Overview:

The Gaborone Dam Monument pays tribute and honours the African tradition of honouring water for its life-giving capabilities. It is located in the city of Gaborone, on the banks of the Notwane River. The monument stands to commemorate the 27 men and women who gave their lives in the 1956-57 construction of the city's first dam. The monument also serves to educate and raise awareness about water conservation and usage. The Gaborone Dam Monument includes four bronze sculptures, depicting the struggles of the workers to build the dam. These sculptures are sculpted by Christo (Christo Coetzee), a renowned South African sculptor. The monument has become a symbol of Gaborone’s hard-working people and its dedication to water conservation and usage. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Botswana
Prominent Features:

1. The Gaborone Dam Monument is located in the capital city of Botswana, Gaborone. 2. It was erected in 1982 as a memorial to commemorate the completion of the dam. 3. The monument consists of two towering stone columns connected by a palm-frond arch. 4. The monument is built from stones gathered from the dam. 5. It stands 19 meters (61 feet) tall and 17 meters (56 feet) wide. 6. The monument is a symbol of the country's progress and industrial development. 7. It stands in a beautiful park area, surrounded by trees and other attractions including the Gaborone Dam Wall. 8. It’s a great spot for visitors to take pictures and admire the natural scenery. This national monument of Botswana portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Gaborone Dam Monument is a prominent landmark in Botswana which celebrates the achievements of constructing the Gaborone Dam. The dam was commissioned in 1979 and is an overflow-type, concrete gravity dam located on the Notwane River and approximately 6 km upstream of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. It is owned and managed by the Water Utilities Corporation. The Gaborone Dam Monument was built in 1983 to commemorate the completion of the project. It was designed by the renowned South African sculptor, Cecil Skotnes, and is located on grassland overlooking the dam. The abstract sculpture consists of a series of two concentric wings that enclose an ellipse. The inner circle of the monument is decorated with the images of two hippopotamuses, which symbolise the river life that the dam supports, while the outer wings are composed of metal profiles representing the basin, reservoir and dam itself. The monument stands 10.5 metres tall. The Gaborone Dam Monument serves as an important reminder of the many accomplishments of the government and other stakeholders in constructing the dam, which serves as the main source of Gaborone’s supply of water. It is also a popular visitor attraction, drawing thousands of people each year. The dam, along with the monument, is one of the most important features of the city and holds a great significance for the residents of Gaborone. You must visit one of these historical places in Botswana on your Botswana tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Gaborone Dam Monument in Botswana is the largest and most impressive monument in the country. 2. It was built in 1967 as a symbol to commemorate Botswana's independence. 3. The dam not only supplies water to the city of Gaborone, but is also home to hippos and crocs. 4. The monument is 66 metres tall and was designed by the famous South African sculptor, Frank Van Der Molen. 5. It was sculpted and designed with blocks of Kasram, a local stone. 6. Gaborone Dam Monument encompasses two aspects of Botswana’s identity; its independence and its reliance on agriculture and water resources. 7. The four pointed star at the top of the monument is symbolic of Botswana's four main ethnic groups. 8. The monument serves as an iconic photo setting. 9. At night, the Gaborone Dam Monument is illuminated in vibrant colors. 10. Visitors come from all over the world to view this incredible structure and to experience the beauty and significance of it. Visit one of the famous monuments of Botswana with your friends and family.