16th IACC

The aim of the session is to explore the factors giving rise to impunity in the construction sector and to discuss practical measures aimed at overcoming them. This will be achieved through meeting the following objectives:

1. Summarise the challenges of fighting corruption and improving integrity in the construction sector
2. Explore lessons from recent practical efforts (e.g. CoST and Open Contracting)
3. Explore the different perspectives of government, industry and civil society with regard to the challenges

Corruption in construction costs lives and wastes money. Poorly constructed buildings cause ill health and in extreme cases, such as when they collapse, injury and death. Wastage results in poor infrastructure and services which impacts disproportionately on poor and marginalised people. Impunity is the result inter alia of (1) opaque systems and procedures; (2) every construction project being unique; (3) it being easy to hide shoddy work and (4) complex supply chains and contractual relationships.

The session will appeal to policy-makers and practitioners from a range of different perspectives including: (1) investors: (2) contractors, consultants and others working in the industry: (3) CSOs which are active in public service delivery, governance and specific industry sectors (e.g. water and sanitation and transport); (4) those involved in data management and (5) trade unions.

The discussion will produce practical suggestions aimed at rooting out impunity and improving integrity. The suggestions will be written up and widely circulated amongst those who could potentially put them into practice. CoST will share them with the 12 countries currently participating in the programme and depending on their relevance, use them as the basis for briefing notes and incorporate them into the various tools and approaches used to build capacity in participating countries. Panellists will be encouraged to write blogs and incorporate the suggestions into their own work.