The auditing body Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) has flagged a potential conflict of interest involving Agla’S Infraestrutura Ltda., a subcontractor engaged in a significant public works project for the extension of Avenida Litorânea in São Luís, Maranhão. The owner of Agla’S, who not only runs this construction-related company but is also employed as a public servant and educator, has been pointed out for violating the Maranhão Statute of Public Servants which prohibits simultaneous engagement in conflicting activities. This raises serious ethical questions about the viability of public projects managed under such circumstances.

Reports indicate that Agla’S Infraestrutura Ltda. was subcontracted to carry out work valued at R$ 24,242,380.69, which constitutes approximately 10.23% of the total project cost, amounting to R$ 237 million, funded by federal resources from the Novo PAC. The primary contractor for this project, Lucena Infraestrutura Ltda., initially recommended Agla’S for these services. The close ties between public roles and private ownership, particularly in federal contracts, have drawn scrutiny and could affect public trust in the management of infrastructure spending.

Moreover, the report highlights that while the work for the Avenida Litorânea extension is set against the backdrop of federally supported projects, the responsibility for oversight rests with the Maranhão state government through the Secretaria de Estado da Infraestrutura (Sinfra). The intersection of state responsibilities, private ownership, and the financial implications of such a project highlights the urgency for clear regulatory frameworks that address conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in governmental projects. This incident serves as a reminder of the pivotal role of oversight bodies like TCU in monitoring compliance and maintaining fairness in public contracts.