The Abinader administration announced it seeks to terminate contractual relations with Odebrecht. This Brazilian firm built most government infrastructure works during the Leonel Fernandez and Danilo Medina past administrations.
Odebrecht has admitted to a New York City court in 2017 to having paid bribes for US$92 million to ensure government contract work. At the time, the Medina administration prosecuted the firm, yet the case carried by former Attorney General Jean Alain Rodríguez has since stagnated in Dominican courts.
Now the Abinader administration says it will not go ahead with four contracts still open with the firm. The deals are for a total US$1.29 billion.
In making the announcement, legal advisor to the President, Antoliano Peralta, said that of the 18 works Odebrecht signed for in the Dominican Republic, 11 were with the Ministry of Public Works and four have not been completed. These are:
Bávaro-Uvero Alto-Miches-Sabana de la Mar highway. The local partner is Sinercon. The contract was granted in 2010 for US$265 million, but an addendum brought the cost to US$370 million.
Duarte II Corridor. The local partner is Ingeniería Estrella. US$254 million.
Cibao-Sur highway (Piedra Blanca-Cruce de Ocoa). Local partner is Constructora Rizek. The contract was signed in 2012 for US$298 million and an addendum increased the contract to US$371 million.
Santiago’s Pontezuela ecological road system. Local partner is Ingeniería Estrella. It was signed in 2012 for US$295 million.
Diario Libre reports that Odebrecht also has pending the completion of the Hermanas Mirabal aqueduct. The Samana aqueduct was later added to this contract. The initial contract was for US$115 but five addendums brought this project to US$312 million.
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El Dia
Diario Libre
6 October 2020