Corruption risks in building industry are to be eradicated in synergy with business, claims Hennadii Zubko
We made every effort to step up development of the construction industry, in particular amendments to the legislation, simplification of the permitting procedures and technical requirements in construction, reconsideration of building codes and deregulation of the industry have been put into practice. Ukraine has imporved its positions in the Doing Business ranking in terms of obtaining permission procedures in construction. But today we must also talk about things that still jeopardize the development of the building industry. The issues at stake, first and foremost, corruption risks. This was stated by Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Regional Development, Building and Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine Hennadii Zubko during the meeting with the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine.
"The main risk to the development of the construction industry is corruption, which arises at different stages of the procedure: from obtaining a license to facility commissioning. Being honest, this is an actual and, unfortunately, today's progressive issue, which needs to be addressed in the first turn. There are pressing issues, which we have to resolve together with business circles. The Ministry of Regional Development, Building and Housing and Communal Services is open to dialogue, and we are waiting for constructive proposals from the builders ", the Vice Prime Minister underscored.
According to him, another important issue for the industry is professional personnel. "In the near future, the Ministry of Justice will register an order of the Ministry of Regional Development, according to which local self-governments will be able to determine the amount of wages when calculating the cost of construction, which is carried out at the expense of budgetary funds, as well as funds of state and communal enterprises. This will allow to attract high-skilled workers to the construction industry, to raise the level of the profession and to provide the builders with decent wages", Hennadii Zubko said, stressing that this issue is of paramount importance for Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where there is a need for infrastructure development.
The Vice Prime Minister called on the representatives of the construction business to continue to work with local self-government authorities in the areas of social infrastructure development, CASPs, security centers, ambulances, and more. For its part, the Ministry will continue reforming the industry in terms of creating a favorable environment for doing business, providing access to resources, eliminating state interference in economic activity, increasing the competitiveness of the construction industry and introducing new technologies.