28 Mar 2018

Environment, natural resources conservation and tourism minister says the columnar stones erected at a point where the Tropic of Capricorn crosses the A1 road pay tribute to all the countries that the imaginary line passes through.

Speaking at the unveiling of the monuments which was performed by President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama on March 27, Minister Tshekedi Khama said the erection of the columnar stones was the most fitting monument for the Tropic of Capricorn.

He said Tropic of Capricorn was one of the imaginary lines running around the circumference of the earth. Other imaginary lines are Equator and Tropic of Cancer.

He revealed that his ministry found it fitting to use columnar joints for the tropic of Capricorn monument.

He said the used columnar joints were polygonal prisms of columns which were formed when volcanic rocks cooled and contracted.He said the rocks varied in diameter from three metres to a few centimetres and could grow up to a height of 30 metres.

He thanked President Khama for his inspiration and supporting his ministry in setting up monuments throughout the country.

“I believe the Tropic of Capricorn columnar joints is one of the 100 heritage sites that you have tasked the department of National Museums and Monuments to develop,” he added.

He also appreciated efforts made by the department and other concerned authorities who had contributed in putting up the whole project.

The department director, Mr Gaogakwe Phorano said the columnar joints were formed through process during an earthquake.

He explained that the rocks were not manmade as they were formed through a natural process.

He said in other countries where the columnar joints were located such as India and America, the natural beauties were recognised heritage sights.

Mr Phorano explained that the erected rocks would be symbolic and attract onlookers passing along the A1.

He added that since the Tropic of Capricorn was an imaginary line, such features would make it notable.

He said some people who traveled across the world boasted about having conquered Mount Everest or any other well-known heritage site, adding that unveiled features at Tropic of Capricorn would make it attractive and sell the country worldwide.

“I believe our ministry has done a great job in setting up the monument and as such Botswana will have a symbolic feature that locals and tourists will found it fit to identify with as they pass by,” he said.Meanwhile, Pallaroad/Mmaphashalala/Dovedale councillor, Mr Mareko Morongwane said the community would take part by taking care of the heritage site.

He stated that the site would not only offer students a better understanding and meaning of the imaginary line, but would also encourage local communities to take advantage of the development and venture into tourism related businesses.

“We have other natural beauties in our area and therefore coupled with the established beauty, our local tourism activities will surface,” he said.

Councillor Mareko applauded government for having found it fit to develop the area. ENDS