The attempted burglary over the weekend resulted in the building being flooded. As a result, the facility is closed until further notice.
The incident was discovered this morning, when library staff arrived at work.
The perpetrators gained access through the ceiling to bypass the alarm and ripped out electrical wires. Their actions not only affected the electricity supply to the building, but they also damaged water pipes, which resulted in flooding.
An initial assessment is under way to determine the extent of the damage caused by the incident, and to restore the electricity.
The break-in comes just weeks after the City announced a near R12 million upgrade project at the library.
The project management team now have to consider how the burglary and the resultant damage will impact their timelines.
‘This incident is incredibly disappointing, especially considering the exciting developments in the pipeline for this library. Apart from the cost to repair the damage to the library, the biggest cost is to the community, who now have to travel much further to access our services, all because of the actions of a few individuals. I call on anyone with information about this incident and those responsible, to please report it to the South African Police Service or the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Patrons are encouraged to visit the Strand, Gordon’s Bay or Somerset West library until services can resume at Lwandle.
Pepperburst
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