SONSKYNVALLEI NEWS - On Friday 5 June, a project of nearly five years in the making saw the light as the Sonskynvallei Library was officially opened.
The library formed part of Kirsten & Tulleken Vervoer’s social and labour plan and was completed through the collaboration between the Mossel Bay Municipality, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, the private sector and the community.
A social and labour plan is a requirement when any person or entity applies to extract minerals in South Africa, and it requires a company to engage with the community in which it operates to identify needs and then put plans in place to address them - in this case, the library.
“I want to especially thank the representatives from the municipality and the department for your guidance, assistance and patience. Also, a special thanks to the members of the Sonskynvallei community. When we had our consultation meeting here with you at the community hall next door a few years ago, we could really feel the excitement and appreciation for what was then only a proposal,” said the company’s Jasper van der Westhuizen.
“It is important today, more than ever, that the basic necessities and facilities are moved closer to communities in need. But it is more than that. Closer means more time; it means it’s safer for our young ones.”
Pieter Swart, the regional manager for the department, explained some more about the process and said a project like this eventually forms part of the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan. He thanked the municipality for its involvement in making the project a success.
“And the community! This is a place where you can go and be safe and have access to information and books. Please look after that and protect the infrastructure.”
Yolanda Yakhe, the manager of libraries, Thusong centres and community facilities, said the library will serve as a hub of learning, empowerment and community development for years to come. “Libraries play a vital role in today’s world, and provide access to knowledge, technology and language learning opportunities.”
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
