The KCDC has closed the Waikanae Library and Service Centre as a precaution, following air quality test results showing the presence of toxic mould.
Due to the closure, customer and library services aren’t available from Waikanae Library, and customers are advised to go to the KCDC website or visit the Paraparaumu or Otaki Library.
Group Manager Regulatory Services Natasha Tod says the closure isn’t an ideal situation, “but we take seriously any potential risk to the health of our staff and customers.”
She says council recently carried out air quality testing at the Waikanae Library and the results show that two types of mould are present that are of concern – one is non-toxic but has the potential to cause hay fever-like symptoms, and Stachybotrys which is toxic.
The toxic mould was present in three of the four sites sampled within the building.
Tod says the Waikanae Library was closed this morning, and will remain closed until the council is confident the toxic mould has been addressed.
She says the library is likely to be closed for 1-2 weeks for maintenance and testing; customers will be advised when a solid timeline is known.
(via Beach FM)
Wow a new money pit on a plate. Will this lead to demolition and a new build with heaps more borrowed money, all to go on the next rates increase.
It could just be caused by a roof leak; however, getting rid of mould in a building is a specialised field requiring specialised equipment and isn’t cheap. The council proposed spending $50,000 this year on the library anyway (on what exactly we haven’t been told) which may cover it?