Overview:

The National Assembly Building in Gaborone, Botswana is the seat of the lower house of Parliament of Botswana, the National Assembly. It is located in the Central Business District of the capital city, Gaborone. The building was inaugurated in September 2016 and it was built by an international consortium, AECOM/KBL. The building is the centrepiece of Parliament Square, a 4-hectare site in heart of the city. The entire complex consists of the Four-Storey National Assembly Building, surrounded by lush vegetation and landscape. The building is L shaped with each leg representing the two chambers of Parliament. The construction material used is mainly glass, while the façades will have distinct colours to create a colourful visual effect. The National Assembly Building was designed to not only provide a modern functional space for the Parliamentarians to conduct their proceedings, but also created to provide a visual representation of democracy in Botswana. The building has been built with the utmost care in providing facilities for persons with disabilities, including ramps, lifts and Braille signage. The building also includes state-of-the-art IT and communications infrastructure that will provide real-time telecasting of parliamentary proceedings on the Internet and other digital platforms. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Botswana
Prominent Features:

1. The National Assembly Building is located in the city of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. 2. The building was designed by British architects, Snowman and Partners, and was completed in 1962. 3. The building is a three-storey structure, made from reinforced concrete, and is characterized by its distinctive stepped façade. 4. Its entrance is graced by an iconic sculpture, which was made by the renowned South African artist, Lucas Majozi. 5. The building is made up of several offices and chambers, including the main debating chamber, used for legislative sessions. 6. During legislative sessions, the Prime Minister of Botswana and his cabinet sit in the main chamber, as do members of the opposition and other officials. 7. The National Assembly Building is considered one of the most iconic buildings in Gaborone and is a defining feature of the city’s skyline. This national monument of Botswana portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The National Assembly Building in Gaborone, Botswana, was officially opened on 28 October 1984. It was designed by Sheila F. Thebus of Cape Town and was built by VSL Botswana, a South African company. The building is constructed of concrete and brick and features a large copper dome and an open atrium. The site of the National Assembly Building was originally owned by the Botswana government, but its value for the purpose of the building was realized in 1982. A open international competition was then held in order to find a suitable design. Architects from countries such as Britain, the United States, and Zimbabwe participated. Sheila F. Thebus’ award-winning design was chosen from this competition. The building’s main purpose is to serve as the home of the National Assembly of Botswana, the legislative body of the country. The building is host to several branches and offices of the Assembly, including the offices of the Speaker, Clerk, and Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. It is also the site of several important parliamentary functions, such as the swearing in of the President and the State of the Nation address. The building was built at a cost of 28 million Botswana pula. It is generally considered one of the most significant and iconic buildings in Botswana’s capital. You must visit one of these historical places in Botswana on your Botswana tour

Interesting facts:

1. The National Assembly Building in Gaborone, Botswana, is the home of the Parliament of Botswana. It was designed by French architects Denua Serle Sdn Bhd in 2010 and was officially inaugurated in 2012. 2. The building was specifically designed to be a powerful symbol of democracy and the nation's independence, as well as a model for green and sustainable design. 3. The building uses solar power for electricity production and rainwater harvesting for non-potable water supply. 4. It features eco-friendly lighting fixtures, low-flow water fixtures, and two landscaped gardens planted with drought-resistant plants. 5. The building has an impressive three-storey high bronze sculpture of Setswana cattle, which are synonymous with the Botswana economy. 6. It is also home to the National Assembly's library, which contains more than 20,000 books on politics, economics, and law. 7. In addition, the building also houses the Office of the Speaker of the House, offices for Members of Parliament and Ministers, and meeting rooms for committee and caucus meetings. Visit one of the famous monuments of Botswana with your friends and family.