Panama's Comptroller to Audit $3 Million Pandeportes Contract for Sports Facilities

Panama's Comptroller General's Office has ordered forensic audits into contracts managed by the Panamanian Institute of Sports (Pandeportes). This decision stems from citizen complaints alleging irregularities in the execution of sports infrastructure projects across the country.

The initial audit will scrutinize a contract valued at approximately $3 million for the study, design, and construction of nine sports facilities in the districts of Olá, Natá, and La Pintada, located in Coclé province. The project was awarded to the Consorcio Nueve Canchas Coclé, comprised of Grupo Innova, S.A. and Jardines Urbanos, S.A. This specific contract, covering four of the nine planned fields, was worth $3,036,694.36 during the administration of Héctor Brands in 2022.

Auditors will meticulously examine every aspect of the contract's execution, including any modifications, addenda, extensions, payments, and final settlements. The review will also encompass administrative files, accounting records, technical reports, change orders, and payment statements. The goal is to ascertain whether all procedures adhered to legal requirements and if public funds were managed appropriately. The Comptroller's office emphasized that no contract will escape scrutiny, with every addendum, payment, and settlement subject to rigorous technical examination.

The Comptroller's office clarified that the initiation of these audits does not imply any prejudgment of guilt for the individuals or companies involved. Should the investigations uncover any potential financial losses or criminal offenses, the relevant case files will be promptly forwarded to the appropriate judicial authorities for further action.