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
-
Dangote defends $16bn Kenya refinery as residents raise compensation, environmental concerns
8 seconds -
Work begins on 160-bed Western North Regional Referral Hospital – Kwakye Ofosu
1 minute -
GPRTU says non-member commercial vehicles pose challenge to road safety enforcement
2 minutes -
Fuel transport licensing gaps could enable abuse and diversion – Transparency International Ghana
3 minutes -
Former Youth and Sports Minister questions Carlos Queiroz appointment process, alleges possible corruption
5 minutes -
NHIA targets 80% population coverage under 2026–2028 strategic plan
7 minutes -
MTTD must intensify enforcement against unregulated drivers – NRSA
7 minutes -
NRSA proposes separate registration and number plates for Okada riders
9 minutes -
National PTA backs striking teacher unions, urges Mahama to intervene
14 minutes -
Israel-bound flight diverted after fight between pilots
19 minutes -
EchoWave earns praise for sound quality at 10th Women in Worship
29 minutes -
Crackdown on South Africa’s unsafe streets ordered by president to keep women safe
41 minutes -
Banks are responding to improved monetary policy conditions – John Awuah
60 minutes -
Judges’ conference forces further adjournment of Salomey Baffoe case to Oct. 5
1 hour -
Chorkor community joins AC4NCA clean-up to tackle marine and coastal pollution
1 hour