Auditor General Report: Millions Lost in Akamas Mismanagement Scandal

A report by the Auditor General reveals a mismanagement scandal involving millions of euros in projects in Akamas. The audit concerned four contracts totaling €16.5 million related to the Park's Sustainable Development Plan, co-financed by the 'THALIA 2021–2027' program.

The audited actions concerned the improvement of the main road network (Phase A') and the construction and management of fourteen infrastructure hubs. According to the report, the Department of Public Works (TΔ) did not correctly apply the procedures for tendering, awarding and managing the projects.

This led to delays, additional costs and a loss of guarantees amounting to €1 million, without safeguarding the public interest. Key findings include the non-completion of the road network construction project (Phase A') due to the delayed intervention of the TΔ, loss of guarantees due to the failure to timely liquidate guarantee letters, and violations in the award procedure with the use of negotiation without publication.

In addition, the contracts for the management hub infrastructure were tendered without a prior Environmental Opinion, leading to modifications, delays and a cost increase of 135.3%. All projects in the area have been suspended by decision of the Council of Ministers due to environmental issues. The Auditor General, Andreas Papaconstantinou, stressed the need for caution in implementing projects in environmentally sensitive areas such as Akamas.