The Ministry of Regional Construction (Minregionbud), BRDO and IDLO initiate the restructuring of activities of the Science and Technology Council at the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine.
In Ukraine, the system of building rules and standards has been “dusted” long ago. However, non-fulfillment of these requirements is also a way to nowhere. Rules and standards are a compulsory aspect. Except for cases when the Science and Technology Council of the Minregionbud approves the deviations from standards.
The Council is still almost a “state in the state”. In the 21st century, which is the era of open data and maximum publicity, this body is still a closed structure hidden behind seven seals. This status is determined by the Regulations.
The Minregionbud, BRDO and IDLO initiate the restructuring of activities of the Science and Technology Council in terms of its openness and transparency.
A draft order with amendments to the Regulations on the Science and Technology Council of the Ministry of Regional Development, Construction and Housing and Communal Services of Ukraine has been already developed at the initiative of the Ministry and with the involvement of BRDO and IDLO experts.
Amendments to the Regulations provide for:
- Significant disclosure of information on the activities of the STC of the Ministry;
- Obligations to make public all decisions and minutes of council meetings;
- Establishing clear rules of its activity, etc.
These amendments mean not only “cosmetic” clarifications on the activities of the Council, but also the mandatory inclusion of representatives of anti-corruption public associations, expert organizations, basic organizations of the Ministry of Regional Development for scientific and technical activities in construction, self-regulatory organizations in the field of architectural activities and international advisory organizations on the list of its members.
The procedure for approving deviations from the current building standards will undergo the most significant changes. It has always been closed and had corruption risks in terms of the approval due to uncertainty. The new procedure is clearly defined and minimizes the possibility of corrupt actions of “dishonest dealers” or civil servants.
The new version of the Regulations on the STC contains a clear list of documents and data to be provided by applicants. The terms and the procedure for reviewing applications are also clearly defined. A special focus is on the obligation to publish the applications on the Minregionbud’s website to make it available to the public. In addition, new rules stipulate that multiple, repeated applications for deviating from standards allows to initiate the development of respective amendments to the current DBN and standards.
We hope that the new Regulations on the Science and Technology Council of the Minregionbud will be approved as soon as possible. Then there will be a chance to abolish the mandatory sites for carpet beating near twenty-story residential complexes and garbage disposal units in five-star hotels.