A UNIVERSITY don has said that Government should consider turning State House into a ‘living museum’ for tourism following Cabinet’s refusal to construct a new State House.
University of Zambia senior business development expert Mwenda Mupashi said yesterday that the buildings at State House are symbolic of governance evolution and that the building has deep connection to the history of the nation.
Cabinet this week declined to approve a Ministry of Works and Supply proposal on the construction of a new State House main administration building for use by the President and members of staff.
“There is no harm in the building becoming a living museum, meaning the President can work and live there but certain sections of the building can be used as a museum with artefacts, literature, photographs displayed to show how we have been evolving under the auspices of different leaders, and tours can be conducted,” Mr Mupashi said.
He said the monies meant for the project should all be channelled to enhancing the longevity of the current building for posterity to appreciate.
He said this is because State House has sentimental and historical value as a national property like other known age-old classic buildings such as the Capitol Hill and Buckingham Palace.
Mr Mupashi said there is need to increase the skill-sets among construction and maintenance engineers, botanic and animal scientists to spur creativity and turn State House into a global spectacle, reflecting Zambia’s political past and present.
“Constructing something new is the easiest, but we need to invest into a skills-set for historic preservation. The plants, animals and everything else at State House must have a national connotation to enrich both local and international tourists,” he said.
He said engineers and scientists must comprehend the sentimental historical value of the buildings for them to undertake engineering work with a social context of preserving history.
Mr Mupashi also proposed the introduction of a law to explain how ancient buildings should be managed and preserved.
“This is why our counterparts in Europe still have ancient buildings. When you look at the picture of London in 1922 and today, some parts look the same and it’s not because they don’t have the money to build new structures, but it is done for people to understand history. The outside may look ancient, but the inside is extremely modernised,” he said.
Lol, ba selfish PF would neverr accept that…they’ll say the opposition will use the visits for sabotage and spying.
When and who made the state house that dirty for ministry to decide just to build a new structure? Is there are a woman there to decorate and make it a house/home? Or today wives are busy forming NGOS?
That’s what they wanna do but mulekana futi why are we like this please guys let’s give a credit where it’s Due
That’s a good idea, because Tourism will generate more money, plus When accommodation is Available we will not loose a lot of Dollars, from Tourists who watch our animals but spent the night in south Africa why? Because of Beautiful infrastructures, so if we have what they follow in south Africa then we shall become economical BOOM!!!! NOT ATI ARE GOING TO BE EATING BUILDINGS AND ROADS PLEASE OPPOSITION ==>ARE YOU CRAZY?
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VOTE FOR EDGAR LUNGU
INKAMA NI DEVELOMENT
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QUESTION FROM OPPOSITON,ARE PEOPLE GOING TO EAT ROADS AND BUILDINGS? ANSWER UBUKOPO BA OPPOSITION NAPWISHA
Atleast some one in this country is thinking…
Amending the legal framework for preservation of historical buildings and other national monuments and places of interest for tourism is a an excellent idea. promotion of tourism takes many dimensions, including historical galleries. The traditional dances are also excellent. Even eco-tourism with game viewing is also great. But access to museum space is also required. It makes educational sense and it makes business sense. It is a clear win-win situation. Compared to a place of worship, the museum will cut across all social barriers.