The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Ministry of Works plans to introduce an electronic processing solution to enhance the efficiency and security of building permit applications, which generated just under $1.3 million in revenues for the Government last year.

Desmond Bannister, minister of works, said this represented an increase of almost 40.3 per cent year-over-year. "It is common knowledge that the approval process for construction is cumbersome, labour-intensive, and needlessly expensive to the customer," he said during his contribution to the 2017-2018 Budget debate.

"Currently, an applicant has to submit several copies of a plan - each to go to various agencies of Government for consideration, wasting time for circulation and money for printing.

"To address these challenges, my Ministry will introduce an electronic plan-processing solution with the capability to greatly impact and enhance the efficiency and security of the processing of building permit applications. The software tool will have tremendous impact on improving the efficiency and access to individual file data to both the administration and the public."

Mr Bannister also invited stakeholders to participate in the drafting of regulations for the Construction Contractors Act. "Shortly thereafter, stakeholders will be contacted for collaboration to appoint the Construction Contractors Board," he added.

"When this Inaugural Board begins its function, we bear in mind that contractors will have two years to do what is necessary to qualify for registration. This legislation is absolutely necessary to protect consumers against illegal, improper or unethical construction contracting practices, and we shall work closely with our stakeholders to enforce its provisions."

Mr Bannister recently told Tribune Business he wants a Construction Contractors Act that "makes sense and is enforceable", pledging that he will not be rushed into giving the legislation full effect.

He added that he wanted to make sure there were no outstanding issues or problems with the Act before the Government gave it full force. Mr Bannister added that the Minnis administration also wanted to meet with contractors to ensure their concerns were addressed, explaining that it was better to make changes now rather than after the Act had become law.

"Over the next fiscal period, my Ministry will continue work on the Construction Contractors Lien Bill, which will, among other things, protect professionals from the risk of not being paid for services rendered. Too often, particularly subcontractors, are left with no avenue to claim against a property after supplying labour or materials for work on that property. This legislative proposal provides a remedy," said Mr Bannister.