President Defends Housing Minister Over Mega Housing Project
President Oscar Arias Sanchez has entered the ring in the fight between Vivienda (Housing Ministry) officials and legislative deputy, Óscar Núñez, who has heavily criticized the 3.000 middle income home development in Patarrá, Desamparados.

President Arias yesterday defended his housing Minister, Fernando Zumbado, who has been the target of the criticism.

Núñez, who is a legislative party for the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) - the same party of Arias - is charging that the project doesn't have the necessary development and building permits and will place lives at risk, because the development plan does not address medical and security issues.

Núñez, who was once mayor of Desamparados, was publicly told by Zumbado to stop acting as if he were mayor, which he isn't. However, Núñez is publicly questioning the relationship between Zumbado and Holcing de Costa Rica and Coto y compañía, the developer and builder, respectively.

"I don't believe there is a Costa Rican who doubts the honour and integrity of Fernando Zumbado. There is no one who dares insinuate that there has been any type of bride offered", said Zumabdo in a message to Núñez.

Arias, on tour in Turrialba, who participated in the ceremony that saw 300 poor families receives homes and bonds, defended his minister to the press. Zumbado, along with the tour and with Arias on his side affirmed that the critics are just trying to stir up a commoion.

For his part, Ennio Rodríguez, general manager of the Banco Hipotecario de la Vivienda (BANHVI) - the state agency that provides public housing mortgages - said that Zumbado is a man beyong reproach and does not understand what is motivating deputy Núñez.

Rodríguez added that the housing development "Montana" is a private initiative and is moving ahead in compliance with all regulations and the necessary permits.

The Banco Nacional is financing the project which is estimated to cost us$200 million dollars. The BAHNVI will be administering mortgages to private buyers that meet the government guidelines for the housing project.