By Rashed Al-Fawzan
BEFORE we start talking about new projects and whether these projects will be included in the upcoming budget or the next one, we need to stop and discuss the many stalled projects all over the country. We need to find out why these projects are delayed and who is responsible.
Is it the fault of the contractor, the municipality, the Ministry of Finance, or some others? And why are these projects delayed? I am not going into details because it is not the responsibility of the contractor alone. It is a joint responsibility and everyone shares it.
Why do so many of our projects remain stalled forever? A recent report published in a local daily showed that 40 percent of our projects are delayed. We are not going to discuss the reasons because they are many, but the percentage is very high. Even if new projects are announced, it is most certain that 40 percent of them will also be delayed.
I know an underpass in Riyadh that has been left incomplete for five years. There are no signs that the project will be completed any time soon. This is just one example, and I wonder how many similar projects are there in other cities.
We are at a stage where we need roads, schools, hospitals and airports. We cannot think of delaying these vital infrastructure projects. When 5 to 10 percent of the projects are delayed, we can say it is because of reasons beyond our control.
Delayed projects are a burden on the economy of any country as they negatively affect growth and development. No new project may not announced next year although there is a need and there could be further delays. The Vision 2030 stresses the importance of completing projects on time as well as increased efficiency.
We are at a sensitive stage in our country’s economic development. Delaying projects now means delaying all future projects.
According to reports, the investments in the construction sector reached $680 billion. This sector has a reputation for unwarranted delays. The sector lacks trust and so needs a complete overhaul. We need to start a new stage of efficiency and commitment and there is no room for procrastination anymore.
The country needs each one of the projects and all problems that lead to delays in implementing them have be solved immediately. I am confident that this can be done under the leadership of Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman. We need a new face in the construction sector now more than ever.
