In the Thuringian state parliament, politicians have voiced their concerns over the delays and cost escalations in the construction of a joint Thuringian-Saxon prison in Zwickau. "What a mess," remarked FDP MP Dirk Bergner during a debate, questioning both the completion date and the eventual cost.
Initially slated for completion in 2019, the project's timeline has been pushed back to 2025. The estimated costs have also doubled. Set to accommodate up to 820 prisoners, with 450 from Saxony and 370 from Thuringia, the new prison is intended to replace several existing facilities. The treaty for the project was signed by the two states in 2014.
Upon scrutiny, Sascha Bilay, a left-wing MP, accused Thuringia's former finance minister Wolfgang Voss of favoring Saxony's interests due to his background as a former State Secretary of Finance in Saxony. Bilay argued that the state treaty was detrimental to Thuringia's interests.
Stefan Schard, a CDU MP, reasoned that immediate action needed to be taken to bring the Zwickau prison online as swiftly as possible. The SPD's Dorothea Marx expressed concerns that the situation would negatively impact Thuringia's prison system.
Thuringia's Justice Minister Doreen Denstädt clarified that the state was responsible for a 45.12% share of the costs through the state treaty. She further indicated that the contract was agreed upon without any safety clauses and from an unfavorable negotiating position for Thuringia.
Owing to these challenges, the next expected date for commissioning is now the first quarter of 2025. A new construction schedule is required before a revised timeline can be established. The initial cost estimate of 149.5 million euros in 2014 has significantly increased to 302.8 million euros. Denstädt warned that Saxony may expect more cost increases.
The complexity of large-scale construction projects can sometimes lead to delays and cost escalations, whether due to intricate planning, compliance with regulations, or supply chain issues. Financial constraints and coordination challenges with multiple stakeholders can also negatively impact project timelines and budgets.
References
- Zwickau - "Schambles of a state treaty": criticism of the prison building. (n.d.).
- Enrichment Data. (n.d.).
