The construction of international sports venues creates an environment that is perfectly suited for corruption, according to a new study published by Engineers Against Poverty.
Projects for big events such as the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup are rife with poor planning, complex contracting, a lack of accountability, and high levels of collusion, the study says. Big sporting events often require rapid construction of venues and surrounding infrastructure, leading to corruption and resulting in huge cost overruns.
A remedy consists of construction firms and owners implementing new tools for transparency, the report says. These include a transparent tracking system that would help identify red flags and allow the public to see how money is spent.
Recent examples of huge cost overruns include the 2010 South African World Cup that was 1,709% above initial estimates, and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where stadium construction costs were 450% above predictions.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2020
Boston’s beefed up wetlands ordinance will limit development
Conservation commission must consider future climate impacts when assessing new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2020
States pick up the slack in efficiency policy as federal government lags
With climate change deniers setting policy in Trump Administration, progress continues in statehouses.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2020
OSHA plans multiple revisions to rules impacting construction industry in 2020
Cranes and derricks, welding in confined spaces, beryllium exposure, and more on docket.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2020
Labor supply and capability of workers worry contractors
Three out of four firms plan to add workers in 2020.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2020
Car-free streets could become common in major cities
New York and San Francisco establish thoroughfares dedicated to transit, pedestrians.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2020
CRE professionals have increased interest in embodied carbon accounting, smart buildings
Survey also shows that interest in resiliency lags behind.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2020
White paper focuses on Metal Composite Material labeling
Document part of effort to uphold industry standards for the product.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans puts spotlight on undocumented workers
Having helped rebuild the city after Hurricane Katrina, many under threat of deportation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
Maryland lawmakers take on blocked sidewalks during construction projects
Legislation clarifies developers’ responsibilities.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2019
New York City passes legislation to prevent bird strikes on buildings
Requires bird-safe materials on first 75 feet of a structure.