PROGRESS IN BUILDING FIRST DISTRICT HOSPITAL

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Health what progress has been made in the construction of the first District Hospital.

Mr Braga: Mr Speaker, Sir, the site of the District Hospital on East Coast Road has been surveyed, the lay-out site plan approved, and a Gazette notification for the acquisition of the site and access roads will appear or should appear next week. Detailed drawings are in the course of preparation. These, I am told, are due to take at least a year to complete. The ground work, however, is expected to commence in three or four months' time.

Mr John Ede: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction over the great delay in the building of the District Hospital, now extended over two years?

Mr Braga: Any delay, Mr Speaker, Sir, is outside my own jurisdiction.

Mr John Ede: Mr Speaker, Sir, does the Minister not regard himself as responsible in any way for the building of the District Hospital?