Housing Project Losing Political And Financial Support
One day following the announcement by president Oscar Arias Sanchez of a condominium apartment development for 3.000 families in Patarrá de Desamparados, controversy began surrounding the project, raising questions of the relationship between the developers, the Bank and a member of the government.

The "pequeña Manhattan" (Small Manhattan) as it was dubbed by the president, has being sharply criticized by since its announcement

Now, the Defensoría de los Habitantes (the Ombudsman) has gotten involved and following a meeting of all involved, Lisbeth Quesada, the Defensora de los Habitantes, said that the meeting was a tense one and that this matter is not yet finished.

The Banco Nacional, along with the Minister of Housing are on the hot seat over financing of the project which is supposed to be for "middle class" families.

The Defensora said in a press statement that she raised a number of questions, including the permits, plans and other information on the project, which from the day it was announced became controversial.

The Ministro de Vivienda (Housing Minister) said following the meeting that political support for the project will be taken away and his ministry will concentrate on the regulations for the quality of construction for the high rise buildings.

Notwithstanding, the Banco Nacional said that it is not satisfied and there are now many contradictions on the information provided to the bank when the project was announced.