The Johannesburg City Library is set to undergo significant upgrades to ensure its safe reopening, following a three-year closure.
What upgrades are planned for the Johannesburg City Library?
The Gauteng government has allocated R25 million from the 2024/2025 capital expenditure budget as part of an initial R45 million required for full compliance with safety regulations.
The upgrades primarily focus on addressing critical fire safety concerns to ensure the safety of both the public and library personnel.
Initial works include the repair of external gutters, soldering, and waterproofing, which are already underway.
Further safety compliance work is scheduled to commence in July 2024.
MMC for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg Lubabalo Magwentshu stressed the importance of these upgrades in preserving the library’s archives and ensuring it meets all necessary safety standards.
“Preserving the archives, ensuring safety regulation compliance, and protecting both the community and library personnel are all crucial aspects. We are taking proactive steps to guarantee its reopening,” Magwentshu said.
The city has begun the procurement process to appoint service providers who will handle these critical upgrades.
When will the library upgrades be completed?
The Johannesburg City Library’s upgrades are expected to be completed in phases.
The initial phase, which addresses the most urgent fire safety issues, is anticipated to pave the way for a partial reopening in the next financial year.
This phase involves the allocation of R25 million, which will cover the essential safety compliance works set to begin in July 2024.
The full completion of the library’s upgrades, which will bring it into full operation, requires an additional R20 million.
This subsequent phase will address any remaining compliance issues and further improvements needed to ensure the library’s long-term functionality and safety.
The ultimate goal is to fully reopen the library by 2025, providing a safe and accessible space for the community to enjoy once again.