Construction Sector Transparency Initiative (CoST)
Year of creation: 2008
Developed by: The World Bank, the Department for International Development (DFID), private sector construction companies and associations, civil society organisations, and financial investors together with the pilot and implementing countries Ethiopia, Malawi, the Philippines, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Vietnam and Zambia. Guatemala participates as an 'Associate Country'.
Description: CoST is a voluntary multi-stakeholder initiative designed to be applicable to any country and to any government department or agency with responsibility for public-sector construction projects. CoST aims at promoting the concepts of transparency and accountability in the construction sector and focuses specifically on public disclosure of information. The ultimate aim is to enhance the accountability of procuring bodies and construction companies for the cost and quality of public-sector construction projects. CoST is based on the concept 'Get What You Pay For', which applies equally to national governments, affected stakeholders, and to the wider public. For additional information, see the Business Fighting Corruption case summary of CoST.
Key elements:
The principles on which CoST is based
A resource centre providing a one-stop shop for information and resources which are of use to donors, companies, civil society and other participating organisations in the pilot phase countries
Global Infrastructure Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC)
Year of creation: N/A
Developed by: Global Infrastructure Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC)
Description: GIACC is an independent not-for-profit organisation which provides resources and services for the purpose of preventing corruption in the infrastructure, construction and engineering sectors. The resources and services offered by GIACC are provided for the assistance of all stakeholders in the infrastructure, construction and engineering sectors, including governments, project owners, funders, contractors, consulting engineering firms and suppliers of equipment, materials and services. GIACC provides services in relation to the design, implementation, assessment and certification of anti-corruption measures as well as anti-corruption monitoring, training and advice. The GIACC webpage contains a Resource Centre which provides free access to information, advice and tools designed to help stakeholders understand, prevent and identify corruption.
Key elements:
Anti-corruption programmes for governments, funders, project owners, companies and association
Anti-corruption tools in relation to claims codes, contract terms, corporate codes, due diligence, employment terms, gifts and hospitality policy, procurement, reporting, rules, training and transparency
Advice on how to deal with corrupt situations
Information on anti-corruption conventions, indices, surveys, forums and initiatives
Project Anti-Corruption System (PACS)
