As prison officials at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, struggle to explain an inmate hunger strike a new report has revealed that the United States Southern Command has requested funding for construction of a new building, as well as for maintenance on the existing facility.

Media outlets have speculated that the new project could cost American taxpayers a sum approaching $200 million, a sum that had some scratching their heads after Southern Command General John F. Kelly testified before Congress Wednesday that the improvements would cost between $150 and $170 million.

The existence of Camp 7, where some of the military’s most notorious inmates are housed, has long been known, but never commented on by top officials. A new detention structure to replace the dilapidated Camp 7 would cost the US government $49 million out of the $195.7 million price tag, according to the New York Times.

Construction of this sort has been scrutinized of late because of budget cuts expected to put a stiff toll on government services. Gen. Kelly admitted that any work on Gitmo would lead to a “considerable bill” because “everything that’s built down there is at least twice as expensive.”

FULL STORY & VIDEO: http://rt.com/op-edge/guantanamo-bay-money-pit-634/