21/09/2013 00:00
TW
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by Staff Reporter

PALMA
ALTHOUGH the Save La Real Platform is continuing its fight to stop the construction of the new National Health hospital at Son Espases, as shown by last night's demo outside government headquarters, it now seems increasingly likely that the coalition government will vote for this option after all.

But in doing so, Balearic leader Francesc Antich will face opposition from the members of his coalition government, particularly the Bloc (Majorcan Socialist Party, United Left-Greens and Catalan Republican Left).

The alternative to Son Espases is refurbishing Son Dureta with the possibility of building a new facility on the site, with both options offering pros and cons.

The government is studying technical and legal reports and is expected to announce its decision on October 3.
But Antich is reported to have already told Biel Barcelo, the spokesman for the Bloc, and the Majorcan Union (UM) which also forms part of the coalition government, that the choice will be Son Espases, although with changes to the project.

These changes will include measures to prevent speculation in the area surrounding Son Espases, north of Palma, which is largely undeveloped.
It is in Secar de la Real and close to the Monasterio de la Real.
Work at Son Espases was started under the previous Partido Popular government of Jaume Matas, but was ordered to stop on two accounts: archaeological remains were found and the socialists wanted time to consider other options, having included the issue in their electoral programmes.

Josep Llabrés, who heads the Save La Real Platform, criticised Antich for his recent defence of building at Son Espases on the grounds that work at Son Dureta would take seven years.

At yesterday's demo, members of the platform carried banners with slogans such as “Don't disappoint us”, “Keep your promise” and “Son Espases, road open to corruption.” Staff at Son Dureta are opposed to refurbishment. “COMPENSATION WOULD BE MORE THAN 20 MILLION EUROS” l ACCORDING to Aina Castillo, the former Partido Popular health minister, compensation which would have to be paid if the Balearic government decided not to go ahead with the Son Espases project, would be “considerably more” than the 20 million euros voiced by Francesc Antich earlier this week. She said it was now time for him to “make a really important decision.” She added that “there are no more excuses and he has the responsibility to govern” and to make “the best decision for residents and improve the health service amenities in the Balearics.”