The first stage of the restoration programme, funded by the Government of Argentina, started on 18 December, according to the Argentine newspaper Clarín. UNOPS has been appointed to recruit experts and consultants to design the project and to manage their contracts and payments. UNOPS will also help UBA produce the technical documentation needed for the tendering process to be carried out.

According to Clarín the Hospital de Clínicas, an old, 17-floor building, shows clear signs of deterioration due to deferred maintenance.  The education minister underscored that the refurbishment works “will ensure the right to education and health for all”, stressing the hospital’s role as a key centre for medical education on the continent, the newspaper reported.

During the presentation of the project, Vice-chancellor Hallú stated that the first stage of the project will finish at the latest by September 2009, after which invitations to bid on the renovation works and the procurement of new equipment will be launched, Clarín said.

Source: Clarin (SP)