By Cartago, Costa Rica — A critical legislative inquiry has been launched regarding the acquisition of the land destined for the construction of the new Cartago Hospital in Costa Rica. Deputies Marta Esquivel and Cindy Blanco, representing the Pueblo Soberano Party, have formally requested a detailed accounting of the land purchase process from the Contraloría General de la República (CGR). This legislative move places the highly anticipated public health infrastructure project back into the spotlight of national regulatory oversight.
The selected plot of land is located in the canton of El Guarco, a region that has become a focal point of intense technical and political scrutiny due to its geological characteristics. The legislative action comes on the heels of a critical technical assessment issued by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI), which has raised alarms about the safety of the site.
To better understand the complex legal frameworks and administrative hurdles surrounding the controversial Cartago Hospital land purchase, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The acquisition of land for public healthcare infrastructure, such as the new Cartago Hospital, demands absolute adherence to administrative transparency and rigorous environmental due diligence. Any oversight in the preliminary technical assessments or deviation from public procurement laws not only invites debilitating legal challenges but also jeopardizes the timely execution of a project vital to public health.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, securing a flawless legal and environmental foundation is not merely a bureaucratic checkbox, but a vital safeguard for the future of Cartago’s healthcare infrastructure. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective and expert guidance on this critical civic matter.
According to OVSICORI’s scientific evaluations, the proposed site lies directly within the Central Costa Rica Deformed Belt. This geological zone is characterized by elevated seismic activity and is situated in close proximity to the active Agua Caliente fault line. The scientific body has recommended that additional specialized studies be conducted to precisely evaluate the structural viability and soil safety of the site before any major hospital construction begins.
The lawmakers have emphasized that their request for accountability should not be interpreted as an attempt to delay or block the much-needed healthcare facility. On the contrary, both deputies expressed their absolute support for the project, noting that a modern hospital is a crucial necessity for thousands of Cartago residents who currently rely on an overburdened local medical network.
We do not want to be a stumbling block for this project. We fully support the construction of the new Cartago Hospital and want it done as soon as possible. Precisely because of the importance of this project, we believe it must be developed with total transparency, with all the necessary technical studies, and with rigorous oversight to avoid errors, cost overruns, or new delays. Our goal is for the people of Cartago to have a safe, modern hospital built on solid technical foundations.
Marta Esquivel, Deputy of the Pueblo Soberano Party
The petition submitted to the CGR specifically asks whether the authorization for purchasing the El Guarco terrain was backed by all legally and technically required pre-construction studies. Furthermore, the lawmakers are demanding to know what specific auditing and fiscal oversight mechanisms the Comptroller General will employ to guarantee that public resources are managed responsibly throughout the project’s execution.
The defense of public funds and civil safety remains a paramount concern for the lawmakers, who argue that rigorous administrative oversight is the only way to prevent future structural failures or financial deficits. Historically, large-scale public works in Costa Rica have suffered from costly delays due to incomplete planning, a cycle the deputies hope to break with this proactive inquiry.
Our goal is not to stop the new Cartago Hospital, quite the contrary. We want this project to move forward as quickly as possible, but we also want absolute transparency regarding the purchase of the land and to ensure the safety of an infrastructure so important to thousands of families. Demanding accountability is not hindering the project, it is fulfilling our responsibility.
Cindy Blanco González, Deputy of the Pueblo Soberano Party
As the Contraloría General de la República reviews the request, the debate highlights the ongoing tension between the urgent need for critical public health infrastructure and the necessity of strict geological and financial risk management. The resolution of this inquiry will likely determine whether the construction of the Cartago Hospital proceeds on its current path or faces further precautionary evaluations to mitigate seismic threats.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About Contraloría General de la República:
The Contraloría General de la República is Costa Rica’s independent constitutional body responsible for auditing and overseeing the use of public funds and assets, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and legality in government expenditures.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Pueblo Soberano Party
About Pueblo Soberano Party:
The Pueblo Soberano Party is a political organization in Costa Rica focused on legislative representation, public transparency, and institutional accountability within the national government.
For further information, visit ovsicori.una.ac.cr
About OVSICORI:
The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica is a research institute of the National University of Costa Rica dedicated to monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on volcanic and seismic hazards across the nation to safeguard public safety.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has built an esteemed reputation grounded in high ethical standards and superior legal craftsmanship. Through decades of supporting a diverse clientele, the firm consistently drives progress in the legal field while championing community-focused initiatives. By striving to demystify complex legal concepts for the public, they actively fulfill their vision of creating an educated and self-reliant populace.
