Presidential palace to get $9.3 million face lift

MINISTER of the Presidency Álvaro Alemán has rushed to  justifiy the $9.3 million-dollar plan to renovate the Presidential Palace (Palacio de las Garzas), saying it is an historic structure that is important to preserve.

Critics have stressed the need for fixing schools and health facilities.

“Unfortunately it has deteriorated in some respects, and I feel that this is an investment that’s going to stay in the country,” said Alemán. “It is a house for all Panamanians.”

The budget of the Ministry of the Presidency for 2017 includes the money  to pay for the renovations.

It inclues  $2 million for the restoration of the presidential kitchen, and $2.5 million for the administrative offices.

The presidential kitchen is located on the third floor of the palace, and Alemán explained that the high cost is due to need changes for space and health reasons.

Specialists warned that restorations or renovations that are made within the building must meet the standards of preserving its historical heritage.

Historian Ana Elena Porras said that areas such as the yellow room and the dining room are the most delicate due to their historical importance.

“Offices, kitchens, meeting rooms and the presidential family area should be remodeled according to the needs of the times, but with the elegance that is required in this important building,” she said.

Diana Coronado, director of Governmental Affairs of the Presidency, reported that all remodeling within the Palacio de las Garzas will meet the standards of conservation and style of the building.

Over the past 10 years, the government has spent $25 million on the structure.