Residents urged to protect newly opened Lehae library
The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Kabelo Gwamanda, recently officially opened Lehae Library
The mayor was accompanied by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community (MMC) Development, Cllr Lubabalo Magwentshu, and the MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina.
The construction of library started in 2016 was completed in 2018 but could not be officially open due to several challenges. The current stand 519 was not part of the township hence the City had to appoint a town planner to incorporate stand 519 to the township.
This process took a long time, resulting in the delay in the opening. This affected water and sewer connection as well as electrical connection, which the City has since been resolved. The City has received a temporary occupancy certificate that is valid for a period of 12 months. It will allow the City the opportunity to resolve any outstanding items that may still not be fully addressed.
Lehae Library is a R26 million project and forms part of the City’s broader strategy to meet the demand for new social infrastructure. “Libraries critically occupy an important space in society as they provide opportunities for citizens to access information, support education and literacy and promote lifelong learning. Lehae library is a world-class facility that will highly benefit the community,” said Mayor Gwamanda.
The staff compliment of the libraries comprises residents of Lehae. It includes a senior librarian, two librarians, two senior library assistants, two library assistants as well as two general workers. Some of the services the library include access to Wi-Fi, access to e-resources such as online journals and newspapers. There is also a children’s corner where story telling will be a feature.
Basic computer skills will be offered to the public. Lehae library will benefit communities of Zakariyya Park Vlakfontein, Lenasia, Tula Mtwana and Thembelihle. Cllr Magwentshu urged the community of Lehae to look after the library and use the facility to better themselves and future generations.
