UNOPS to supervise infra works in Guatemala

The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) will supervise the construction of the infrastructure works included in the Guatemalan communications, infrastructure, and housing ministry's (CIV) portfolio.

UNOPS is “an entity that is totally independent and does not have any link to the contractors,” and has the necessary technical staff, knowledge and experience of international construction standards, the ministry was cited as saying by news outlet La Hora.

Contractors are often accused of not being objective in their reports or documenting project progress. 

Project supervision “is one of the most urgent matters we have decided to address,” as reporting progress “does not currently happen with the required precision,” the CIV said. 

“The reports, even when signed and stamped by supervision contractors, do not tally with the reality of the works,” it added.

Another problem CIV has identified is the selection of certified construction workers and providing them with the necessary personal protection equipment and tools to do their jobs, which is “a responsibility of the supervising [entity] and is often not done.”

The UNOPS will only carry out supervision, but CIV hopes it will also participate in the construction of infrastructure projects, according to La Hora.