This follows months of refurbishment of the museum's hall by the Amathole District Municipality since April.

Mayor Sakhumzi Somyo officially launched the new conference centre after Friday's council meeting.

The new-look museum-cum- conference facility is off the N6, about five kilometres from East London.

The refurbishment started in April and R800,000 has been spent on refurbishing the hall which used to have zinc tables and chairs.

The refurbishments include new entrance to the yard, upgrading of the kitchen, toilets and conference facility - now used as a council chamber - which can accommodate 90 delegates.

More work is still to be done in phases which would include council caucus rooms, a restaurant and additional parking, among other things.

There are two more phases to be undertaken; a tender for the second phase will be awarded soon.

Somyo said the museum was a changed environment and the council would no longer have to rely on hiring venues when it wanted to host events.

A year ago the municipality wanted to dispose of the museum, but stalled the move.

"We have to preserve what we have," Somyo said.

Councillor Welile Mzozoyana reminisced about when they first used to attend council meetings in the museum's hall.

He also recalled occasions when the municipality had attempted to get rid of the facility.

"We nearly threw away a valuable asset," Mzozoyana said.

Municipal spokesman Gail Pullen said the conference centre would pay for its maintenance.

Municipal officials believe the refurbished conference centre will contribute to tourism in the area.

Daily Dispatch
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge