Construction of P130-M hospital suspended

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed on Aug  14,2019 the suspension of a P130-million hospital project in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.

Lacson said the construction of the extension building of Eleuterio T. Decena Memorial Hospital was stopped because of road right of way issues.

“There’s a problem of road right of way ownership. Unless that is resolved, temporarily we have to cease the construction. I understand that the owners will now come to terms. They realized that it’s not a personal concern but the concern of the whole community of Hinoba-an and we hope to resolve that soon,” Lacson said.

Lacson explained that the suspension of the project came about because there was a notice from the owner that they want the project stopped.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said complaints reached the Capitol that the owner of the one-hectare land where the extension of the hospital will be constructed has barred ambulances and construction vehicles from passing through.

A toll gate was also placed in the area and toll fees were charged.

Upon investigation, Diaz said it was found out that the one-hectare land has no title in favor of the province.

“We suspended the construction because we want to settle all legal documents. We are asking the heirs of the former donor and have the donated area transferred to the province. We want the legal papers rectified and a new Deed of Donation will be secured by the province,” Diaz explained.

Eleuterio Decena was the original donor to the Department of Health, not the province, Diaz said.

Of the P130-million fund allocated for the hospital extension, contractor ESJ Construction has already spent the 15 percent mobilization.

Lacson also assured that the construction of the hospital will continue as soon as the legal papers are already in place.