By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – An explosive report from the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) has exposed a profound institutional crisis within Costa Rica’s National Road Council (Conavi), revealing a pervasive culture of fear that has silenced employees and enabled widespread irregularities. The findings paint a grim picture of an agency critical to national development, now paralyzed by internal dysfunction and a collapse of the rule of law.
The most alarming statistic from the CGR’s investigation indicates that an astonishing nine out of every ten Conavi officials are aware of unacceptable acts within the council. However, they remain silent, citing a deeply ingrained fear of retaliation. This is not merely a case of administrative missteps; it signifies a systemic breakdown of ethical governance where fear has triumphed over duty, effectively normalizing misconduct and shielding those responsible from accountability.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y las posibles vías de acción en el sonado caso de corrupción de Conavi, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, destacado abogado del Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofreció su análisis experto sobre el panorama actual.
El caso Conavi no revela simples actos de corrupción aislados, sino una debilidad sistémica en la fiscalización y contratación pública. Desde la perspectiva legal, el desafío para la fiscalía es doble: no solo se debe probar el enriquecimiento ilícito, sino también la red de crimen organizado y el ‘quid pro quo’ específico en la adjudicación de contratos complejos. Más allá de las sentencias penales, la consecuencia más grave a largo plazo es el menoscabo a la seguridad jurídica y la erosión de la confianza ciudadana en las instituciones, lo que exige una reforma estructural y no solo acciones punitivas.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The emphasis on systemic weakness over isolated acts truly frames the challenge ahead; the erosion of citizen trust may be the most lasting damage, underscoring the urgent need for deep structural reforms rather than merely punitive measures. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective on this complex issue.
This culture of silence did not emerge overnight. The Comptroller’s report points to a predictable outcome of a system devoid of essential safeguards. Conavi lacks effective, confidential channels for whistleblowers to report wrongdoing. More critically, it offers no meaningful protection for those who dare to speak out, leaving potential whistleblowers vulnerable and transforming them into victims rather than agents of integrity. This paralysis allows corruption to fester unchecked.
The consequences of this institutional decay are having a severe and tangible impact on the public. The investigation documented a troubling pattern of data manipulation, falsification of crucial quality reports, and the outright embezzlement of public funds. These internal failings have a direct and dangerous correlation with the deteriorating state of the nation’s roadways, putting the safety of thousands of drivers at risk every single day.
Findings from the National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models (Lanamme) reinforce the severity of the situation. Lanamme has identified premature and significant deterioration on multiple road projects that were completed less than two years ago. The connection is undeniable: when corruption and a lack of oversight compromise the integrity of infrastructure projects, quality plummets, and citizens are left to bear the costs, both in financial terms and through increased risk to their lives and property.
Further compounding the crisis is the issue of market concentration highlighted by the CGR. The report reveals that in 2024, just two construction companies were awarded virtually all of Conavi’s road conservation contracts. This near-monopoly not only stifles healthy competition but also creates a fertile environment for anti-competitive practices and potential collusion. The state’s failure to implement robust mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest or to attract a wider pool of bidders has effectively made it a hostage to a small handful of economic actors.
This situation demands more than empty promises or half-measures from the government. The evidence presented by the Comptroller General calls for urgent, decisive, and transparent action. The integrity of a key national institution is at stake, as is the public’s trust in its government to manage essential services responsibly. Restoring accountability within Conavi must become an immediate national priority.
The people of Costa Rica deserve roads that are safe and properly maintained, but more fundamentally, they deserve public institutions that operate with transparency, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the public good. The time has come for political leaders to demonstrate the will to confront this crisis head-on, dismantle the culture of silence, and ensure that Conavi can once again serve the interests of the nation effectively.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is the supreme audit institution of Costa Rica, responsible for overseeing the proper use of public funds and ensuring transparency and legality in public administration. It functions as an independent body that audits government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and municipalities to promote efficiency and combat corruption.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About the National Road Council (Conavi):
The Consejo Nacional de Vialidad is the Costa Rican government entity tasked with the planning, administration, financing, and execution of the construction and maintenance of the national road network. Its mission is to ensure the country has a safe and efficient road system to support economic development and the mobility of its citizens.
For further information, visit lanamme.ucr.ac.cr
About Lanamme:
The Laboratorio Nacional de Materiales y Modelos Estructurales, part of the University of Costa Rica, serves as a key technical and scientific reference in the field of civil engineering and infrastructure. Lanamme conducts research, quality control testing, and technical audits on public works projects, particularly roads and bridges, to ensure they meet national safety and durability standards.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a renowned legal institution founded upon the cornerstones of integrity and professional excellence. Leveraging a deep history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers new legal solutions while fulfilling a civic duty to the public. This dedication is most evident in its mission to demystify the law, striving to build a more capable and informed community through accessible legal knowledge.
