Millions more set aside for new State House development

THE construction of the new State House complex will cost the taxpayer well over half a billion dollars by the time it is completed in 2009.

The latest development budget for next three financial years indicates that N$120,8 million is to be set aside for construction during the 2006/07 financial year. In her Budget speech last week, Finance Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila only said that the State House project would receive an “additional allocation” of N$44 million this financial year.This year’s allocation is more than double what Government forecast last year that it would spend in this financial year on the State House buildings.Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said during the Budget presentation that Government was aiming to complete the project as quickly as possible to avoid further cost escalation and to free up resources for other development projects.The N$545 million Government is set to have spent on the construction of the new State House by 2009 excludes a further N$47 million or so (depending on the accuracy of varying previous development budgets) during the first phase of feasibility studies and designing the project.Budget documents do not reflect the contributions made by the Chinese Government to the State House project.The building of the State House in Windhoek’s Auasblick area is already well advanced and recently the boundary fence encircling the property became a visible feature.According to the Development Budget, during this year the second phase of the project will be expanded even further with power connections being laid, guard and guest quarters, an office block and new Cabinet Chambers being built.”The construction of [the] administrative block and other facilities will provide adequate facilities and create an environment within which the President would be able to do his Presidential work effectively,” reads the development budget document.A further N$98,9 million and N$12,4 million in the next two financial years respectively have been earmarked for the project.Of this year’s N$120,8 million allocation, N$32,8 million will go towards materials and supplies, N$22 million for furniture, N$500 000 for feasibility studies, design and supervision and N$65,5 million for the construction, renovation and improvements to the property.According to targets listed under the Presidential vote, 90 per cent of the complete construction of the new State House should be completed by 2008-09.It appears the Windhoek Municipality will have to wait at least another year before Government pays it for the land on which the State House is being built.An allocation of N$24 million is set aside for the purchase of land in 2007/08.In the main Budget document, the construction of the new State House is listed under a programme titled ‘Protection and Defence of the Constitution’ under the vote of the Office of the President.Government last year began categorising budget allocations according to projects and goals.This year, Government will also spend N$25,2 million on State House extensions in the regions, a further N$17,2 million in 2007/08 and N$22,4 million in 2008/09.In her Budget speech last week, Finance Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila only said that the State House project would receive an “additional allocation” of N$44 million this financial year.This year’s allocation is more than double what Government forecast last year that it would spend in this financial year on the State House buildings.Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said during the Budget presentation that Government was aiming to complete the project as quickly as possible to avoid further cost escalation and to free up resources for other development projects.The N$545 million Government is set to have spent on the construction of the new State House by 2009 excludes a further N$47 million or so (depending on the accuracy of varying previous development budgets) during the first phase of feasibility studies and designing the project.Budget documents do not reflect the contributions made by the Chinese Government to the State House project.The building of the State House in Windhoek’s Auasblick area is already well advanced and recently the boundary fence encircling the property became a visible feature. According to the Development Budget, during this year the second phase of the project will be expanded even further with power connections being laid, guard and guest quarters, an office block and new Cabinet Chambers being built.”The construction of [the] administrative block and other facilities will provide adequate facilities and create an environment within which the President would be able to do his Presidential work effectively,” reads the development budget document.A further N$98,9 million and N$12,4 million in the next two financial years respectively have been earmarked for the project.Of this year’s N$120,8 million allocation, N$32,8 million will go towards materials and supplies, N$22 million for furniture, N$500 000 for feasibility studies, design and supervision and N$65,5 million for the construction, renovation and improvements to the property.According to targets listed under the Presidential vote, 90 per cent of the complete construction of the new State House should be completed by 2008-09.It appears the Windhoek Municipality will have to wait at least another year before Government pays it for the land on which the State House is being built.An allocation of N$24 million is set aside for the purchase of land in 2007/08.In the main Budget document, the construction of the new State House is listed under a programme titled ‘Protection and Defence of the Constitution’ under the vote of the Office of the President.Government last year began categorising budget allocations according to projects and goals.This year, Government will also spend N$25,2 million on State House extensions in the regions, a further N$17,2 million in 2007/08 and N$22,4 million in 2008/09.