Benidorm not to get new hospital in 2008

November 26, 2007

The Valencian government has not earmarked any funds in its 2008 budget for the much needed second Marina Baja hospital project.

Sources say that due to problems over the provision of land for the hospital, regional government has decided to withdraw funding.

Socialist opposition says that the six million euros promised for this year has never materialised and that delays on behalf of Benidorm council in acquiring the land – located on the border with Alfaz del Pi – needed for the project have given Valencia the excuse it needed to drop it from the budget.

They also say that blaming Altea for not approving the N-332 by pass plan was just a smokescreen by Benidorm council to try and hide its failure to provide the real estate needed for the project.

As the project now looks doomed other towns in the Marina Baja have been quick to offer land for the hospital.

La Nucía and Villajoyosa have both said that they have adequate sites available now if Valencia wants them. In the case of La Vila, the mayor has offered a 60,000-square-metre site close to the existing Marina Baja hospital that would become a ‘Healthcare City’.

Socialist councillor in Benidorm, Maite Iraola, insists that Valencia should consider using land close to Terra Mítica theme park saying that the zone already has the necessary roads in place to sustain the hospital.

She also said that if the hospital project was ever to become a reality then Benidorm council and Valencia need to reach agreement soon.

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