Honduras pushing ahead with offshore maximum security prison

Despite claims it will cause environmental damage and is unfeasible, the Honduran government is pressing ahead with plans to build a maximum security prison on the Cisne Islands. 

According to reports in local media, the armed forces – which will oversee construction and are in charge of the bidding process – reported in recent days that the defense ministry has a list of 12 companies interested in participating in the tender, but no names have been released.

“The presentation of proposals [as part of the prequalification process] is scheduled for Monday, and there are 12 companies in total,” said the commander of the military police, Ramiro Muñoz, according to daily La Prensa. 

Engineers and construction experts say the project will cost approximately US$800mn due to the transportation of materials and personnel to the islands – 250km from the mainland. However, a new study reportedly carried out by the government indicates capex would be of no more than US$80mn. 

The government has reportedly brushed off the environmental impact of the project. La Prensa said any environmental damage caused during construction would be the responsibility of the contractors. 

State broadcaster channel 8 reported that the environmental license, which had been the cause of multiple delays, was approved a month ago. The license, as well as the design, and the biological and maritime studies are part of the project’s first stage. The second phase would comprise the construction of the structure and a solar farm to generate energy, as well as wastewater treatment plants.