| Engineers Commit to Ending Corruption
About 10 percent of the approximately $4 trillion spent annually
for engineering and construction worldwide is lost to corrupt
activities, according to conservative estimates.
The current forecast for a dramatic increase in infrastructure
spending, particularly in developing countries, will lead
to an unprecedented globalization of engineering and construction-and
the potential for an equally dramatic increase in losses to
corruption.
As a result, the American Society of Civil Engineers has adopted
an amendment to its 92-year-old Code of Ethics that further
expanded its zero-tolerance policy for bribery and corruption.
The society also committed to publicizing these new guidelines
among other construction industry organizations in the United
States and working to encourage the 67 civil engineering organizations
worldwide it has Agreements of Cooperation with to adopt similar
guidelines.
"Engineers have an ethical obligation to take a stand
against corruption in all its forms, because not only do bribery
and corruption have a high economic cost, but they also have
an equally high human cost," said ASCE past president
William Henry.
The new guidelines are the result of two years of work by
ASCE's Task Committee on Global Principles for Professional
Conduct, Committee for Professional Practice and Committee
for Professional Conduct.
The initiative is chaired by Black and Veatch Associate Vice
President Robert Crist.
The new guidelines were amended to Cannon 6 of the Society's
Code of Ethics, which states that: "Engineers shall act
in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity,
and dignity of the engineering profession and shall act with
zero-tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption."
They also call for engineers to do the following:
Not knowingly engage in business or professional practices
of a fraudulent, dishonest or unethical nature.
Be scrupulously honest in their control and spending of
monies, and promote effective use of resources through open,
honest and impartial service with fidelity to the public,
employers, associates and clients.
Act with zero-tolerance for bribery, fraud and corruption
in all engineering or construction activities in which they
are engaged.
Be especially vigilant in maintaining appropriate ethical
behavior where payments of gratuities or bribes are institutionalized
practices.
Strive for transparency in the procurement and execution
of projects, including disclosure of names, addresses, purposes
and fees or commissions paid for all agents facilitating projects.
Encourage the use of certifications specifying zero-tolerance
for bribery, fraud and corruption in all contracts.
Midwest States Receive $637,000 in Grants
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the seven
states in the service's Midwest Region received more than
$637,000 in grants.
These will be used to provide recreational boaters with
additional sewage pumpout facilities.
Clean Vessel Act awards and recipients in the Midwest Region
are:
Illinois ($50,000): The state plans to construct up to
five sewage pumpout facilities at private marinas in its
inland waters.
Indiana ($104,458): Four sewage pumpout stations are planned
throughout the state, and it will continue its education
program for recreational boaters.
Two of the new stations are proposed for either the Ohio
River or Lake Michigan waters.
Missouri ($36,000): Three new sewage pumpout facilities
are planned throughout the state, and it plans to continue
efforts to inform recreational boaters about the importance
of proper sewage disposal.
Wisconsin ($45,000): The state plans to install three
sewage pumpout facilities on inland waters and the Great
Lakes with the program awards.
Missouri DOT Puts Forth Unique
Design-Build-Maintain Bridge Contract
Click
Here for Full Story>>
| 
print this page
e-mail this page
