The choice of works prioritized municipalities that lack drainage systems, which compromised the quality of the asphalt and generated financial losses
An audit carried out by the revealed that more than R$3.5 billion in parliamentary amendments were allocated to paving works during the mandates of and . These investments were made through the state-owned company Codevasf, but without due technical analysis or consideration of local needs. The choice of works prioritized municipalities that lack drainage systems, which compromised the quality of the asphalt and generated financial losses. The TCU report highlights the lack of planning and the lack of adequate supervision of Codevasf’s actions. The state-owned company faces a lack of qualified technicians and appropriate equipment, which increases the risks of cartel formation, misappropriation of resources and corruption. Some of the works carried out are already under investigation, raising concerns about the management of public resources. Despite the criticism received during the electoral campaign, the current administration chose to maintain the leadership of Codevasf, which was appointed by the previous government.
The TCU’s investigations also focus on irregularities in Codevasf’s tenders, where the construction company Engefort stood out, winning more than half of the contracts in 2021. Some of these tenders were allegedly accompanied by shell companies, raising suspicions about the transparency of the process. The audit revealed that the state-owned company’s priorities are defined based on amendments, without being based on technical data that identifies the real needs of the localities. In addition to planning problems, the audit pointed out that many asphalting works were carried out on streets that do not have adequate drainage, resulting in significant damage to the pavement.
The lack of qualified technical staff at Codevasf was one of the most scathing criticisms, with engineers lacking the necessary experience in paving and a deficient inspection structure. The TCU is expected to discuss the report on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 13th. In response to the criticism, Codevasf declared that it is in dialogue with the TCU and that it seeks to improve its internal processes.
Published by Sarah Paula
*Report produced with the help of AI
