Millions of Rands later, Mdakane library may open this month

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18-05-2026
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Northern Natal News
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The long-delayed Mdakane library project could finally open after costs escalated to nearly R40-million

Five years after construction began, the multi-media Mdakane library in the Dannhauser area may finally be handed over to residents who have long struggled with limited access to educational resources.

The project, which initially cost R31-million in April 2021, has escalated to nearly R40-million following repeated delays and contractor-related problems.

The nearly completed complex has stood dormant for months, with overgrown vegetation surrounding the site after the original contractor allegedly abandoned the project.

New completion deadline set

DA KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson on Sports, Arts and Culture, Tammy Colley, who recently visited the site as part of a Portfolio Committee oversight inspection,  told the Courier that the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has committed to completing the project by the end of the month.

“The contractor that should have completed the snag list in October 2025 failed to do so, and the department had to appoint another contractor to finish the work,” Colley said.

She added that the municipality still needs to complete the water connection before the facility can officially be handed over.

“This commitment must now be honoured without further excuses or extensions,” she said.

Colley said residents deserve a functioning library that promotes knowledge, opportunity and development.

“Each delay has not only stalled progress, but has also undermined the dignity of the community,” she said.

She added that what was intended to benefit the community had become another example of delayed service delivery.

Colley blamed interference by business forums and poor contractor performance for contributing to the delays.

“While the DA supports decisive action against underperforming contractors, such action must be taken swiftly when issues first arise to prevent prolonged delays,” she said.