AMAOTI residents will soon have access to a new R20.3-million state-of-the art library which is expected to be opened in five months’ time.

Ward 53 Councillor Bongani Qhantsi said this was welcomed news for residents, especially young people. “This is a much needed service which will benefit schools in Amaoti and surrounding areas.” Learners currently have to walk a long distance to the nearest similar facility. “This is the first community library for this area; currently children have to travel as far as town to access library services,” he said.

The library construction began in June 2017 and is expected to be completed in April 2019. Councillor Qhantsi said the library was a vision of eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede. Seeing the Mayor’s vision come to life was a dream come true, he said. “It was Mayor Gumede’s wish when she was a councillor of this ward many years ago to see the construction of a library in this area,” he said.

The library, said Councillor Qhantsi, will help create a reading culture for young people. About 21 local people were hired during the construction phase, while three local contractors also benefited. Deputy Head of Libraries and Heritage Department Ernest Shozi said the library will be equipped with modern technology, a computer lab and reading space. “Ward 53 residents and nearby wards will now have access to information. The library will also offer a wide range of reading materials for all age groups,” he said.