Africa-Press – Cape verde. Auditor Renato Fernandes, who held the position of director of the Internal Audit office (GAI) at Praia City Council (CMP), formalized his resignation in a letter sent to mayor Francisco Carvalho in which he exposed the lack of effective actions against irregularities and corruption.
In the letter addressed to the president of the CMP, to which Expresso das Ilhas had access, Renato Fernandes begins by recalling the invitation received in November 2021 to take on the role of director of GAI, accepting the challenge motivated by the belief of contributing to the improvement of management from CMP. However, he highlights that, after his arrival in May 2022, his proposals to improve transparency and efficiency were not implemented.
Among the initiatives presented by the auditor, the creation of a data processing model in Power BI for real-time management control, the preparation of activity plans for 2023 and the proposal of a procedure manual for the Management Unit of Public Acquisitions (UGA).
However, Renato Fernandes reveals that, to date, none of the proposals have been adopted. The auditor claims that the lack of structuring measures to combat corruption and promote efficiency, transparency and management control led to his decision to resign from his position.
In his resignation letter, Fernandes detailed alleged irregularities related to the Bond Loan process conducted by the Municipal Secretary. The auditor refers to the absence of interventions by the Financial Department and the Legal Office of the CMP in the project prepared by the National Institute of Social Security, highlighting that the interests of the INPS are protected to the detriment of those of the CMP.
Furthermore, Fernandes reveals that municipal bodies and the Cape Verde Stock Exchange were deceived by false information and discrepancies in the documents presented. He also alleges that information on quarterly capital amortization, current revenues for 2023 and debt capacity indicators were manipulated.
“CMP is technically bankrupt, presenting a non-financial debt, worth approximately 900,000,000 ECV, not counting the amount belonging to the Tennis Club held by CMP. The pressure from suppliers on the Financial Department and the monthly difficulty that CMP faces in paying salaries are notorious,” he wrote.
Public procurement, management and land
The auditor also pointed to the simulation of public tenders, cancellations followed by direct adjustments with pre-determined companies and the creation of schemes involving different sectors of the CMP, with “the aim of favoring certain companies or suppliers”.
Furthermore, Fernandes reported cases of works being awarded directly to companies, without transparent procedures, resulting in agreements involving land or compensation for the contracted companies.
Renato Fernandes also denounced several issues, including contracts with “unclear” outlines, excessive zeal in paying supplier invoices in dubious situations”, and documented complaints from the financial director about illegal acts and acts contrary to the public interest carried out by the Municipal Secretary.
The auditor also exposed the lack of a procedures manual for preparing the CMP’s activity plan and budget, resulting in misalignment between budget documents.
Renato Fernandes also made complaints related to the transfer of land and partnership protocols at CMP. The accusations highlight practices that he considers to be non-transparent, damage to the municipality’s assets and possible ethical and legal violations.
Fernandes criticized the stance of the current CMP decision-makers, who, he says, classify the previous team’s management as corrupt, while, at the same time, insinuating that the rank-and-file employees are corrupt.
“It is perfectly known that the current decision-makers are responsible for the environment of corruption currently prevailing in the CMP and co-responsible for the situation of technical bankruptcy in which it finds itself”, he stated.
It also argued that, despite recognizing the participation of companies and individuals in unclear hiring processes, the authority created conditions conducive to the practice of corruption.
The auditor highlighted the disorganization of the CMP, describing it as immersed in an environment of corruption and facing serious financial problems and pointed out the administrative, financial and asset management of the CMP as directed at the interests of a specific group of decision-makers and economic operators.
“In view of this management reality, we communicate to Your Excellency that we are not available to continue collaborating with the CMP in the internal audit office”, declared Fernandes, requesting the end of the request as of December 31, 2023.
Renato Fernandes’ departure had already been discussed by councilors from the Movement for Democracy (MpD) at the Praia City Council who, in a statement, accused the mayor of Praia, Francisco Carvalho, of withholding information.
Approached by Inforpress, Francisco Carvalho confirmed that Renato Fernandes asked to leave, but advised councilors to contact the auditor himself to clarify the reasons for his departure.
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