Ella Lei calls for review of management mechanisms for public works subcontractors

Lawmaker Ella Lei previously called on the government to review management mechanisms for public works subcontractors. In response, the bureau responsible for such matters replied that it would carry out an “in depth study” where they would seek to identify the general consensus between different sectors.

In a written interpellation, the lawmaker warned of the negative effects of poor management of public works subcontractors and called on the government to impose measures to safeguard them.

However, in a brief reply following Lei’s extensive request, the Public Works Bureau (DSOP) remarked that it had an “open attitude” and “when there is general consensus between the different sectors, a more in-depth study will be carried out.”

The lawmaker had reiterated to the government that when work is undertaken on a large-scale, it necessarily involves a large number of subcontractors.

This can “cause a problem of hierarchy between contractors and, if there is a lack of a good adjudication and supervision mechanisms, conflicts easily arise in relation to payment for the works such as due to delays and non-payment between subcontractors. This will affect the progress and quality of the works.”

“Over time, many small and medium-sized companies in the construction sector have been complaining about imperfections in existing laws and mechanisms, as well as the lack of instructions and mechanisms defined by the government to ensure payment for works,” Lei stated.

“Subcontractors are often unable to receive money for works within the defined deadlines and even encounter situations in which they do not have the means to demand payment, which results in large losses, and these situations also occur frequently within the scope of public works,” she added.

Lei has also questioned the government as to how it would improve situations to prevent the works from remaining unfinished and prevent the contractor from leaving after receiving the money.

Lei suggested the government require public works contractors to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that the works are carried out by subcontractors with professional capacity, experience and good reputations. Staff Reporter