22 Jan 2019

The Matsieng Footprint site is set to undergo a multi-million Pula facelift .

The site will be turned into museum to enhance its tourism potential.

In an interview, Matsieng Footprint guide,  Lucky Maabong

said the project, expected to start earnest in April, would create jobs for Rasesa residents.

The project, he said was initially estimated to cost about P3 million but due to uncertainties including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the budget had shot up.

Maabong said the project had commenced with the fencing extension and would include paving and construction of an interpretation centre consisting of the reception, conference room, offices, curio shop and toilets.

He said completion date had not been determined as the project would be done in stages. “The facelift was meant to boost the financial strength of the site as entrance and guide fees would be introduced,” he said.

Maabong said he was confident that visitors would be excited about the planned changes since extra picnic areas and camping sites would be added.

He said the site used to experience low visitations but the situation had turned around with the aid of clips featured on television and Facebook.

“In addition, journalists who once in a while write stories about the site also helped popularise the place,” he said.

He noted that June, July, September and December were their peak months adding that the majority of visitors were foreigners and students.

He urged Batswana to visit the site in large numbers saying it was a must see adding that places like Matsieng should be seen as great assets to be visited, learn about and come up with ways of conserving them. ENDS