Contract Signed for Design of New Belmopan Hospital

A new tertiary level teaching hospital is in the works. Earlier today, the Government of Belize signed an agreement with Dar Al Omran International Engineering Consulting Company to design and oversee the project. Under the contract, DAO will handle the architectural and engineering design for a hundred-and-fifty-bed hospital complex in the Belmopan area. They’ll be in charge of the entire project, from the layout and construction to the landscaping of the complex. The company will make sure that the hospital complex is designed and built to meet all the necessary standards and specifications. The value of the contract is the equivalent of three point two million Belize dollars. Back in August, the Briceno administration came under fire when it was revealed that the Government of Belize chose not to use land owned by the University of Belize. Instead, they opted to purchase a fifteen-acre plot from businessman Kenny Zheng. This land is set to be the site of the new hospital. Interestingly, Zheng and Annie Hong Zu had originally purchased the land for a much lower price than what the government paid. That private property was purchased for a whopping six-point-nine million dollars. Residents were also worried about how close the site is to BWS’ sewer pond, which is just around the corner.  Earlier today, Minister of Health & Wellness Kevin Bernard spoke about the contract signing.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“I want to, as well, thank you all for this opportunity and I think that it’s been long awaited and this is a true commitment to the people of Belize in improving healthcare and I am appreciative of the fact that we were able to reach this stage today.  As you know, Belize’s only tertiary facility that exists is at the Karl Heusner and this will add to the services that we now offer and bring benefits in providing quality access to healthcare.  So, on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the wider government, I want to thank you all and I look forward to the work and commencement of this very important project.”

 

Yacoub Shubeilat, Managing Director, Dar Al Omran

“It’s our pleasure to be appointed for this project which is important for Belize.  We are glad that we represent a Saudi firm to lead the design and supervision consultancy services for the Belmopan hospital and we look forward to a fruitful coordination and work relationship with all the stakeholders in Belmopan so that we can deliver this hospital as per the client’s expectations.  Hopefully we can see and we can meet again while we open this hospital within the forecasted period for the design and construction.  Thank you very much.”

 

DAO is a seasoned architecture and engineering firm with over forty-three years of experience, specializing in healthcare infrastructure. They’ve completed projects in more than twenty countries, including building over six thousand hospital beds and two million square meters of space. DAO also has experience working with the Saudi Fund for Development across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caribbean. The contract with the Government of Belize spans fifty-five months. During this time, DAO will create and get approval for the design, oversee the construction of the complex, and dedicate the last twelve months to addressing any defects and liabilities.