The online news source, ElPeriodicocr.com, reports that the minister of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), Pedro Castro, was a legal advisor to the OAS, the Brazilian company awarded the San José – San Ramón road concession.
According to publication, Castro has “professional” connecions to the international company, a company alleged to have been involved in corruption in other countries, including its own of Brazil.
In 2012, Castro, on his ministerial appointment, told the media that he would be abstaining from any decision having to do with the OAS.
For Manrieque Oviedo, legislator for the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC), the appointment of Castro as minister of the MOPT, was “very regrettable”.
For the legislator, although Castro says he will play a neutral role it is impossible, for it will be he (Castro) who heads the transport ministry and oversee the OAS work and contract complaince.
“Deifintely a bad sign”, says the Oviedo.
For Costa Ricans the MOPT is akin to corruption. Minister after minister has stepped down following allegations of irregularities. The latest major project that is still being question is “La Trocha”, the northern border road.
