Audio By Carbonatix
Mozambique's government expects to spend about $325,000 (£266,000) on preparations for Pope Francis’ visit next week, state radio reports, but not everybody is happy.
"There is a basic budget but it is being adjusted, considering that when things like this are being done, there are occasional situations which need to be dealt with," Foreign Minister Jose Pacheco told Radio Mozambique, justifying the sum.
Some residents of the capital, Maputo, told the BBC that the money should be spent on improvements to the city regardless of whether somebody important is visiting.
"This is stupid! Why wait for the Pope's visit to make our city beautiful? This is what Maputo should always look like," resident Bernicia Cotela says.
"It's like applying cosmetics to your body before bathing. Why paint a good picture of something which is not the reality?"
Others, like Afonso Silveira, think the price tag is justified because "ensuring the security of the Pope is something that requires a lot of investment... including the roads, the cathedral and the stadiums".
"But I am also of the opinion that cleanliness, security and the renovation of the city should be a permanent task for all of us, including the government," he adds.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Two Turkish firms to construct water treatment plant for Eastern Accra
12 seconds -
Rising sophistication in science and technology is deepening corruption – Kufuor
14 minutes -
Allegations of product hoarding by OMCs are baseless – CBOD
18 minutes -
Council of State not enough to check executive – Kufuor
19 minutes -
CLOGSAG strike without production: Ghana’s dangerous culture of entitlement
23 minutes -
Achimota School raises infrastructure concerns as surging demand outpaces facilities
23 minutes -
Ghana’s economic challenges fuel corruption, private sector must grow – Kufuor
26 minutes -
Five Iranian footballers granted Australian visas after anthem protest
27 minutes -
Kufuor calls for higher pay for public servants to curb corruption
36 minutes -
Kufuor calls for stronger separation of powers, greater parliamentary control over national budget
45 minutes -
Kufuor proposes non-partisan chamber to vet presidential nominees
56 minutes -
Executives of ACCA and the newly inducted ACCA members in a group photo at the event
59 minutes -
Kufuor proposes second house of Parliament made up of traditional leaders, professionals
1 hour -
‘Thirst in the North’: Chiyifoyili residents say severe water shortage is straining marriages
1 hour -
Ghana Immigration arrests 93 foreigners, rescues 73 abuse victims in DEVTRACO estate raid
1 hour
