Articles

Launched in August 2006, this bold initiative is intended to encourage companies and individuals to come clean about past involvement in corrupt activities involving World Bank projects. In exchange for revealing all (in confidence) and implementing robust new internal procedures, they will be able to manage the risk associated with skeletons in the cupboard. Click here for details of the VDP.

During the month of June 2006, an online questionnaire was conducted through this website, to allow anonymous feedback on attitudes towards corruption in international construction projects. A total of 41 valid responses were received from respondents in a total of 17 countries. These contain a wealth of interesting structured data, as well as many constructive comments about what can realistically be done to address the problem in an effective manner. The results of the online survey have been combined with the results of a smaller hard copy survey conducted among government officials from Africa and Asia. Future online surveys are planned, probably on a quarterly basis, in order to continue drawing directly on the views of those most likely to understand both the true nature of, and the best ways of curbing, corruption on construction project.
(more…)

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:
(more…)

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…)

Following a short pilot phase, and the establishment of a small working group to take the initiative forward, this web site was launched on 9th December 2005. If you represent an organisation with views on the objectives, ideas or processes described in this site, then we would like to hear from you. You can contact us either through comments posted in response to the various articles, or through the contact page. You are also encouraged to submit additional articles on related topics. “Abair ach beagan is abair gu math e”

(more…)