UCT library: ‘Reading Room is completely gutted’

Here's a preliminary damage report on what was lost at the UCT library due to the Cape Town fires.

By / / News
uct library

On Sunday, Capetonians watched in horror as the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) library went up in flames.

UCT library: How bad is the damage?

Thanks to the valiant efforts of the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue teams, and other helpers, the tertiary was able to successfully evacuate all staff members and students.

However, nothing could be done about the inferno that had engulfed the historic library that held precious original works that — if not digitised — would perish in the flames.

In a statement, Executive Director Ujala Satgoor detailed the first-hand experience of watching a monumental structure go up in smoke.

“As some of us watched, from on-site, with horror and helplessness this elegant and historical library burn, I can only imagine the shock and horror you must have felt as you watched the news reports and pictures of this destruction,” Satgoor wrote.

He went on to reveal that at this time, UCT officials have not been granted access into the library as it is deemed to be unsafe.

“At this stage, we can confirm the Reading Room is completely gutted and thankfully, the fire detection system in place triggered the fire shutters thereby preventing the spread of the fire to other parts of the library,” Satgoor added.

The library further confirmed that some valuable, one-of-one, collections were lost to the fire, but without access to what’s left of the building, it can’t be said what exactly was lost.

Cape Town fire: What’s the latest on Monday 19 April?

As UCT begins the process of picking up whatever remains from the ashes, sirens have rung across the city bowl as efforts continue in the fight to contain the fire that has raged on for an entire day.

This time, rescuers have descended on an area in Vredehoek and upper regions of Devil’s Peak. This fire, it is said, was no freak of nature.

According to City officials, this was a vagrant fire caused by three individuals, one of whom has been placed under arrest and expected to appear in court on Monday.

Strong winds are expected to maintain an average speed of 33km/hr, further hampering rescuers efforts. Motorists using high-level roads between the city centre and southern suburbs are urged to practice extreme caution.

Follow this guide to find out how you can help those affected by the Cape Town fire.