Disused amoury turned into library

Tendai Bhebe, Sunday News Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council is renovating a disused armoury in Entumbane at a cost of $30 000 that will be turned into a library.

In an interview, the city spokesperson, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, said the renovation was a response to the Entumbane community’s request for a library. Part of Entumbane suburb used to house military camps for Zipra and Zanla forces soon after the attainment of Indepedence.

“The main idea of renovating the armoury was to bring a library service nearest to the Entumbane community following their request for a library. The community had advised council that it was dangerous for the children to cross the Luveve Road to get to the nearest library, namely Njube or Mpopoma.

“Schoolchildren adjacent areas like Njube and Matshobana travel short distances to access a library service. The library will also offer a service to the adult library users,” she said.

Mrs Mpofu also said the library is expected to be operational by next year.

“The renovation will take up to the end of the year. We expect to open to the public at the beginning of 2019,” said Mrs Mpofu.

Mrs Mpofu revealed that, however, there was more funding needed to acquire furniture and plumbing materials.

“The challenges are lack of funds to procure furniture and plumbing materials that has affected the speedy renovations of the library,” said Mrs Mpofu.

Some residents in the suburb said the library will help schoolchildren develop interest in their studies.