Luanda, Angola – (African Boulevard News) – The Portuguese-Angolan construction group Omatapalo has reportedly won billions of euros worth of state contracts thanks to its connections within the ruling party, the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
According to a report by Africa Intelligence, the company has been able to secure numerous lucrative public works projects since its establishment in 2012, thanks in large part to its close ties with the MPLA.
Omatapalo, which is owned by Portuguese construction firm Mota-Engil and Angolan businessman José Eduardo dos Santos, the former Angolan president, has been involved in a number of high-profile infrastructure projects throughout the country, from road construction to the development of social housing.
Despite its impressive portfolio, the company has faced scrutiny for its alleged ties to the ruling party and accusations of corruption in the allocation of government contracts.
While the MPLA has denied any wrongdoing, critics claim that the party has been using public contracts as a means of enriching its own members and allies, at the expense of the wider population.
“The awarding of contracts to companies with political connections has been a long-standing issue in Angola,” says political analyst Maria João Valente. “It’s a form of cronyism that has had a significant impact on the country’s economic development.”
The MPLA has been in power in Angola since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975, and has faced accusations of corruption and repression throughout its decades-long rule.
Despite the controversy surrounding its links to the ruling party, Omatapalo continues to be one of the most prominent construction firms operating in Angola. The company’s success has been credited in part to its willingness to take on complex and challenging projects, as well as its focus on sustainable development.
As Angola continues to modernize and expand its infrastructure, there is no doubt that Omatapalo will continue to play a significant role in the country’s growth and development.
In conclusion, the case of Omatapalo highlights the challenges facing Angola as it seeks to balance economic growth with political accountability and transparency. While the company’s success is a testament to its expertise and technical capabilities, its close ties to the ruling party underline the need for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of public contracts.
