THE INVESTIGATIVE committee’s report into the delays in building the new Nicosia general hospital was yesterday submitted to the Attorney-general for further investigation by Communication and Works Minister Haris Thrasou.
Speaking to reporters Thrasou said Petros Clerides was expected to reach a decision of possible criminal or disciplinary responsibility before the end of May.
“Along with the report I have also handed in our own evaluation which will help the Attorney-general with further investigations,” said Thrasou.
The report, which does not apportion criminal, disciplinary or administrative responsibility for the delays, establishes any prima facie evidence of negligence or criminal liability.
It reviews the responsibilities and actions of a gamut of people involved in construction of the new hospital, beginning with architects and project supervisors and moving up to the permanent secretaries of ministries.
Thrasou said the Attorney-general would investigate all levels of responsibility independent of whether they were criminal, administrative or disciplinary.
In light of finding criminal responsibility the matter with how to proceed would lie with the Attorney-general. However any administrative or disciplinary responsibilities would be dealt with through the relevant civil service mechanisms set up for such matters.
The building of the new Nicosia hospital, which has been dubbed the “greatest scandal in the history of the Republic”, has been plagued by a storm of snags, ranging from problems with contractors to securing the necessary equipment.
Construction of the new hospital got under way back in 1997, with the opening date initially slated for mid-2003. But time and again the deadlines have been moved, with the new launch date now promising to be February or March this year, which Thrasou yesterday said the government aimed to keep. In the meantime the cost of the project has skyrocketed to over £100 million from the original £67 million estimate.
Today, the Communications Ministry will be submitting to Cabinet its proposals for further action. The top body will assess the investigative commission’s findings and will most likely be asking the Attorney-general’s office to look into the matter.
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