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Public Library auditorium reopening hits a snag

Kausar Islam Ayon
Re-opening of the Central Public Library auditorium has become uncertain after the Public Works Department (PWD) stopped renovationwork on it about a month ago.
The auditorium was due to be reopened in the first weekof November but riow it Is set for an indefinite delay. It has already remained closed for more than seven months for renovation and no one can say exactly when it would become operational again as more than fifty percent work has not been completed.
"There are so many reasons behind it which I cannot disclose to the press," said an official of the wood works department of PWD.
The public library auditorium, a popular spot for cultural events in the city had remained in a poor condition for a long time. The authorities finally started renovating it last May following repeated complaints from cultural activists and organisations.
The renovation work included replacement of chairs, repairing and modifying the stage, the lights and sound system, the screen and ceiling. Restrooms and a VIP room are also beingupgraded.
"We have already finished all the necessary repairs except in the lights and sound system and in interior decoration. We will complete them later but at the moment, we want to open the auditorium as soon as possible," said Kazi Abdul Majid, assistant director of Public Library.
He informed that it would take more time to complete work on the lights and sound system as they have not floated tenders yet.
"It takes 28 days to complete the tender process according to the new rules so we do not want to wait for that Once the process is completed,
we will close the auditorium for seven to ten days to put the finishing touches on the renovation," added Majid.
He said that they have already changed 525 chairs. The platform of the stage has also been replaced. 27 lakh Taka has been spent on those.
Absence of alternative power supply was hampering the programme at the auditorium. The authorities have gone for a permanentsolution to theproblem.
"We have already arranged a 200 KB generator to tackle the power crisis permanently," informed Majid.
The auditorium had only five air conditioners, which was not sufficient. Besides, most of them
remained out of order. As a result the audience was less interested to watch shows at the auditorium especially in the summer. Under the renovation programme, 13 new air conditioners will be added while the exis ting five will go through repairs.
"We have allotted Tk 26 lakh for the modernisation of the air conditioningsystem,'’ said Majid.
The design of the auditorium will remain the same with only the washroom and toilets shifted to the southern corner to accommodate a VIP room in that place. Security around the auditorium will also be beefed up.
"We have a plan to set up a metal detecting arch door at the entrance of the auditorium and scanners will
also be in use," Majidsaid.
According to the assistant director, the rent for the auditorium is expected to be increased as expenditure will rise because of the new air conditioning system and the alternative power supply.
Present rent of the auditorium is Tk 8,500 for 12 hours (Bam to 8pm) and Tk 5,500 for six hours (8am to 2pm or 2pm to 8pm.).
Cultural activists have expressed their happiness with the renovation workbut demanded reopeningofthe auditorium as soon as possible.
"If it remains closed during the winter, there will be a serious venue crisis for cultural events," said Akteruzzaman, general secretary of Somoy Nattyagosthy.