Phase 3: Planning & Design
Planning & Design: covers the preparation of feasibility assessments and design studies, leading to budget authorisation and project approval.
Risks identified
Design and technical specifications tailored to preferred bidders
Design requirements and technical specifications are drafted to advantage specific suppliers or technologies, reducing competition and increasing cost and lock-in.
Learn more →Design imprecision (overdesign or incomplete specifications), gold plating, and scope inflation
Scope and design are left incomplete to allow for later adjustments or expanded beyond functional requirements to increase contract value and extract rents, while more cost-effective or phased alternatives are…
Learn more →Bribery and extortion for permits, approvals and safeguards sign‑off
Procurement officials, regulatory bodies and gatekeepers demand bribes to issue approvals (planning, environmental, social, utility, right of way) and to sign-off on safeguards.
Learn more →Bribery for favourable impact assessments
Improper payments are made to secure favourable social or environmental impact assessments, facilitating approval despite material risks.
Learn more →Collusive practices in subcontracting and conflicts-of-interest involving consultants during project design
Design and supervision functions are compromised when consultants and subcontractors collude or maintain undisclosed relationships that affect quality, cost and integrity.
Learn more →Insufficient disclosure of designs, assumptions, and the rationale for changes
Limited transparency on designs, key assumptions and rational for changes reduces accountability and enables discretionary decisions that favour narrow interests.
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