi Moraka and her department to appear before the committee to account for the incomplete Dumela library project.

During the 2018 SOPA, Premier Stan Mathabatha announced the building of 4 new libraries, including the R18 million Dumela library in the Collins Chabane municipality; the only one which is incomplete 3 years after commencement of the project.

During a recent oversight of the building site, we found no building equipment or workers on site and it appears that building has been suspended.

The library is 61% completed and can become subject to vandalism and looting.

The DA is further concerned that there is a dispute around the location of the library.

The Premier announced that the library would be built in Dumela village, but it was actually built in Mulamula village, 7 km away from the original location without explanation.

The Dumela community development forum laid a complaint against MEC Moraka at the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) earlier this year to investigate the change of location.

This abandoned project, one of many strewn throughout Limpopo, is testament to poor governance, lack of accountability and a waste of taxpayers’ money by the ANC government.

Public libraries are an important entity in local communities, particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities. They are more than shelves of books. Libraries unlock opportunities and unleash dreams.

We call on the SAC portfolio committee chairperson to ensure that this library does not become an abandoned cemetery for dreams, but rather to ensure that the library is completed to unlock opportunities.

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Image: Twitter