​Progress on Akasia Library monitored by MEC Motara
By Prudence Motsila
12 April 2021
Construction progress on the new Akasia Community Library in Tshwane received attention from the MEC for Infrastructure Development and Property Management Ms. Tasneem Motara when she visited the site, on the 08 April 2021.
The MEC was accompanied by Contractor, CLO and DID team. The contractor gave an update on progress since the last inspection visit, indicating that there was progress on the project. It was indicated that the project was on the final stages, with up to 98% of work completed.
The project had taken long to complete due to community disruptions which also led to labor rates being outdated and unattractive to skilled artisans. All the challenges delayed initial completion date of 28th October 2018. The construction programme was revised, and the anticipated completion date was the end of April 2021.
The MEC insisted that the contractor must ensure that all outstanding material is procured and installed, and the project must be completed by 30 April 2021.
The New Akasia Community Library currently under construction is situated on R207 of Hatebeeshoek 303, JR, Corner along Reginald Avenue, Akasia, Tshwane, Gauteng. The Library size is about 1200 square meters and is allocated for 150 000 people in a municipality, regardless of population densities and meets the norms and standards for a Central Public Library.
The project manager said the scope of work includes construction of conferencing, kitchen, bathroom, and storage areas; guard house facilities; mechanical and electrical works, including installations, furniture and equipment; and external works which include green spaces, parks, wet services, bulk earthworks, road and parking, signage, security and gates.
The facility will be handed to the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation on completion.