FIDIC Future Leaders Booklet – Challenges and opportunities for infrastructure delivery 2024 by FIDIC

FIDIC Future Leaders –Challenges and opportunities for infrastructure delivery 2024

A FIDIC Conference Booklet prepared by the FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council

September 2024

Introduction

The FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council (FLAC) was established to bring together a group of professionals under the age of 40 and is appointed by the FIDIC board to advise FIDIC on a number of activities and operations and provide opportunities for future leaders to participate actively in FIDIC with their peers and to develop the next generation of leaders in the consulting engineering and wider infrastructure sector.

The primary functions of the council are to:

• Engage with future leaders in the consultancy and engineering sector to promote FIDICs activities.

• Work with FIDIC to create targeted activities for its Future Leaders programme.

The FLAC provides opportunities for future leaders to participate actively in FIDIC with their peers and to develop as the next generation of leaders in the consulting engineering and wider infrastructure sector.

This publication forms part of this remit. It is important that future leader’s voices are heard if the industry is to move towards the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), net zero and beyond.

The contributions in this report explore the issues currently faced by future leaders but also considers the issues that the next generation of future leaders may face.

Foreword

from FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council Chair

I am pleased that the FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council (FLAC) is represented strongly at the conference through the Future Leaders Symposium and the publication of the Future Leaders’ Booklet.

This year marks an important milestone and a first for us, as in this eighth year of publishing our booklet we have had such a great number of good quality applications that we will be publishing not one but three Future Leaders’ Booklets around different themes.

What an achievement! I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that led the Future Leaders before me, the team within the Future Leaders’ Advisory Council and the secretariat at FIDIC who have all supported the bold aim for this programme to go from an ambitious idea to the achievement it is today.

The three booklet themes this year, I believe, represent the breadth and importance of the challenges we are facing. They are:

• Technology and AI

• Sustainability

• Challenges and opportunities for infrastructure delivery

As we fast approach 2030 and the need to hit the SDGs, net zero is also increasingly just over the horizon. The work we are doing today will form part of our net zero future and so it is important we are proactive in everything we design to meet such a goal.

Technology also continues to evolve it was not long ago that remote working was thrown into the future and artificial intelligence seems to be another significant shift that we refuse to ignore at our own peril.

There are several ways in which the world could potentially change as technology and AI continues to evolve:

Enhanced decision-making: AI can provide valuable insights and recommendations, helping you make informed choices in various areas of life.

Improved efficiency: Technology and AI-powered tools can automate routine tasks, saving you time and effort.

Access to information: technology and AI can help you find relevant information quickly and efficiently.

New opportunities: AI like the technology that came before it will open up new career paths and entrepreneurial ventures.

It is therefore fantastic to see the sector, be it the leaders at the top or the young engineers entering the industry, aligned to an extent which has never happened before. Tomorrow’s challenges are now today’s challenges - and we must deliver.

The conference theme, Transforming lives with infrastructure: Investing in and building a better world for all, could not be more appropriate given that the challenges above will have significant effects on how we, live, work and interact and we must not leave anyone behind.

Having the voices of upcoming and young engineers will be important as they continue to bring new and innovative points of view towards project delivery and the development of wider infrastructure.

We hope that you enjoy reading the articles that future leaders have prepared and find the content and context both interesting and valuable as we move towards a more sustainable, equitable and possibly technology-driven future.

Dr Rodrigo Juarez Chair - FIDIC Future Leaders Council

Presenting Authors

Acknowledging the seriousness of the challenges we face in the sector, the FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council wanted to provide a platform for future leaders in the consulting engineering industry to share, reflect and come forward with new ideas or challenges.

We invited future leaders to reflect on the challenges and how we can not only approach the future but also consider that a different approach will also have additional or new benefits to economies, societies, and nature as a whole.

It is important that as a sector and as a society, individuals look forward to the opportunities in the V-U-C-A (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world despite how it impacts consulting engineering, infrastructure development, attraction, retention and development of Future Leaders.

For this, the FLAC selected, as presenters, the authors whose articles best reflect the above principles.

Authors:

• Ana Carolina Azevedo de Faria, Brazil

• Artur Henrique de Morais Brito, Brazil

• Mariana Prysthon Moraes, Brazil

Presenting Authors

Challenges of the Yellow Book implementation in Brazil

Civil engineer from the University of Pernambuco, with developments focused on occupational risk analysis, Ana Carolina is a corporate manager at TPF Engenharia in Brazil, with the goal of “Building the world, better”.

Recently, she completed her Master of Business Administration in quality, health and occupational safety, and environmental management at the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, possessing experience in the three mentioned areas.

Civil engineer from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), where he received awards for his academic performance and infrastructure engineer from the École Spèciale des Travaux Publiques in Paris, Artur is a development manager at TPF Engenharia in Brazil, with the goal of “Building the world, better”.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of São Paulo in production engineering focused on ESG, he has experiences in construction, projects and management contracts. Regarding his membership activities, he is currently vice-chair of the FIDIC Future Leaders Advisory Council and member of the FIDIC Digital Transformation Committee.

Mariana Prysthon Moraes is a project manager at TPF Engenharia in Brazil. Civil engineer from the UFPE - Federal University of Pernambuco, exchange student at EIVP - Ecole des Ingénieurs de la Ville de Paris, Postgraduate in IT management at FIAP - Faculdade de Informática e Administração Paulista and certified in PMP® (Project Management Professional) by PMI.

Mariana is involved in consulting, integrating civil engineering with IT solutions. In her current post, she is actively engaged in developing many systems to support TPF’s contracts. Her work in this area has sparked her curiosity and driven her to become actively involved in innovation within the company.

Ana Carolina Azevedo de Faria, Brazil

Artur Henrique de Morais Brito, Brazil

Mariana Prysthon Moraes, Brazil

Presenting Authors Challenges of the Yellow Book implementation in Brazil

Since the early 2010s, Brazil has experienced the adoption of new contractual models, especially in the public sector. An important milestone was the enactment of the Differentiated Public Procurement Regime Law in 2011 with the aim of accelerating the execution of the necessary infrastructure for the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016.

The main procurement models established by this law were the semi-integrated and the integrated procurement approaches. In the first case, the public agency was responsible for the basic engineering project and the contractor was responsible for the detailed project and the execution of the works. In the case of the integrated procurement, the client accounts for the preliminary project, leaving the responsibility of the basic and detailed projects and the execution of the works to the contractor. The use of this law was expanded a couple of years later and was finally consolidated in the Brazilian New Procurement Law (Law 14.133 from April 1st, 2021), which has been in force since the beginning of 2024.

In parallel, the World Bank has signed an agreement to use FIDIC’s suite of contracts in its financing programmes around the world, when the contract meets certain criteria. This meant their use was no different here in Brazil, where the first use of the Yellow Book represented a huge change in the mindset of clients and companies that work in the public sector.

Despite its similarities with the semi-integrated procurement model, FIDIC’s contracts bring important differences in relation to the New Procurement Law, a fact that can create some challenges for all the stakeholders involved in its execution. TPF Engenharia has had the privilege of working as the engineer in one of those contracts in Brazil using the FIDIC Yellow Book and thus, discovering the difficulties of implementing such a model in the country.

The semi-arid region in Brazil has historically faced intense periods of drought. To combat this issue, local authorities have implemented a programme aimed at water security, with the goal of ensuring a reliable water supply for human consumption and regional economic activities. The programme includes the expansion of the water distribution network, direct sourcing from more reliable springs and the construction of treatment stations near these reservoirs.

TPF Engenharia has been appointed as the engineer for the first stage of this project. This phase involves the construction of an extensive pipeline system to provide treated water to various urban and district centres. In this new contract, in addition to gaining new experiences, the company has been facing challenges stemming from Brazilian culture and regulations. Consequently, we have been facing several challenges, including:

1. Complexities in understanding the role of the engineer

In the FIDIC Yellow Book, the role of the engineer encompasses numerous obligations and responsibilities, facing challenges to ensure strict contractual compliance, especially when considering the requirements of Brazilian laws and potential conflicts between contractual models.

As previously mentioned, the Brazilian Law of Public Procurement and Administrative Contracts (Law No. 14.133) permits the hiring of third parties to assist and provide relevant information to contract supervisors. In contrast, the Yellow Book, in Sub-Clause 3.5 [Engineer’s Instructions], stipulates that the contractor should receive instructions exclusively from the engineer, highlighting a difference in authority between the models.

While the Brazilian model is widely known and applied, the Yellow Book, as a pioneer in public management, presents greater complexity and specific peculiarities. The transition to this new model in an environment habituated to established management practices represents a significant challenge.

2. Diversity of stakeholders with different interests

Another significant challenge that adds complexity to FIDIC’s contracts is the diversity of stakeholders involved. This particular project, beyond involving the client, contractor, and engineer, also includes numerous additional stakeholders such as the World Bank, DAAB, the water and sewage company (as the future operator of the system), the water resources management company, public sector entities within the water resources secretariat, subcontractors, national and international suppliers, the government at both state and local levels and local communities.

Stakeholders may affect, be affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of the project. In this case, many stakeholders actively participate, defending their interests. This alignment with Brazilian laws and the challenge of understanding the engineer’s role directly impacts the progress of construction.

Presenting Authors

Challenges of the Yellow Book implementation in Brazil

3. Communication devices

Implementing a Yellow Book contract involves new terms and official documentation that are not typically used in Brazilian law. Translating and adapting these documents can sometimes lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. Interpreting the contract and producing communication documents to align the interests of the many stakeholders involved have been significant challenges in this contract.

4. Measurements format

In the realm of measurements, similar challenges are faced as those found in understanding the engineer's role. The measurement models used in Brazil and the management systems of public bodies adhere to specific formats that have been in use for a long time. In the Yellow Book, the contractor requests measurements through interim payment requests, while the engineer approves these measurements by issuing an interim payment certificate (IPC), both with specific sub-clauses outlining the necessary criteria. Additionally, provisions include advancements, retentions, payment for installations and materials, as well as payments for provisional sums, among others.

Transitioning managers' mindsets to accept a new model can cause significant friction. Furthermore, considering the multitude of stakeholders involved, ensuring understanding and satisfaction with different models, although compliant with the Yellow Book, compared to customary practices, poses a significant challenge.

In conclusion, it’s clear to notice the transformative impact of the Yellow Book's implementation in Brazil, particularly in the public sector. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that arose from adopting new contractual models, which required a shift in mindset and adaptation to new management practices. The team's dedication to planning, monitoring, and controlling all activities has been pivotal in overcoming some of those challenges. By employing the best management practices and leveraging a digital platform to record, control and save all information.

In addition, identifying, analysing and proactively engaging the stakeholders involved from start to end is essential to the project’s success, also clear communication between the stakeholders is essential to guarantee understanding, so following the specified in the contract by sharing official approvals, certificates, consents, determinations, notices or requests and its control through the platform, is an important action that has been done by the engineer’s team.

The experiences of TPF Engenharia reflect the complexities of integrating international standards like FIDIC's contracts within the Brazilian legal and cultural context. The company's role as the engineer in pioneering projects using the Yellow Book has been instrumental in navigating these complexities, from understanding the engineer's role to managing diverse stakeholder interests and aligning communication strategies. This work is an example to the ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure development in Brazil, fostering innovation through collaborative and informed approaches with many stakeholders.

Recognised Authors

In this section, we would like to highlight the contribution of notable authors with exciting articles.

They have provided us with opinions, experiences and innovative ideas on how to evolve and adapt to changing technologies, the challenge of net zero and develop the skills and talent the industry needs to lead such transformative infrastructure development.

Authors:

• Mahdi Ostadi Jafari, Islamic Republic of Iran

• Antoinette Gabby Hayes, Ghana

• Irene Yeboah, Ghana

• Edward M. Melomey, Ghana

• Jacqueline Sampah-Adjei, Ghana

• Robert Byaruhanga, Kampala, Uganda

Recognised Authors

The rise of the Humanistic Engineer

Mahdi Ostadi Jafari is a distinguished engineer specializing in logistics, transportation, and traffic management at Polrood Consulting Engineers Co., affiliated with the FIDIC member association, the ISCE. As director of logistics, transportation, and traffic department, he has led significant projects, including comprehensive studies for major commercial ports and strategic plans for railway stations.

Mahdi is recognised for his interdisciplinary expertise, publishing numerous articles and authoring five books on engineering and sociology, with a focus on integrating social sciences into engineering practices. He has also translated six books in urban planning, transportation, and logistics.

Active in professional associations such as ISCE, Mahdi has contributed to strategic planning and training initiatives. He has experience consulting PMO and MRUD and is a member of several Iranian specialised associations.

Iranian society has faced serious and threatening challenges for years. Some of these include:

• Water Crisis: Spreading water shortages and increasing social challenges.

• Desertification and Soil Erosion: Common phenomena posing serious threats to food security and health.

• Air Pollution: Causing billions of dollars in damages annually, turning life in big cities into a disaster.

• Natural Disasters: Heightened impacts of floods and earthquakes due to unplanned and self‐centred development.

The above, however, does not consider a much wider set of other issues such as high rates of fatality and injuries from traffic accidents, poverty, social inequality, centralisation and neglect of border cities, moral decline, rising conflicts, despair, mistrust and immigration, all of which are part of the dangers facing Iranians.

These problems need to be acknowledged and addressed with bold, conscious and well-informed decision‐making. Although these risks were predictable, they have materialised due to misguided development perspectives, neglect of expert recommendations and political and party conflicts.

In national decisions, development is often equated with construction, ignoring the mechanisms that should accompany it. Failing to recognise these mechanisms blinds us to the rules of the game and the necessary communication between organisations and executive institutions. Unfortunately, our dominant view of development has always been engineering‐centric, despite many problems not being of an engineering nature. We have treated humanities and social studies as mere appendices to our decisions and projects.

Today, the gap between sciences and various fields of thought has widened. There is no mention of humanities and arts in technical faculties and humanities faculties are disconnected from basic sciences and engineering. This has led to a one‐sided and ineffective engineering stream towards development, while the humanities stream remains reactive or indifferent. Current development policies have neglected the convergence of engineering and social sciences.

We must accept that engineering, despite its valuable contributions to improving daily life, is not necessarily effective for society due to its inconsistency and lack of integration with humanities and social sciences. If this disharmony is not addressed and these trends are reversed, society will undoubtedly face greater troubles. It seems that today's engineering has brought two characteristics: "non‐inclusion" and "lack of value":

Mahdi Ostadi Jafari, Islamic Republic of Iran

Recognised Authors

The rise of the Humanistic Engineer

1. Non‐Inclusion: Engineers who do not design projects, services, and products for everyone, failing to ensure social inclusion.

2. Lack of Value: Engineering that does not move towards supporting and strengthening the values of human and local communities.

As an engineer, I am not satisfied with the current path. I did not pursue this profession to see the fruits of my intellectual efforts lead to the commercialisation of all elements of human society and their relationships.

• I did not become an engineer to help concentrate wealth and push resources upward, ignoring large sections of society.

• I did not become an engineer to close my eyes to the environmental disasters caused by the continuous industrialisation of society.

• I did not become an engineer to exacerbate human suffering by ignoring the detrimental impacts of urbanisation.

I became an engineer because I believe in the power of science, reason, technology and hard work to create a fairer and more just society and to empower people to live better and more satisfying lives.

I know that many of my colleagues across various fields of engineering agree with me. Therefore, it is necessary to address this situation immediately. Fortunately, we have leverage as engineers. Employers and government agencies rely on us for all planning and engineering projects. I believe that our power to correct existing trends is significant. My proposal is to use this power by reforming the engineering process and pathway around a concept I call ‘Humanistic Engineering’. This new approach provides engineers with the insights and skills needed to guide society in a better direction.

Humanistic Engineering emphasises that engineering should be based on a broad understanding of human values and needs. It focuses on "people and society" and seeks to solve social and human problems. Humanistic Engineering is used to develop solutions that improve the quality of human life in areas such as health, comfort, transportation and communication technology. It ensures that systems and services are designed to align with human values and ideals.

In addition to the humanistic perspective, engineering education should also include environmentally-friendly awareness and actions. Global warming, climate change and other environmental challenges are among the most pressing issues we face. By incorporating environmental sustainability into engineering curricula and developing sustainable engineering practices, engineers can help create a prosperous, sustainable future.

To achieve this, there should be a rethinking that combines engineering and social sciences in the country's development process. Humanities and social sciences allow us to critically distance ourselves from the dangers of baseless development and provide the power of discernment and recognition to challenge the status quo. As long as the fish is in the water, it does not see the water; similarly, construction developers are influenced by prevailing beliefs and stereotypes. To better understand society and its needs, it is essential to integrate humanities and social sciences into engineering.

Today, this demand must arise from within the engineering community. We need sociology and social sciences to break through the current deadlock, deconstruct scientifically and pave the way for making engineering effective in society. The fundamental solution is to change the attitude and structure of decision‐making, followed by improvements in education, research, application, organisation and monitoring.

This article aims to highlight the root causes of the inefficacy of engineering in the country and the urgent need to incorporate social and cultural components in the development of Iranian society. As an engineer, I have had the privilege of working with a vibrant community of young professionals in ISCE.

Over the years, I have written many articles and participated in specialised committees to advocate for this cause. Achieving this vision, however, requires collective agreement and a national movement. Together, we can pave the way for everyone to benefit from the gifts of engineering.

Recognised Authors

The role of equity and inclusion in achieving net zero

Antoinette Salmata Gabby Hayes is a social and gender safeguard analyst at Constromart Africa and has extensive experience in multilateral funded projects as the social and gender analyst.

She has a Master's degree in gender peace and security and a Bachelor's in political science and sociology. Antoinette is deeply committed to creating sustainable, strategic, and climate-resilient solutions that promote social inclusion and gender empowerment in developing communities. Antoinette is a member of the International Association for Impact Assessment and the Association for Women’s Rights in Development.

Irene Yeboah is an Environmental and social safeguards and climate specialist at Constromart Africa in Accra, Ghana. She holds an MSc in urban management and development from Erasmus University and an integrated development studies from the University for Development Studies.

Irene is adept in climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental and social impact assessment, and preparation of environmental and social management plans and implementation. She is a member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, International Association for Impact Assessment and International Water Association (IWA) working on multilateral development bank-funded projects as environment and social safeguards analyst and assistant urban planner on other projects. Her research focuses on embedding social sustainability in development projects to a sustainable society. She is passionate about sustainability and protecting the interest of people especially the vulnerable in making society a better place.

Edward M. Melomey is an experienced civil engineer and project manager, steeped in construction and engineering leadership spanning two decades. He has led the implementation of several infrastructure projects as well as a bid of a local and international consortium to win the contract to provide consulting services for the first OPRC (World Bank funded performance-based contract) in Ghana.

Edward has graduate education in engineering project management, public administration and legal studies. He is a professional engineer and member of the Ghana Institution of Engineering and the American Society of Engineers.

He is the managing director at Constromart and has overseen the growth and expansion in Ghana and the establishment of offices in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Antoinette Gabby Hayes, Ghana

Irene Yeboah, Ghana

Edward M. Melomey, Ghana

Recognised Authors

The role of equity and inclusion in achieving net zero

Introduction

In recent years, the concept of achieving net zero emissions has gained considerable traction as a critical target in the fight against climate change. The net zero goal refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset, resulting in no additional emissions being added to the atmosphere.

While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to mitigating the impacts of climate change, it is equally crucial to ensure that efforts to achieve net zero are equitable and inclusive. This article explores the role of equity and inclusion in achieving net zero, with a focus on social sustainability and the importance of centring social justice in climate policy and action.

The case for equity and inclusion in climate action

The concept of equity and inclusion is foundational if we are to create a just and sustainable society. Equity refers to ensuring fairness and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits, while inclusion involves actively involving and valuing diverse perspectives and voices in decision-making processes. When we talk about climate action and achieving net zero emissions, it is crucial to integrate equity and inclusion practices to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is fair and inclusive for all members of society.

One of the key arguments for integrating equity and inclusion practices in climate action is the recognition of the unequal impacts of climate change on different communities. Vulnerable populations, such as lower-income communities, communities of colour and indigenous communities, are often disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels and food insecurity.

These communities often have limited access to resources and face systemic barriers that prevent them from fully participating in decision-making processes related to climate action. By prioritising equity and inclusion in climate policies and initiatives, we can ensure that those most affected by climate change are not left behind and are empowered to participate in the transition to a sustainable future.

Furthermore, integrating equity and inclusion practices in climate action can help to address social inequalities and promote long-term societal well-being. By considering the needs and perspectives of marginalised communities, we can develop more effective and holistic solutions to climate change that benefit all members of society. This can involve initiatives such as providing job training and employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector for disadvantaged communities, investing in green infrastructure in underserved neighbourhoods and ensuring that climate policies are designed with a social justice lens.

Recognised Authors

The role of equity and inclusion in achieving net zero

Approaches to ensure equity and inclusion in achieving net zero

There are several approaches to ensuring equity and inclusion in achieving net zero emissions. One key approach is to prioritise the needs and perspectives of marginalised and vulnerable communities in climate action initiatives. This can involve conducting thorough assessments of the social, economic and environmental impacts of climate policies on different populations and actively engaging with affected communities to co-design solutions that meet their needs.

Another approach is to promote diversity and representation in decision-making processes related to climate action. Ensuring that a diverse range of voices and perspectives are included in these processes, policymakers and stakeholders can make more informed and inclusive decisions that reflect the interests of all individuals. Additionally, investing in capacity-building and empowerment initiatives for marginalised communities can help ensure that they have the knowledge and resources to participate meaningfully in climate action efforts.

Furthermore, it is crucial to consider intersectional factors when addressing equity and inclusion in achieving net zero emissions. This involves recognising that individuals may experience multiple forms of discrimination and disadvantage and tailoring climate action initiatives to address these intersecting challenges. An intersectional approach to equity and inclusion across the global community can develop more holistic and effective solutions that promote social justice and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

The integration of equity and inclusion practices in climate action of net zero is essential for achieving a fair, just and sustainable future for all individuals. Prioritising the needs and perspectives of marginalised communities, promoting diversity and representation in decision-making processes and considering intersectional factors in climate action initiatives, is essential if the global community wishes to achieve a more inclusive and effective solutions to address the impacts of climate change.

As we work towards achieving net zero emissions and mitigating the effects of global warming, it is imperative that equity and inclusion principles guide our efforts to create a more equitable and resilient world for future generations.

Recognised Authors

Embedding social sustainability into road projects in Africa: strategies, challenges, and opportunities

Antoinette Salmata Gabby Hayes is a social and gender safeguard analyst at Constromart Africa and has extensive experience in multilateral funded projects as the social and gender analyst.

Jacqueline Sampah-Adjei is an environment & sanitary engineering specialist at Constromart. She holds an MSc in water sanitation and health engineering from the University of Leeds and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from KNUST. Jacqueline is a FIDIC Certified Consulting Professional and a member of the International Water Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers . She is also an alumni of the FIDIC Future Leaders Management Course.

With a focus on water and sanitation solutions in developing countries, Jacqueline has worked on various multilateral development bank projects, including landfill design, e-waste management solutions, and organic waste management technology. In addition, to her professional work, she is actively involved in industry development initiatives, such as serving on the FIDIC Africa committee for integrity, quality, risk andsStandards and being vice president of the Ghana consulting engineers future leaders group.

Irene Yeboah, Ghana

Antoinette Gabby Hayes, Ghana

Jacqueline Sampah-Adjei, Ghana

Recognised Authors

Embedding social sustainability into road projects in Africa: strategies, challenges, and opportunities

Introduction

Road infrastructure development is important as part of Africa's economic growth and social development. The success of road projects, however, depends not only on their technical feasibility but also on their ability to address social sustainability concerns and benefit local communities. In this paper, we explore strategies for embedding social sustainability into road projects in Africa, highlighting and assessing the key challenges and opportunities.

Drawing on the region’s best practices, this article examines the importance of community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, equitable access, livelihood enhancement, cultural preservation, health and safety and long-term community benefits. By integrating social considerations into road projects, Africa can achieve a more inclusive and resilient transportation system that contributes to sustainable development goals.

Social sustainability

Social sustainability is inherently linked to economic and environmental sustainability, forming the basis of sustainable development. It refers to the ability of societies to maintain and enhance both their quality of life and their cohesion over time1. It encompasses various dimensions of human wellbeing, social equity, inclusion and the ability of individuals and communities to cope with change and adversity. Social sustainability in road construction focuses on fostering inclusive, equitable and just conditions within societies, where individuals and communities can thrive socially, economically, and culturally, without compromising the wellbeing of future generations or the natural environment.

Strategies for embedding social sustainability into road projects

Local communities involvement in project planning and implementation

One of the key strategies for embedding social sustainability into road projects in Africa is the involvement of local communities in the planning and implementation process. Local communities are often the most affected stakeholder during construction projects, as they may have to deal with disruptions to their daily lives, environmental impacts and changes to their social structures.

Project planners can ensure that their needs and concerns are considered by involving these communities from the beginning. Engagement with local communities can take many forms, including community meetings, consultations and feedback sessions. These interactions allow project planners to listen to the voices of those directly impacted by the project and incorporate their feedback into decision-making processes. Additionally, involving local communities in project planning can help build trust and foster a sense of ownership of the project.

Addressing environmental and social impacts

Road construction can have significant negative impacts on the environment and local communities. This includes deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution, displacement of communities, disruption of livelihoods and loss of cultural heritage sites. To address these issues, it is important to incorporate environmental and social considerations into the planning and implementation process.

This involves conducting thorough environmental and social impact assessments, engaging with local communities and stakeholders, and implementing sustainable practices such as using locally sourced materials and creating alternative livelihood opportunities2. by prioritising social sustainability, road projects can support environmental conservation and benefit local communities in Africa.

1. World Bank Social Sustainability in Development: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century, available at: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/0c9063cb-c2d7-401f-9f13-da64a24fc773

2. World Bank Social Sustainability in Development: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century, available at: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/0c9063cb-c2d7-401f-9f13-da64a24fc773

Recognised Authors

Embedding social sustainability into road projects in Africa: strategies, challenges, and opportunities

Promoting local employment and skills development

One key aspect of embedding social sustainability into road projects in Africa is promoting local employment and skills development. Road projects can stimulate economic growth and empower residents by prioritising the hiring of local community members for various roles within the project, such as labourers, technicians, engineers and project managers. Investing in skills development, programmes for workers in road construction can have long-lasting benefits3. Technical training can provide expertise for future jobs, while soft skills training like communication and teamwork can improve job performance and create a better work environment.

Ensuring gender equality and social inclusion

31% of the global population is estimated to be at risk exclusion, a number larger than most leading estimates of global monetary poverty. It is therefore important to include gender equality and social inclusion to avoid perpetuating exclusion and inequality.

This can be achieved by actively involving women and marginalised groups in all stages of the project, providing training and creating safe working environments. Consulting with marginalised communities and incorporating their feedback is also crucial to ensure that infrastructure development benefits everyone and not just a select few.

Monitoring and evaluating social sustainability outcomes

To ensure social sustainability in African road projects, it is important to have a strong monitoring and evaluation framework. This framework can include indicators measuring the project's impact on local communities, such as healthcare, education and economic opportunities4. Regular site visits and feedback from community members can help identify issues early on, while data collection tools like surveys and interviews can be used to gather information and assess whether the project is meeting its social sustainability and societal goals.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the importance of embedding social sustainability into road projects, several challenges exist. These include funding constraints, limited institutional capacity, socio-cultural barriers and competing stakeholder interests. There are opportunities for overcoming these challenges through policy innovation, capacity-building initiatives and knowledge sharing. Leveraging technology, harnessing local resources and promoting community-led initiatives can enhance project effectiveness and sustainability.

Conclusion

Embedding social sustainability into road projects in Africa requires a multifaceted approach that considers local communities' diverse needs and priorities. By adopting strategies such as community engagement, stakeholder collaboration and equitable access, road projects can contribute to inclusive growth, social cohesion and environmental stewardship.

Overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities will require concerted efforts from policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders to ensure that road infrastructure development benefits all members of society and advances sustainable development goals.

2016: Integrating Social Sustainability in The South African Construction Industry: Benefits and Barriers

4. Ankitha Vijayakumar et al 2022 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 1101 022039

Awuzie Bankole, Thabiso Monyane

Recognised Authors

Investing to prevent unethical behaviours in projects

Robert Byaruhanga is a senior projects manager (Construction) at M&E Associates Ltd. Consulting engineers, Kampala-Uganda, with seven years of experience in the engineering consultancy industry. He has successfully managed infrastructure projects exceeding USD 300 million, financed by the African Development Bank and the Exim Bank of China.

His expertise lies in construction project management, coupled with his dedication to sustainable development and ethical practices, ensures the delivery of high-quality, resilient infrastructure projects. His extensive knowledge in powerline construction, water and sanitation engineering, coupled with a commitment to ethical practices, has earned him a reputation for delivering impactful and resilient projects. Robert is known for his leadership, innovative strategies, and commitment to excellence in every project he undertakes.

Projects are often celebrated for their potential to drive innovation, foster economic growth, and bring about positive change. They are the building blocks of progress, the blueprints of a better future. Yet, beneath this optimistic veneer lies a complex and often underexplored dimension, the darker side of projects.

In today's globalised economy, the darker side of projects and investments often manifests through unethical behaviours such as modern slavery, mismanagement, corruption, lack of transparency and unsustainable exploitation of resources. These issues not only undermine human rights but also jeopardise the most well-intentioned initiatives, long-term sustainability and ethical integrity of businesses and societies.

This article explores how investing to prevent unethical behaviours in projects can transform lives and build a better future. It also highlights the important role that future leaders and leadership will play in shaping the future of the infrastructure industry and discusses how current trends are influencing the world we live in.

Modern slavery encompasses various forms of forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation that persist in many sectors, including construction, agriculture and manufacturing. According to the International Labor Organization, over 40 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery, with significant numbers trapped in supply chains of global companies. Workers are often subjected to inhumane conditions, low wages, and restricted freedom. Governments and international bodies must enforce stringent regulations such as the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, which requires businesses to report on their efforts to prevent slavery in their operations and supply chains.

Companies must adopt ethical sourcing practices, conduct regular audits of their supply chains, and ensure transparency in their operations. Raising awareness and providing training for employees and suppliers about the signs of modern slavery and how to report them can help in early detection and prevention.

Robert Byaruhanga, Kampala, Uganda

Recognised Authors

Investing to prevent unethical behaviours in projects

Corruption in form of bribery, kickbacks, and embezzlement remains a pervasive issue that undermines the effectiveness of projects and investments. It leads to the misallocation of resources, inflated project costs, delayed timelines and substandard work, often compromising the safety and welfare of communities. The World Bank estimates that over $1 trillion is paid in bribes annually, highlighting the scale of the problem.

Enforcing robust anti-corruption laws, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in the United States, can deter corrupt practices by:

• Imposing severe penalties on offenders

• Implementing transparent procurement processes

• Independent audits

• Whistleblower protection mechanisms

These are all crucial for ensuring accountability in projects. Within this, it is also important to maintain and improve cross-border cooperation among governments and businesses and NGOs can help track and combat corruption in global supply chains.

The unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, including deforestation, overfishing and mining, poses severe environmental and social challenges. Such practices lead to loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation and displacement of communities, undermining efforts towards sustainable development.

Businesses must integrate sustainable practices into their operations, such as using renewable energy, promoting circular economy principles and reducing waste, adopting internationally recognised certification schemes. Examples of such schemes include the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) which can ensure responsible sourcing of resources and involving local communities in decision-making processes and ensuring they benefit from resource-related projects can foster sustainable development.

Future leaders have a pivotal role in combating unethical behaviours in projects and investments and driving the transformation of the infrastructure industry. Their influence extends across various domains, from policy-making and corporate governance to grassroots activism and innovation.

Future leaders should advocate for stronger regulations and policies that promote ethical practices and protect human rights. Engaging in policy development can help shape frameworks that prevent exploitation and corruption. They can also promote education and awareness about the impacts of unethical behaviours and the importance of sustainability among peers and communities can drive cultural change.

Embracing and promoting ethical leadership principles within organisations can set a precedent for responsible behaviour and decision-making. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including robust regulatory frameworks, corporate accountability, and active participation from future leaders.

About FIDIC

FIDIC, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, is the global representative body for national associations of consulting engineers and represents over one million engineering professionals and 40,000 firms in around 100 countries worldwide.

Founded in 1913, FIDIC is charged with promoting and implementing the consulting engineering industry’s strategic goals on behalf of its member associations and to disseminate information and resources of interest to its members. Today, FIDIC membership covers over 100 countries of the world.

FIDIC member associations operate in around 100 countries with a combined population in excess of 6.5bn people and a combined GDP in excess of $30tn. The global industry, including construction, is estimated to be worth over $22tn. This means that FIDIC member associations across the various countries are worth over $8.5tn.

Disclaimer

This document was produced by FIDIC and is provided for informative purposes only. The contents of this document are general in nature and therefore should not be applied to the specific circumstances of individuals. Whilst we undertake every effort to ensure that the information within this document is complete and up to date, it should not be relied upon as the basis for investment, commercial, professional or legal decisions.

FIDIC accepts no liability in respect to any direct, implied, statutory and/or consequential loss arising from the use of this document or its contents. No part of this report may be copied either in whole or in part without the express permission of the authors in writing.

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