Office head, Feseha Zebelo told ENA on Monday the obelisk is to be re-erected at its origional place with great care to avoid any possible damage on the heritage in the process.

Lattanzi SRL, an Italian construction company, is caring out the re-ecrection works.

The obelisk was returned to its place of origin in April 1997 after 68 years of exile in Rome.

The total budget for the project is over 2.8 million U.S. dollars, which is funded by the Italian government which also financed the transportation back from Italy of the obelisk and ensuing re-erection studies.

UNESCO is closely following the work and is providing necessary assistance for the same cause.

The obelisk weighs over 180 tons and is 28 mts high.

A study conducted by the office shows that over 500 rock hewn monuments exist in Axum and the environs.

R: 9:30-4:27

E: 6:01

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