Discuss how the application of ethics in civil engineering projects or

contracts should be regulated in order to ensure that the negative

impact of corruption and similar practices are eliminated or at least
minimised.
1. Introduction
Ethics is part of human nature and they vary from one person to another. Since they vary, they should
be regulated in order to set a standard of what is ethical and what not.

2. Body
Definition of ethics
• Definition of ethics • General nature of morals
• Choice of what is good and what is bad
• People see good and bad differently
• Negative impact of • Definition - allowing or obtaining an advantage through
corruption immoral means
• Recent Price fixing (GFIP)
Ethics in Civil engineering
• ECSA • Code of Conduct (CIPED)
o Competency
o Integrity
o Public Interest
o Environment
o Dignity
• CIDB • Improved industry performance and best practise
• Ethical procurement practices
• Enhanced value to clients and society
• SAFCEC • South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
• SACMCPM • South African Council for Project and Construction
Management Professionals
• New construction regulations

Negative impact of corruption

• 3rd world country – Rich vs Poor
• Positions in government and private sector who can not make informed decisions
based on their skill and knowledge
• Loss of life due to acceptance of sub standard work/results
• Own experience
o approval of borrow pit material in change for fishing equipment – sub standard
quality
o Health and safety audit – Unprofessional relationship which influenced the
outcome of the Occupational Health and Safety Audit

Ethical values
• Know professional responsibilities
• Do not accept work which you are not competent in doing
 Regulating the application of ethics
• Leadership
• Protected disclosure (whistle blowers – Protected – Encouraged)
• Improvement – All responsible for actions that could be influenced by corruption
should be bound by a code of ethics, Engineers will lose registration if corrupt, will a
construction manager or site agent lose his job – new construction regulations makes
provision for it

3. Conclusion