Durban – The Pietermaritzburg City Hall clock is finally working after it had not been functioning for more than two years.
The Msunduzi Municipality confirmed the City Hall clock was working again following concerns raised by the residents.
The clock tower was constructed in 1893 but was destroyed by fire in 1895. It was rebuilt years later and has since become part of the city’s heritage and holds much historic value.
Msunduzi mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said the city had committed to get the heritage building clock working again.
However, the management had to take care of contract related matters with the horologist, or clockmaker. Our sister publication Sunday Tribune reported early this year the City’s attempt in late 2018 to fix the clock were unsuccessful due to complications with horologist Mark Webber’s contract and payment.
However deputy mayor Mxolisi Mkhize ironed out all the issues of the maintenance contract with Webber.
Thebolla said they were happy the clock had been restored and was reliably telling the time again.
“The citizens have been complaining about the condition of the clock and the City Hall building. We assure them that work is under way to restore the City Hall building to its former beauty. The City Hall is our important heritage and the clock tower is one of the most beautiful things in our city,” said Thebolla.
In the past months the City Hall roof was fitted after the old one was stripped down by criminals even though the building has 24-hour security. The hall was leaking and that compromised the building’s aesthetic integrity.
Daily News