Activities >> Sites

Gabon: Cathedrale de Sainte Marie

Background

On the occasion of the Steering Committee meeting of AFRICA 2009 held in Libreville Gabon, the Direction de la Culture du Gabon organized a visit of AFRICA 2009 staff to several sites throughout the country. The Minister of Culture, himself, participated in most of the visits and expressed his wish to have AFRICA 2009 support work on some of the sites and monuments of Gabon to help the country to develop additional operational capacities. The Cathédrale de Libreville was chosen as the first priority because it is one of the major monuments in the country, it is in deteriorated condition, it is highly visibility to the people of Gabon, and it is easily accessible for work. A first mission in July 2002 made an overall inspection of the state of conservation of the cathedral and some other missionary sites exploring existing skills and identifying possible conservation options.

Objectives

As a follow-up to the first mission, the objectives of the work carried out in 2003 were to:

• assess works carried out since the previous mission and document them;
• evaluate the efficiency of works undertaken and evaluate current proposals;
• assess the evolution of the state of conservation of the cathedral;
• establish a programme for the future and assess availability of resources;
• continue the sensitization campaign for public officials.
  

Structure

The project is providing technical and scientific support to the authorities of Gabon who have begun to be more active in the field of the conservation of the national cultural heritage. The support from AFRICA 2009 addresses both technical and strategic needs as well as assists the authorities in fundraising for major works to be done.

Results

• After a detailed survey carried out with mountain climbing equipment, the “serious” state of conservation of the roof of the cathedral has been confirmed and moreover judged very critical, in spite of the “first aid” works implemented.
• The urgency of intervention has been confirmed as well as the need to provide an appropriate conservation background to the potential skilled contractors.
• Possible partners for the implementation of the works and technical assistance needs have been updated.
• Several contractors have been identified. They will produce project proposals, including costing them so that further decisions can be taken.
• The need to undertake a complete survey of the decorations of the cathedral also appears to be pressing. Efforts will be made to carry out this work done in the near future.