The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape strongly condemns the staggering theft of, and attacks on libraries within the City of Cape Town.
MPP Derrick America said: “The amount of equipment that has been stolen has a negative effect not only on the City but on the communities and their residents. I will be meeting with library services as well as the City of Cape Town to ensure that security personnel are employed as well as increased building security added.”
“The attacks on the Metro’s libraries are unacceptable. This is a matter of growing concern which has spiralled out of control. As libraries are a vital source of information and a place of necessary resources and opportunity for young people in our province, attacks on this infrastructure is an attack on our very communities.” MPP America added.
The City of Cape Town has submitted a total of 58 insurance claims since January 2019. The claims total R578 000 thus far. Money spent restocking and repairing existing libraries could rather be spent on other opportunity-rich infrastructure for our residents.
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape will ensure that the security of libraries is a matter of priority. We will not allow the actions of select individuals to infringe on the right of access to information of all citizens.
