Pekan Hospital a ‘sick project’
23/06/2007 The Star

PEKAN: Another newly built government building has been found with defects. This time, it is the RM90mil Pekan Hospital.

The problems have caught the attention of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who said: “The hospital itself is a sick project.”

Nevertheless, he said the hospital was still operational.

“And I hope the staff will be able to render better services,” he told reporters after listening to a briefing by hospital director Dr Marhani Awang here yesterday.

At least two leaks have been found at a staircase that leads to the second floor of one of the blocks of the hospital.

This has left unsightly watermarks on the staircase wall.

Work on the hospital, located about 2km from town, commenced in 2001. It was supposed to be completed in 2003 but was finally ready this year after the developer was given at least six extensions.

“The hospital already took six years to complete. When it is ready, there are defects and leaks everywhere,” said Dr Chua.

However, the building was still under warranty and the developer was expected to rectify the problems within a month, he added.