What Can GOB About PUC’s Purchase of Old Mirab Building?
The previous Public Utilities Commission’s decision to purchase the old Mirab building on North Front Street in 2019 raised many questions. Under former chairman John Avery, the P.U.C. purchased the building and its properties for ten point three million dollars, but they never moved in. Instead, it is presently paying twelve thousand dollars monthly for space it rents on Gabourel Lane. The contract agreement signed by Avery is for the building and a nearby property next door to the Belize Insurance Center. While many are questioning whether the P.U.C. received value for money, payment for the building remains outstanding. According to Minister of Public Utilities, Rodwell Ferguson, that figure is an estimated nine million dollars. Prime Minister John Briceño, who admits that the matter just recently came to light, reiterates that legal advice is being sought.
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Public Utilities
“When I got into the department or the Public Utilities Commission to meet the director for the first time, that was shown to me and I said this is what is occurring and it’s robbing the cradle because the country is in a serious pandemic. We’re in a serious financial crisis and at a time like this they would see it fit to purchase a building for ten point three million Belize dollars when Belizeans are suffering.”
Reporter
“Have you found out why it is they did not move over and how much is left to be paid on that sale?”
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson
“Because after, the PUC has been misused and abused over the years and they never had the money to even pay what was due for them to pay, so they came into a terms of arrangement because the PUC is paying thirteen thousand a month just for the building that they are renting, so it is difficult for them to even renovate the present structure.”
Reporter
“How much is left to be paid?”
Rodwell Ferguson
“It’s about nine million, I believe.”
Reporter
“Sir, what does the government plan to do with PUC’s purchase of the old Mirab building?”
John Briceño, Prime Minister
“Well that has just come to our attention. We have to, I think that the Public Utilities Commission has sent the information to an attorney to study and then I guess that attorney will have to give legal advice whether there’s a contract that’s unbreakable.”
