CONGO/B: CORRECT VERSION -- NON-DISPOSAL OF

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000321 SIPDIS FOR OBO/REPM FROM BRAZZAVILLE EMBASSY OFFICE E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: ABLD AMGT KSEP SUBJECT: CONGO/B: CORRECT VERSION -- NON-DISPOSAL OF EXCESS, UNDERUTILIZED OR FUNCTIONALLY OBSOLETE OWNED REAL PROPERTY AND UTILIZATION REPORT REF: A) KINSHASA 00287 B) STATE 25244 ¶1. BRAZZAVILLE IS BOUNCING BACK AFTER SIX YEARS OF CIVIL WAR. HOWEVER, IT IS ALSO THE WORLD'S FOURTH MOST EXPENSIVE CITY TO LIVE IN, WITH LIMITED REAL ESTATE AND OPTIONS FOR HOUSING OR OTHER FACILITIES. AT PRESENT, PROPERTY IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN, AND ADEQUATE FACILITIES IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CHALLENGES IN THE CAPITAL. POST BELIEVES THE USG WILL BE BETTER SERVED TO RETAIN THE PROPERTY CONSIDERED IN REF A FOR DISPOSAL UNTIL NEC IS COMPLETED. WE CURRENTLY OWN THIS LAND, AND TO FIND OR PAY FOR ANY NEW PROPERTY IN BRAZZAVILLE WOULD BE MORE THAN A CHALLENGE. THEREFORE PLEASE DISREGARD REF A AND CONSIDER THIS CABLE POST'S REPORT ON SUBJECT. ¶2. BRAZZAVILLE EMBASSY OFFICE - SANDERS MEECE