Pietermaritzburg’s historic City Hall clock has begun ticking once more, after three long years of neglect and silence.
By: Siso Naile
The Pietermaritzburg residents and visitors can now check the time as the City Hall Clock is back in business.
PIETERMARITZBURG HERITAGE BUILDING CLOCK CLANGS AGAIN
The City had committed to get the heritage building clock working again following concerns raised by the residents who believed that the city’s iconic tower clock had been neglected.
However, the management had to take care of contract-related matters with the Horologist.
The clock has not been working for three years and this abnormality of not hearing the ding-dong sound of the bell every hour did not sit well with Pietermaritzburg residents.
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MAYOR TALKS CITY HALL REPAIRS THAT AFFECTED THE CHIMES
Horologist and curator Mark Webber, who has fixed and maintained tower clocks at the Kokstad city hall and the Greytown clock was called in to get it ticking again.
Mayor Mzimkhulu Thobella thanked the residents for their patience while the repairs and maintenance processes were being attended to.
“We are very happy that our iconic clock has been restored and is reliably telling the time again.”
Thobella
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He said the Citizens have been complaining about the condition of the it and the City Hall building.
“We assure them that work is underway 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. The building was recently fitted with a new roof after the old one was stripped down by criminals. The interior will soon be receiving attention to ensure that our heritage building remains in good condition for 100 more years to come” said Mayor Thebolla.
The clock repairs come just in time as the city is met with the hustle and bustle of the festive season. Many will be guided by the clock to manage their visit in the city centre.
