20 Aug 2020

The Botswana National Museum in Gaborone hopes to attract more visitors to appreciate culture and heritage once the refurbishment of the permanent exhibition is complete.

This was said by Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism, Philda Kereng at a groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Gaborone on August 18.

She said the project whose designs were commissioned in April last year, included modification of the gallery spaces, installation of modern and multimedia exhibitions, improved reception area, a themed garden and downtown restaurant all which were expected to be completed mid-2021.

“The facility will definitely be a place of learning, leisure and the first port of call for visitors and tourists. It will feature multimedia displays that address topical environmental, historical and socio-economic issues in Botswana,” Kereng said. Kereng said refurbishment had been funded by government to a tune of P33 million adding that the fifty-year-old permanent exhibition was being revamped to respond to the needs of the current visitor.

She noted that the refurbished museum would change the cityscape and transform Gaborone into a cosmopolitan metropolis.

Kereng further said the Department of National Museum and Monuments had six fully-fledged divisions and three outstations with a staff complement of 180 employees.

Department of National Museum and Monuments acting director Stephen Mogotsi said the project was long overdue.

He further said the museum would be a place to socialise and educate Batswana about their indigenous sites.

Acting project manager Tiisang Tlokweng said the project was awarded to 100 per cent citizens who formed a joined venture.

“It is a woman (youth architect) joined with Motswana exhibition designer, which are H&L Design Architects & Motaki Joint Venture,” he said.

He said they were hopeful that the company would deliver the project on agreed time, specifications and estimated cost. ENDS