Gleaming under the Botswana sun stands Orapa House. Its unique architecture is immediately striking. It’s more than just a building.
Orapa House isn’t just any building in Gaborone. It holds a special place in Botswana’s economic history. This impressive structure once served as the heart of Debswana’s diamond sorting and valuation operations. Before its relocation to the Gaborone Diamond Park Orapa House played a vital role in assessing the country’s precious diamond wealth.
Imagine the scene decades ago. Experts meticulously examined each diamond. The precise architecture of Orapa House ensured optimal indirect sunlight. This allowed for accurate grading of the gems. The building itself is a testament to Botswana’s commitment to its diamond industry. The design isn’t merely aesthetic. It’s functional maximizing efficiency in the diamond evaluation process.
The government’s acquisition of Orapa House in 2012 for over P79 million marked a significant turning point. There was even a parliamentary debate over the purchase price. Doubts arose concerning the building’s actual ownership. Some believed it already belonged to the government. The controversy was eventually resolved. Orapa House is now government property.
Today Orapa House is undergoing a dramatic transformation. It will become a state-of-the-art ICT hub. Millions of Pula are being invested in renovations. The building will feature modern facilities. There will be laboratories workstations and seminar rooms. High-speed internet will connect the entire facility. The project aims to foster digital technology research and development within Botswana.
This iconic skyscraper is more than just bricks and mortar. Orapa House represents Botswana’s economic past. It also symbolizes its ambitious plans for the future. As this hub of innovation takes shape Orapa House will continue to hold a unique and significant position in the heart of Gaborone. It’s a landmark for the nation’s past present and future.