Court shows overpricing of work on the Mineirão

The crisis in the construction of the Mineirão seems to have no end. After the strike of the workers, which started last Wednesday, an audit from the State Audit Court (Tribunal de Contas do Estado - TCE) has shown evidence of overpricing and also of contracts without biddings.

The Opposition councilors gave a press interview yesterday (June 17) to make demands about the financial hole which could get as high as R$ 22 million.

One of the problems found was the payment for services that were not provided, such as the recovery of the cover slab. In addition, a total of R$ 423 thousand were paid for the sanding of the concrete of the Mineirão, but nothing has been done as yet.

The report has also shown overpricing on the hiring of work, goods and services. According to the TCU, a total of R$ 33 thousand was paid for the hiring of platforms, which is R$ 10 thousand higher than the average price of the market.

Tender
The Court has also inspected the accounts of the Mineirão over a period of three months. It was discovered that some processes, such as that of architecture, were never the objects of bidding processes.

Congressman Rômulo Viegas (PSDB) has defended the way in which the office was hired. “The uproar in this regard is in fact a political issue, and we need to have the technical replies. I have carefully examined the sum of R$ 17 million and I can say that there has been no requirement for a tender due to the notable knowledge of the company. We are backed up by the provisions of Law No. 8666, which is the Law for Public Bidding.”

The opposition plans to call a public hearing with those involved in the refurbishment of the Minas Gerais stadium. “I believe that the people who are allegedly involved in this case of overpricing should be immediately removed from the process, so that the Mineirão can be ready within the stipulated time frame”, said Congressman Antônio Júlio, from the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB).

The Secretary for the World Cup in the State of Minas Gerais (Secopa) has said that the institution has not yet had access to the document and that, for this reason, no statement shall be made.