Noriega former homes are a dengue threat

TWO HOUSES that once belonged to former dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega face demolition if the Ministry of Health gets its way. Like the dictator during his rule, the homes have become a threat to the citizens of Panama.

Health authorities have confirmed a request to the Ministry of Economy and Finance to demolish the two houses in upscale Altos del Golf, where President Ricardo Martinelli also has two properties. 

The Noriega houses, once the scene of lavish parties attended by the glitterati of Panama, were put on the market several times but there were no takers. At one time supporters of the former strongman started renovations on one of the homes in anticipation of his return after completing his jail sentences, instead he moved into a less expansive habitation in a Panama prison.
The request for demolition was made because the houses have become breeding sites of the aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue say news agency reports.
Metropolitan Health Director Jorge Hassán inspected the homes Tuesday, January 7 and said he found up to ten breeding places for mosquitoes.
In the last two months five people have died from dengue, which is being reported in record numbers.
Hassan said that health workers can only eliminate the breeding grounds by fumigating the residences.
He argued that the ultimate answer to the problem lies in demolishing the abandoned houses.
Noriega has been jailed since 1990 in the United States, France and now Panama for crimes he committed while in power.
Noriega, 80, is being held in the, El Renacer, medium security prison awaiting further criminal charges.
The former chief military was arrested in Panama in 1990 by U.S. troops who invaded the country on December 20, 1989 to overthrow his regime.