Archive for October 2005

The negative development impact of corruption in construction and infrastructure projects is well documented. It is not unusual for as much as 30% of a project’s value to be lost through corrupt practices, including both bribery and fraud. In development terms the impacts are severe, including increased costs, inappropriate standards, poor quality and reduced durability and safety. Combined with distortions in the planning process itself, this can mean that, far from stimulating economic growth, some infrastructure projects actually suppress it.

The role of the International Centre for Transparency In Construction (ICtIC) would include provision of the following services to any stakeholder with an interest in curbing corruption:
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Edinburgh would appear to be a suitable location for such an international centre. Its potential has been highlighted by Scotland’s role in preparing for the Gleneagles G8 Summit in 2005. Edinburgh’s relevant strengths include: (more…)

Ideally, the ICtIC would begin as part of an existing institution, incurring relatively minor incremental costs for staff time and facilities. As and when demand for services increased, the ICtIC would then itself evolve in order to respond to that demand. (more…)