Cultural Affairs and Sport
What is the number and details of all libraries that do not have (i) alternative power sources and (ii) that do not have internet access and (b) what are her Department’s plans to ensure all libraries have internet access and alternative power sources, and (c) what is the estimated (i) costs for this and (ii) period for when this will be achieved?
a] What are the [i] number and [ii] details of all the libraries that do not have [aa] alternative power sources and [bb] internet access
[i][aa] 367 libraries do not have alternative power sources.
[i][bb] 42 libraries do not provide internet access.
[ii] [aa] Annexure A – Alternative power sources
[ii] [bb] Annexure B – Internet access
b] what are her department’s plans to ensure that all libraries have alternative power sources and internet access and [c] what is the estimated [i] costs for this and [ii] period for when this will be achieved?
b] The department transfer funds to the municipalities for the management of their public library service. There is currently no dedicated funding available from the department for alternative power sources. Municipalities are requested to reprioritise the grants received towards providing alternative power sources in the public libraries. Various municipalities are in the process of securing alternative power sources for the public libraries.
As part of the broader Western Cape Government Broadband strategy and the departmental Rural Library Connectivity Project Internet access will continue to be rolled out to public libraries.
c] [i] For a standard size library with enough power for lights, security systems and computers the cost is estimated at approximately R300 000 [including solar panels, an invertor, and battery]. Providing alternative power sources to all libraries will t cost approximately R110 100 000.
There are several reasons why Internet access is not currently provided at all public library service points, including the fact that internet connectivity is not allowed in correctional services; that there is not sufficient or secure space in the libraries for public access computers, and other infrastructure challenges. A total of 4 public library sites have been identified to receive internet access over the next 2 financial years at a cost of approximately R347,422.16 for data lines and internet access and R274,484.16 for equipment.
[c][ii] 2 public libraries will provide internet access in 2023/2024 and 2 public libraries will provide internet access in 2024/2025.
The provision of alternative power sources for public libraries timeframe varies according to the municipalities plans.
