New infrastructure ministry to oversee development projects
The ministry is run by the Minister Dr Abdullah Muthalib.
By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
The mandate of the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, set up by the government of Mohamed Muizzu, who was sworn in as president on Friday, includes the work of regulating not only the construction sector but also developmental projects.
With President Muizzu being sworn in last Friday, 22 ministers in his cabinet were also sworn in.
President Muizzu's government has created four new ministries and divided some of the mandates of the previous ministries among the various ministries.
One of the ministries is the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure. The ministry was separated from the mandate of the previous government's Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
The ministry is run by the Minister Dr Abdullah Muthalib.
According to the mandate published by the President's Office, the ministry has been assigned some tasks related to development projects implemented by the government. They include:
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Formulate standards and procedures for the implementation of projects and programs implemented by government offices and share this information with the relevant authorities
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Determine the quality of implementation of government infrastructure projects and ensure that government infrastructure projects are implemented at the specified level in collaboration with relevant authorities
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Review bidders' information for open tenders to determine the awarding contractors for projects implemented by government offices and development projects implemented by government-owned entities and provide consultation and advice to the National Tender Board on bids submitted
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Check whether the prices in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) obtained by government offices for projects other than those in the area of environment, climate change, shelter and meteorology are reasonable
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Planning, monitoring and evaluating PSIP projects and special government public infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, water systems, sewerage systems, communication networks, airports, ports, ports, land development and coastal protection projects) in accordance with the National Development Plan
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Formulate development projects related to the scope of the Ministry in accordance with the National Development Plan and implement, monitor and evaluate the projects in collaboration with relevant authorities
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Once infrastructure projects such as water and sewerage systems are completed, the persons who will maintain and service the systems shall be appointed and arrangements shall be made through these persons
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In addition, it is also the mandate of the Ministry to set standards for government office space and use of space in government buildings and advise the concerned authorities on space allocation and continue to monitor compliance with these standards.
In addition to regulating development projects, the ministry will also regulate all aspects of construction. They include:
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Formulation of policies for the development of the construction sector and the sustainable development of the industry
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Implementation of the Building Act and the formulation and implementation of rules, building codes, standards and regulations required under the Act
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Quality assurance of service providers in the construction sector, classification and registration of contractors and skilled workers in the construction sector and licensing of such persons
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Identify changes in the construction sector, conduct research required for the development and promotion of the construction sector and industry and share the information obtained from such research with the relevant authorities
