By Belize Live News Staff: The Belmopan university hospital has a loan, a design contract, 15 acres of land and two construction bids. What it does not have is a building.
Cabinet approved the 150 bed facility in April 2023. A BZ$90 million Saudi loan was signed in May that year.
Since then, government bought 15 acres from Annie Zhu and Kenny Zheng for $6.9 million, after deciding not to place the hospital on University of Belize land. In December 2024, Saudi firm Dar Al Omran International Engineering Consulting Company took the design contract for $3.27 million.
Now, more than three years after the loan was signed, two Saudi companies have put in bids to build it.
Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard says the evaluation committee meets next week. After due diligence, including review by the Office of the Contractor General, he expects groundbreaking by December.
It is the second Saudi funded project moving slowly through the system, alongside the US$77 million solar plant that has yet to disburse a dollar.
Will we see a shovel in the ground this December?
