The Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK) has submitted a series of recommendations to improve the processes of maturation, planning, and implementation of public projects. These proposals were presented during a meeting on January 21 between an ETEK delegation, led by its president, Konstantinos Konstantis, and the newly appointed Auditor General of Cyprus, Andreas Papaconstantinou.

According to a press release from ETEK, the meeting was part of a broader effort to address recurring issues within the public works system. Prior to this, ETEK had engaged with the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works, as well as the Public Procurement Authority, to discuss the same concerns.

ETEK highlighted three core recommendations during the meeting:

1. Ensuring High-Quality Standards: Public projects should incorporate high-level architectural design, sustainability, technical value, and aesthetic and functional elements to improve the built environment.

2. Adopting Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods: The immediate integration of alternative dispute resolution procedures, such as adjudication, into construction contracts, aligning with international best practices.

3. Fostering Responsibility Among Stakeholders: Introducing measures and initiatives to promote a culture of accountability, ensuring that all contributors, starting with contract coordinators, assume their respective responsibilities.

ETEK President Konstantinos Konstantis emphasized the importance of finding solutions promptly to modernize the public works system. “It is crucial to develop a more efficient, accessible, and high-quality system that benefits society and its citizens,” Konstantis stated.