MPMG monitors ferry service between Manga and Matias Cardoso after reports of irregularities

Ferry that crosses between Manga and Matias Cardoso — Photo: MPMG

An operation to monitor the ferry crossing service between the municipalities of Manga and Matias Cardoso was carried out by the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais (MPMG), in partnership with Procon Regional and the Military Police, this Wednesday (23). The action will still have developments in the coming days.

According to the MPMG, Operation Terceira Margem was carried out as part of a civil inquiry established to investigate possible irregularities in the provision of the service.

Throughout the investigation, the MPMG stated that it identified "signs of deterioration in the quality of service to users, especially after the start of work on the bridge that will connect the two municipalities". In addition to inspection, guidance is also being provided to the population on consumer rights and reporting channels.

"The population of Manga uses the ferry to access essential services, such as health, education and mobility. Operation Terceira Margem seeks to rigorously investigate the irregularities highlighted and contribute to the improvement of a fundamental public service for the region", highlighted prosecutor Pedro Henrique Fagundes Silva.

The MPMG stated that, among the population's main complaints, are:

Mechanical failures in tugboats;

Long waiting lines and non-compliance with the contractual boarding interval, which should occur every 30 minutes;

Operation of only one vessel during periods when two should be in operation;

Excess of vehicles transported.

In the investigation, situations related to the safety of the ferry were identified, such as cases in which vessels were left adrift and part of a trailer transporting animals fell into the São Francisco River.

The MPMG reported that the company responsible for the service was fined four times by the Pirapora River Police Station for irregularities, such as excess passengers, operating with an expired navigation safety certificate and insufficient quantity of floating safety equipment. g1 searched for the company, but did not receive a response until the last update of this report.

The company was also notified by the State Secretariat for Infrastructure, Mobility and Partnerships of Minas Gerais (Seinfra) for breach of contract.

By means of a note, the Transport Regulatory Agency of the State of Minas Gerais (ARTÉMIG) informed that it monitors the provision of the crossing service between Manga and Matias Cardoso and that it has been adopting the inspection and regulatory measures provided for in the concession contract.

"The Agency is aware of the operation carried out by the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais and remains available to provide relevant clarifications within the scope of its competences. Any findings arising from inspections carried out by the competent bodies will be analyzed by the Agency for the adoption of appropriate administrative measures, subject to the contract and applicable legislation."

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