In a clear case of wasteful expenditure and misplaced priorities, President Felix Tshisekedi and his government have spent over $120 million United States Dollars to renovate an incomplete structure initiated by fallen dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.
The building which is located in Commune Nsele sits is less 3000 square metres. Records show that the building had been in existence for over 25 years now but had not been attended to because it was not a priority compared to the many needy areas facing the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Government officials have disclosed that the structure will now be used as a tourist attraction.
The multi-million dollar building which was intended to be a residential place also has entertainment spots.
Some officials have complained that it was unnecessary to pump huge sums of resources into a building that would end up into a tourist attraction.
“We have hospitals that need equipment; we also have to construct more schools and specialist hospitals so that our medical system improves. We saw no need for the president to insist on renovating a building that was abandoned for 25 years,” the official explained.
“What is the rush? Why should the presidency insist on this building which will end up being for tourists? It does not make sense.”
Another source says most unnecessary projects such as the house Mobutu constructed but did not complete have been used as conduits to siphon public funds by President Tshisekedi and his team.
Mobutu ruled the DRC from 1963 when he toppled Joseph Kasa Vubu through to 1997 when he, too, was overthrown by Laurent Desire Kabila in a revolution that started off in the eastern part of the country.
