– Inspection report submitted to competent authorities, says Transport Minister João Matlombe
By Sheila Nhancale
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – The Ministry of Transport and Logistics has conducted an internal investigation into the contracting of a non-existent company by the Roads Fund, following an investigative report published by MOZTIMES in January this year. The information was disclosed this Monday in Maputo by the Minister of Transport, João Matlombe, during an interview with journalists.
The MOZTIMES investigation revealed that the Roads Fund signed a contract with UFUDO, Limitada, for the installation of an electronic toll collection system, a company which, at the time of the award, was not legally registered, held no operating licence, and had not submitted a declaration of commencement of activities.
The January 2025 report revealed that the Roads Fund paid over 123 million meticais (approximately 2 million US dollars) for the supply and installation of an electronic toll collection system to a company that, at the time of the contract award, did not yet legally exist.
The case dates back to 2020 and remained undisclosed for nearly five years. The contracted company, UFUDO, Lda, was selected through a public tender in which it was the sole bidder.
“The Ministry became aware of the matter through a piece that was circulating on social media,” the Minister said. “The Inspectorate carried out its work, produced the report, and this was forwarded to State Administration and other competent bodies for appropriate follow-up,” he explained.
The Minister stated that the inspection process was concluded in May this year and reiterated that the report exists and is available within the Ministry’s internal structures, but will not be made public. “There is a presumption that it is there... if accountability is required, that falls under the remit of other entities. The Ministry does not bear criminal responsibility,” he said, adding that it is now up to the relevant authorities to proceed with the case.
Asked to specify which entities had received the report, the Minister said that information could be obtained from the Inspectorate or the Ministry’s internal services. “You can speak to the inspector; he will provide the information,” he said.
MOZTIMES phoned the spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistics for further clarification regarding accountability for those involved in the case, but received no response. (SN)
