26 Jun 2016

The historical capital of the Bangwato, Old Palapye site near Malaka in Tswapong has been identified as one of the sites to be developed through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Malaka on June 24, Department of National Museum and Monuments (DNMM) director, Gaogakwe Phorano said the P6 million project which would commence this year, entails construction of a site museum, fencing, two camp sites, electrical and water connection as well as signage. Youth companies, he said were expected to do architectural drawings, signage while other companies were to do construction.

Old Palapye was an important regional trade and missionary centre in the 1890s under the leadership of Kgosi Khama III.

It was a declared national monument landscape comprising a series of archaeological, historical, natural as well as scenic areas that include Mma Bessie’s grave, Old Palapye church remains, Photophoto waterfall, European settlement remains amongst others.

The place referred to as Old Palapye was originally called Phalatswe, “the place of impalas, thus the place was re-named Palapye by colonial travelers and missionaries.

Old Palapye is located about 30km North West of the current location.Phorano also informed residents that the project would bring developments in Malaka and also create employment for Malaka residents.

In addition, he said his department would also undertake the 100 Monuments Project, which entails construction of access roads, trails, signage and construction of visitor facilities and gate houses.

Phorano said government has realised that tourists take a shorter time in the country and take longer period of time in other countries as a result of limited tourism sites in the country.

He said government therefore took the initiative to develop more historical sites to promote tourism in the country, adding that this would allow tourists to go to Moremi Gorges, Old Palapye before traversing the country to Khama Rhino Sanctuary and Kasane.

For his part, the deputy district commissioner, Ernest Phiri said his office has been given the responsibility to coordinate ESP projects in Palapye sub-district.

He said his office would monitor the progress of such projects and ensure that they were delivered on time, quality and within budget.

Therefore, he said his office would also ensure that Malaka community benefits in this project through employment creation as well as engaging contractors from the village. In addition, he said his office would ensure that materials that would be required for undertaking the project come from Malaka so that local businesses were empowered.

In the case where materials could not be purchased from Malaka, he said it would be sought elsewhere within the sub district.

Malaka Photophoto Trust chairperson, Sinah Otukile thanked the department for undertaking the project, adding that it was going to generate income for the trust. 

There are over 2 500 heritage sites in the country and over 100 sites have been declared national monuments whilst two are World Heritage Sites being Tsodilo Hills and Okavango delta. Ends