No trace of tender procedures could be found, but yesterday afternoon with the tabling of the budget for the 2014/2015 financial year by Finance Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the building site in Auasblick was pointed out by senior officials where the foundation of the retirement house of N$35,7 million is being built (see picture).
In terms of the medium term expenditure framework (MTEF) 2014/2015 (development programs) “the project is focusing on the construction of the resident facilities”, and will provide accommodation and security to President Pohamba.
An amount of N$3,25 million would be spent on the feasibility study, design and supervision.
However, according to the officials the money budgeted for this project could be insufficient to build a mansion of this calibre, and the funds expenditure could rise up to N$100 million.
A Chinese company started with construction of this elaborate double-story mansion apparently at the beginning of this year.
The construction of the house at the expense of the ratepayers, which should be completed before March next year, is an additional benefit for Pohamba, apart from the pension and benefits for former presidents.
The pension and benefits include a monthly pension equal to his current basic salary, as well as payment of a gratuity of an amount equal to the annual salary payable to him before he ceases to hold office as president.
The construction of the Pohamba mansion was allocated to Qingdao Construction, the same Chinese company which built the Sam Nujoma Foundation at a cost of about N$60 million.
In another surprise move, the City of Windhoek apparently donated the two erven, totaling about 5 400 square meters, on which the house is being built in the Auasblick suburb. To buy the erven would have cost the man in the street about N$8 million.
The MTEF (development programs) confirmed that the erven were a grant from the City of Windhoek.
The ground floor will, inter alia, consist of four garages for vehicles, three guest rooms, and a dining area for 30 persons, main guest lounge, as well as a private lounge, kitchen and laundry room, bar and braai area, a double volume lobby, and a library and office.
The top floor will have three family bedrooms, accommodation for staff, another two bedrooms, a family lounge, gym and a helicopter landing space.
Pohamba will step down as Head of State on 20 March next year.
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