During Graciela Mahuad's administration, a project was initiated to create a temporary center for minors in Farfán, Panama. The project faced significant issues due to a lack of proper technical planning. Staff repeatedly warned of the need for a detailed survey and major renovations before the building could be used to house children. Despite these warnings, the project moved forward, but ultimately failed to achieve its purpose and was closed. According to internal sources, the insistence on opening the shelter, contrary to technical recommendations, could lead to criminal liability. This is due to potential harm to state property and direct risks to the safety of minors under state care. The building, intended for social use, was handed over to SENNIAF without prior technical assessments. Work began on October 15, 2021, and it was not until October 25 that the contractor reported the need for 'essential' modifications to meet minimum safety standards. The project's timeline shows that the institution did not have complete blueprints for the building, only a basic sketch. During an inspection on October 18, 2021, a civil engineer and architect discovered multiple safety-compromising issues: structural defects in beams and columns, planned exposed PVC piping for the electrical system, deficiencies in eaves, unsafe windows, and a lack of plumbing system tests. In the attic, even more alarming conditions were found: the presence of fiberglass, possible asbestos, termite infestation, and general deterioration of the area. According to the report, these elements put both the public investment—exceeding 100,000 balboas—and the integrity of the minors who would be housed there at risk. Furthermore, according to sources linked to internal reports and authority records, multiple escapes of underage girls were recorded at this facility, cases that even led to Amber Alerts being issued on social media, revealing serious failures in the center's custody and security mechanisms. At the time of inspection, the contractors stated they were only executing what was established in the purchase order and were unaware of the technical observations, demonstrating a disconnect between the construction work and the technical criteria necessary to ensure adequate conditions. The document also highlights that, despite the warnings on the same day, the project's responsibles did not contact the technical team again. The work, carried out by the company Compañías Asociadas, S.A. through public contract No. 6303, began without prior warnings.
