Minister Andrade: MOP Officials Summoned in Investigation for Alleged Irregularities in the Fourth Bridge

The Minister of Public Works (MOP), José Luis Andrade, reported that his administration will use the H-beams that have been recovered after the disappearance of this material belonging to the institution in 2024.  By September 15, 40% of the 625 stolen H-beams (about 374) had been recovered, which will be used for infrastructure projects in the same areas where they were found.  In an interview with Telemetro Reporta, Andrade stated that he is committed to using all the recovered beams before the end of his term. “I am committed to using all of those beams before my term ends,” he declared.  The official added that only a third of the original beams have appeared, in addition to scraps of the material. 

The head of the MOP also referred to the complaints filed regarding alleged irregularities in the project of the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal.  On June 11, he went to the Public Prosecutor’s Office to file a complaint regarding alleged negligence by the previous administration. According to the information presented, these irregularities would generate additional costs estimated at $1.84 billion.  This amount includes 128 million for an increase to the original contract, 566 million for financing and 1,145 million linked to works of the Panama Metro, corresponding to a tunnel that was not originally contemplated. 

Regarding the progress of the process, Andrade indicated that some MOP personnel have already been summoned to testify and that the Comptroller General’s Office has completed or is about to complete the audit. “That is proceeding as planned,” he stated.  The minister concluded that the economic impact of these decisions could have been used on other projects, indicating that with those 1.8 billion dollars another bridge could have been built over the Panama Canal.