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by pltm
(PLTM) - The Ministry of Finance has secured over $300,000 to assist with the relocation of the main public library in Road Town on Flemming Street. However, more money is needed to facilitate the move, according to Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith.
The Road Town Library has been closed for several months now and residents continue to bemoan the slow move by government to have it reopened. There are plans to move it to the former Clarence Thomas Ltd. (CTL) building in Pasea Estate.
In response to questions in the House of Assembly, Premier Smith said, Cabinet approved the relocation of the public library Road Town branch on the 7th September 2016.
"The amount approved for the funding is $379,200. The Ministry of Education in consultancy with the Ministry of Finance is tasked with identifying the necessary funding for the relocation, re-fitting and overall upgrade for the transition of one location to the next," he said.
However, Hon. Andrew Fahie, First District Representative sought to clarify if the Education Ministry is tasked with finding the other funds needed, and the total amount of funding needed for the move.
"That (total cost) is not determined as yet because a decision was made to relocate the library, but then one has to go and look at all the other factors, estimate of the cost which has not been done as yet...Other costs for moving equipment back and forth, soft costs and such...When that is done then," the Premier said.
He also indicated that the money the Education Ministry has to find will not be new money, but will be from within the Ministry.
As reported previously, staff members at the library stood their ground and refused to show up for work after things took a turn for the worse when the AC went down. Information suggests that the staff were also reluctant to return even if a new AC unit was purchased, as the hazardous mold issue is still lingering.
For years, the Library Services Department has been complaining about the severe space constraints at the main Road Town library.
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