The coalitions has noted with deep concern and dismay the latest evidence of the government’s gross incompetence and lack of foresight that is set to cost this country’s already hard-pressed taxpayers almost N$12 million. The fact that the feasibility study done before a start was made with the building of the new state house complex failed to provide for either enough ground or security measures commensurate with such a project must go down as an example of the total contempt in which this government holds this country’s people who must provide the money for this exorbitant exercise.

What makes the latest announcement by Minister Moses Amweelo even more a cause for concern is the fact that no decision has yet been taken about what the government is to do with the approximately 50 properties, many of which include hugely expensive houses, which it is now proposing to expropriate for "safety and security" reasons in the vicinity of the new state house complex. One can only assume that, if by living in these houses, Namibian citizens will constitute a security risk for the president and his guests, the houses will have to be demolished – a further waste of the taxpayers’ money.

The coalition feels that provision should have been made both for enough ground and the security aspects of the project before the first brick was laid. The fact the government now finds itself in this embarrassing position is ample evidence of a lack of competence at the highest levels of Government.

We will continue to investigate this disaster for we need to find out who did the feasibility study, at what prize and what can be done to recover the money for this gross oversight.