Combating corruption in the engineering and construction sector
The webinar, hosted by the FIDIC Integrity Management Committee, has examined the global fight against corruption in the engineering and construction industry, as well as how organisations and businesses are collaborating to combat it.
Building on the success of a webinar on this topic held at the end of 2020, this event has highlighted internationally recognised standards and guidelines that contribute to improved transparency and integrity in infrastructure project delivery, as well as the concrete steps that companies in the infrastructure sector can take to combat the threat of corruption
The webinar has also illustrated how FIDIC has collaborated with its 100+ global member associations and important international organisations to support the worldwide exchange of transparency and accountability experience and knowledge.
Engineers, constructors, material suppliers, equipment suppliers, lenders, and owners who plan, design, construct, run, and maintain our built environment are essential to life as we know it.
As an engineering/construction industry, the Construction Engineering Association of India is here to shape our world.
One thing to remember is that corruption requires two people to agree to act in a corrupt manner together. Individuals make poor decisions, which leads to corruption.
The construction/engineering industry has been identified as the world’s most corrupt industry. Extortion, bribery, and fraud in construction projects can be harmful to both developing and rich countries.
Corruption is a major threat to construction and engineering firms; it raises building costs and delays, as well as lowering the quality of infrastructure services provided.
However, corruption in the construction industry can only be eradicated if all parties participating in the project work together to support anti-corruption measures.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to eradicating corruption. As part of project and construction management, both the public and private sectors must implement thorough anti-corruption procedures.
Corruption can occur at any level of a building project, lowering the ultimate project advantages. As a result, government agencies, construction firms, and individuals are putting forth significant effort to conduct business in an open, honest, and fair manner in order to avoid corruption.
Corruption is a reality. We may either accept that this is the way the world is, or we can take immediate and coordinated action to eliminate corruption in our sector. It is up to us to make the decision!
Examining some anti-corruption measures that various stakeholder in infrastructure projects must take to fight against corruption. Firstly, any behaviour that appears to be fraudulent should be avoided. Secondly, we can encourage the implementation of anti-corruption measures. Additionally, we can implement financial and commercial controls. Lastly, we can encourage the company to implement anti-corruption policies.
Keep this in mind: each member of the engineering/construction industry can take positive steps to reduce corruption. We must all recognize that ignoring corruption is the same as condoning it.
However, significant change is occurring in the engineering/construction industry, and there is no turning back. It is critical for everyone in the business to continue to drive change and put pressure on governments, banks, and other stakeholders to do their part.
Main goal is to ensure that corruption does not kill in the engineering/construction industry.
Moreover, FIDIC webinar looked at the global fight against corruption in the engineering and construction sector. The event successfully highlighted the internationally recognised standards and guidelines that contribute to improved transparency and integrity in infrastructure project delivery.