Tonight, more is known about the parcels of land government bought to build the 90 million dollar University Hospital.
We have confirmed that it's a shade under 15 acres at the entrance to Belmopan - the purchase price is reported to be upwards of 6 million dollars. As we reported on Friday, a part of the property is low lying and does adjoin the Capital City's sewage ponds.
And while that is confirmation, what's new tonight is that we know the name of the business owner who sold it to government.
Jules Vasquez reports:
Jules Vasquez
"Sir how much is the government paying for the land for the university hospital outside of Belmopan?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I really don't have the number on me, but I can get it."
Jules Vasquez
"It's not an insignificant amount, it's millions of dollars."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, obviously."
Documents obtained by 7News say the properties are owned by businessman Kenny Zheng. And the site value which the Belmopan City Council gives to them is. a mere fraction of the reported sale price.
The parcels are beside the George Price highway on one side, sewage ponds on the other.
So while its suitability can be questioned, what many want to know is, how did the land come to government's attention?
Jules Vasquez
"How did you all land into this piece of land, which I'm told is owned by a well-connected businessman? Was it offered to you? One has to ask. is it a special arrangement?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I had nothing to do with the with the whole process and um as to whether you should go too far or not, I'm sure that they have gone through that. They have gone through the process to why is it that they did that go to the house whatever, um so I just have to to accept that the people in the ministry of health followed the proper process as to how they want in making this decision."
Jules Vasquez
"But is the land owner a friend of the government? Or maybe of the trade ambassador?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Probably. I'd have to check, but, but, again, what you need to look at is not about the people, but really if the area if it's going to to meet the needs. And I trust the people in Ministry of Health and they're saying this is the area that is going to be able to meet their needs for this."
Jules Vasquez
"It's beside sewage ponds, sir."
But, though he may wish it, the PM can't just wave this one away, questions from the public persist and answers continue to prove evasive.
The Prime Minister has stated that it is the "professionals at the Ministry of Health" who told the government where to put the hospital. That conflicts with our information, but we'll keep following up.
