Minister ‘fed up’ with all parties in hospital project

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The building site in February 2017.

WILLEMSTAD–Recent contradictory statements and personal accusations against each other between parties involved in building “Hospital Nobo Otrobanda” (HNO) were the last drop for Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Suzanne Camelia-Römer.

The minister blasted the project’s development funding agency SONA, contractor Ballast Nedam and former supervisor Berenschot a hefty sweep. She is really fed up with all of them.

“You fight like ruffs and call each other disgusting names, but this is a new hospital for the people of Curaçao. I do not participate in this. Everyone has to pull up their socks and finally take responsibility.

“I’m looking after one interest: of Curaçao. I say to everyone today; to SONA, Berenschot and Ballast Nedam and hear me well: Not on my watch!”

Camelia-Römer also spoke about the 31 million-US-dollar lien placed on SONA with Curaçao as the liable party. Rene Overdevest of Ballast Nedam announced in Parliament that the lien was placed for “work still to be done.”

There was – among other things due to media reports – concern about the financial situation of SONA and therefore the contractor decided not to wait any longer.

The minister said it is not correct to communicate with her through the media and letters to Parliament or take such drastic actions as placing a lien with government as liable party.

“Ballast Nedam could have asked for a meeting. Government will honour all claims provided there is proper financial documentation.

“And no one has any doubts about that. This country is not a banana republic, it is a country of order,” said the minister during her intervention in Parliament.

She thinks SONA should demand the lifting of the lien and warned Ballast Nedam that no money will be spent on activities that have not been carried out.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/75769-minister-fed-up-with-all-parties-in-hospital-project

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