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238 Diagnosing Corruption in Ethiopia
increasing the opportunities for corrupt practices and by strengthening
the drivers of corrupt behavior.
Through the use of structured expert interviews, confidential questionnaires,
behind-closed-doors workshops, document analysis, and site
visits, this preliminary study has started a process of mapping corruption
and perceptions of corruption at each stage of the value chain in parts of
Ethiopia’s construction sector. 1 The approach adopted has recognized
the close relationship that exists between corruption and poor governance.
This, and the resulting focus on perceptions and examples of corruption
in the sector—rather than on hard evidence of specific cases—led
to high levels of interest and participation among most of the stakeholder
groups consulted.
The resulting picture that emerged is complex but plausible. Ethiopia
exhibits most of the classic warning signs of corruption risk, including
instances of poor-quality construction, inflated unit output costs, and
delays in implementation. In turn, these factors appear in some cases to
be driven by unequal or unclear contractual relationships, poor enforcement
of professional standards, high multipliers between public sector
and private sector salaries, wide-ranging discretionary powers exercised
by government, a lack of transparency, and a widespread perception of
hidden barriers to market entry.
Despite such risks, corrupt practices at the operational level appear to
be largely opportunistic and relatively minor, capable of being kept
under control through professionally managed systems and procedures.
However a widespread perception remains of higher-level corruption
within the sector.
Mixed Perceptions
An inconsistent picture emerges from existing information on perceived
levels of corruption in Ethiopia’s construction sector and government
attempts to address the issue. Feedback from international consultants
suggests that, compared with many other developing countries, construction-related
corruption within Ethiopia is relatively low and tends to be
the exception rather than the rule. Such a perspective also tends to highlight
the significant recent advances made by Ethiopia in infrastructure
provision, compared with less-marked progress by other countries where
construction-related corruption is known to be rife. These same international
stakeholders are also inclined to point to the work of the Federal
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC), which has been bearing
down on corrupt land deals related to construction projects, as evidence
of government commitment to curbing corruption.