Delays, confusion and a scaled-down compromise
With excavation completed, a contract was signed for piling work. However, with continued controversy, reluctance on the part of Government to authorise spending, and uncertainty about obtaining adequate building supplies, further compromises were needed. The piling contractor was told to stop work, and there was talk of legal action being taken by him to recoup costs. Eventually, agreement was reached to construct a 210-bed 3-wing, 3-storey block, on the already excavated site. There was already an urgent need to accommodate injured servicemen, and the Defence Department erected a 2-storey temporary 'Soldiers' Block' directly in front of the old main entrance.

Delays, confusion and a scaled-down compromise

With excavation completed, a contract was signed for piling work. However, with continued controversy, reluctance on the part of Government to authorise spending, and uncertainty about obtaining adequate building supplies, further compromises were needed.

The piling contractor was told to stop work, and there was talk of legal action being taken by him to recoup costs.

Eventually, agreement was reached to construct a 210-bed 3-wing, 3-storey block, on the already excavated site.

There was already an urgent need to accommodate injured servicemen, and the Defence Department erected a 2-storey temporary 'Soldiers' Block' directly in front of the old main entrance.