Government to investigate hospital claims

THE GOVERNMENT has ordered an investigation into reports that sub-standard construction materials were being used for the new Nicosia general hospital.

However, Communications and Works Minister Leontios Ierodiakonou was quick to claim that while dodgy materials had indeed found their way to the Athalassa building site, they had been rejected by site inspectors and were never actually used.

A number of local dailies reported yesterday that sub-standard concrete, sand and bricks were being used to build the £50 million new hospital. The papers carried what they said were copies of relevant letters sent to the Public Works department by government site inspectors.

Ierodiakonou, speaking after a cabinet meeting yesterday morning, said he had ordered an investigation into the allegations.

“From what I have been informed so far it is a fact that materials had been taken there that were not up to standard,” Ierodiakonou said.

“These materials were rejected by the relevant department and were replaced. Unsuitable materials were not used in construction,” he stated.

The minister said he did not think any action would be taken against the construction company.

“Since sub-standard materials were not used, I cannot see what measures could be taken (against the contractor). But I do not know at this stage whether any of the technical terms in the contract were violated by the construction company,” he said.

Later in the day, the Works Ministry issued a statement saying there was nothing to worry about.

The problems reported by the media were “known” to the Ministry and had been “dealt with in accordance with the contract and accepted procedures,” the statement read.

“The quality of materials is systematically checked and where deviations from the terms of the contract are found the necessary corrective measures are taken,” the Ministry added.

“The Ministry believes the problem has been unnecessarily blown out of proportion and the construction company and (site) inspectors unfairly slandered.”

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