Chinese-built hospital in Angola in danger of collapse

China's Ministry of Commerce (CMC) said Thursday that it would dispatch a team to Angola after a Chinese-built hospital in the capital city of Luanda was reported as being in danger of collapse.

"Vice Minister of Commerce Chen Jian, who is paying an official visit to Angola, has arrived at the hospital and guided personnel from China's embassy there to handle the case," an official from the ministry told the Global Times on condition of anonymity.

Citing local reports, AFP reported Tuesday that patients had been evacuated from the hospital after the discovery of "deep cracks in the walls of the paediatrics and gynaecology wards."

The $8 million hospital was built by the China Overseas Engineering Group Company, through credit lines provided by Beijing, AFP quoted the weekly O Pais as saying.

"A structure built so recently should not present this type of problem, which puts patients' lives in danger," Ariana Afonso, one of the country's parliamentarians, said on state radio. "Luanda's provincial government should find those responsible. Because $8 million is a lot for a building that took so little time to build."

According to the CMC official, examination and analysis are needed before concluding the cause of the cracks.

"We are studying all the information related to the hospital's construction. A team of construction examination experts will be sent there as soon as possible," he said.

Building of the hospital was completed in 2005. Containing 100 beds, it covers more than 7,900 square meters.

Global Times - AFP