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Audit Reveals Irregularities in Madeira's Civil Protection Projects

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
July 31, 2026
3 min read

The Court of Auditors has identified serious procedural irregularities in the acquisition of a ladder truck and the expansion of the heliport infrastructure in Madeira.

The Regional Section of Madeira's Court of Auditors has highlighted significant irregularities in recent public tenders conducted by the Regional Service of Civil Protection. These findings raise concerns over the transparency and legality of these processes.

Irregular Acquisition of Ladder Truck

One of the major issues identified involves the acquisition of a used ladder truck, which was delivered to the Volunteer Firefighters of Porto Santo in September last year. The Court noted that the procedural documents and the associated expenditure were improperly approved and authorized, labeling the actions as illegal. This has led to questions regarding the oversight and governance within the regional civil protection authorities.

Heliport Expansion Controversy

In a similar vein, the Court of Auditors has also scrutinized the expansion project of the Heliport at Cancela. This project, aimed at enhancing the facility to accommodate two aerial means, was budgeted at €199,500. The audit revealed that the pre-consultation process was flawed, leading to another instance of procedural mishandling.

Both cases reflect ongoing issues within the Service Regional de Protecção Civil, calling for a review of the processes to ensure compliance with legal standards and to restore public trust.

The procedural missteps identified by the Court of Auditors are a serious concern that needs immediate attention to uphold the integrity of Madeira's public service operations.

— Marco Livramento

Sources

Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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