Briefing: Corruption in construction in developing countries

Worldwide, public works/construction is considered to be one of the most corrupt of all sectors. The problem is most acute in developing countries, where corruption often accounts for leakages of 20% or more. As a result, project planning is distorted, construction quality undermined, maintenance neglected and professional standards compromised. In the past, some donors and many governments have turned a blind eye to, or even encouraged, such corruption. In recent years, however, a consensus has emerged that corruption not only harms the poor, but is also bad for business and for security. Yet corruption persists in the sector, spurred on by the ease with which it can be hidden and by the pressures of globalisation. There is no single, or simple, solution to this problem, but much could be achieved by creating more incentives for good practice, and by making better use of existing tools to improve transparency and accountability.