Awerco Construction Limited has threatened legal action against the Ministry of Health. The company demands the Ministry retract a recent press statement. This statement unfairly blames Awerco for delays at the Weija Specialist Children's Hospital. Lawyers for Awerco sent a letter on May 8, 2026. They state the Ministry published inaccuracies and misrepresentations.
These claims could harm Awerco's reputation and business. The dispute began with a Ministry press release on May 5, 2026. This release was titled 'Operationalisation of the Weija Paediatric Hospital'. It alleged procurement irregularities and inflated medical equipment costs. The Ministry claimed prices were up to 11 times their actual cost.
Awerco Construction rejects these allegations. The company calls them unfounded. It insists the Ministry provided no evidence to support the claims. Awerco stated its client has been wrongly portrayed. The Ministry's inability to commission the hospital was unfairly blamed on Awerco. The contractor argues it fulfilled all contractual obligations.
The company also noted repeated requests for payment. Awerco has written to the Ministry over the past year. It sought payment for outstanding obligations. The Ministry has not responded, according to Awerco. The contractor disputes the idea it halted the commissioning process. Its letter only raised concerns about handover procedures.
Awerco stressed the need for essential protective systems. These include uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units. Automatic voltage regulators are also needed. These systems safeguard sensitive medical equipment. The absence of such systems could damage equipment. It could also disrupt hospital operations. The company believes delays in payment affected mandatory training.
This end-user training is vital for handover. Failure to conduct this training risks the project. It also risks patient safety. Critical medical equipment might not be operated properly. Awerco questions why the Ministry would operationalize the hospital. This is especially true if they believe procurement prices were inflated.
Awerco Construction demanded a retraction of parts of the Ministry's statement. This retraction is required within 24 hours. The company warned it will pursue legal remedies if the Ministry fails to comply. The Ministry's claims and Awerco's response highlight significant contractual and financial disagreements. This situation could impact future government infrastructure projects.
The Health Ministry has faced criticism before. Issues around the operationalization of new health facilities are sensitive. Transparency and timely payments are crucial for contractors. Delays can lead to disputes like this one. These disputes can cost taxpayers money in legal fees and prolonged project timelines. The Ministry's next steps will be critical.