LOUIS TRICHARDT – More than two thousand books of which the value is yet unknown, were stolen from the local public library.

In a media statement, released by the Democratic Alliance, the Municipal Manager is called upon to make sure that regular stock taking is done at the library. He is also called upon to make sure that the lost assets are recovered and that sufficient measures are put in place to prevent any further loss of books in the library.

In a media statement the DA expresses concern that 2 650 books were reported stolen at the local library during the stock taking of books which was performed during December 2001/January 2002.

In response to a question, a senior official, who in the mean time left the employ of Council, reported that books could have gone missing through theft by users.

A letter by the Municipal Secretariat, dated 14 October this year, states that the same official indicated that the count needed verification, since no count was done when he took over the library. "The DA is concerned that it seems as if no regular stock taking is done to determine the accurate stock levels. It would seem as if certain officials don't take the necessary action to prevent the loss of assets.

"In August this year a letter inquiring about the monetary value of the missing books was dispatched to the library. To date no reply has been received. There was an indication that 'the losses had been recovered by the Town Treasurer's department and full information in this regard will be made available as soon as it has been calculated.'

"The DA expressed its concern to the effect that theft has been reported at the beginning of this year and it seems as if this loss had not been recovered as yet. The financial year in which the theft was reported has already ended."

The statement stresses the fact that the municipal manager has a statutory obligation to protect the assets of the municipality. "The DA is concerned that this municipality finds it easy to spend money but is reluctant to maintain assets which have been built up over many years".