Effect of changes in legislations by governments responding to COVID-19 pandemic

2022-06-30

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the construction industry, and the response from governments has only added to the challenges faced by contractors and owners. In an effort to address the impacts of the pandemic, many governments have enacted new legislation, but these new regulations have also caused additional delays in construction projects. Here are some of the ways in which new government legislation has caused delays in the construction industry:

1. Bureaucracy: New legislation has often come with new bureaucracy, as contractors and owners are required to comply with new regulations, such as health and safety protocols. This has resulted in additional administrative work and delays in the approval of projects, as well as increased costs for contractors and owners.
2. Conflicting Regulations: In some cases, new legislation has created conflicting regulations, as different levels of government have enacted different measures in response to the pandemic. This has led to confusion and uncertainty for contractors and owners, as they seek to comply with the various regulations and avoid disputes.
3. Changes in Approvals: New legislation has sometimes resulted in changes to the approval processes for construction projects, as governments seek to prioritize certain types of projects or to enforce new regulations, such as health and safety protocols. This has resulted in additional delays in the approval of projects, as well as increased costs for contractors and owners.
4. Health and Safety Concerns: The pandemic has raised new health and safety concerns in the construction industry, and in response, many governments have enacted legislation to address these concerns. This has resulted in increased safety measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment, which has increased costs for contractors and owners. In some cases, these new regulations have resulted in delays, as workers are unable to access job sites due to health and safety concerns.
5. Supply Chain Disruptions: The pandemic has disrupted the global supply chain, leading to shortages of materials and equipment, which has impacted the ability of contractors to carry out their work. In response, some governments have enacted legislation to address supply chain disruptions, such as measures to prioritize essential supplies for the construction industry. However, these measures have also resulted in additional delays, as contractors and owners are required to comply with the new regulations and allocate responsibility for the disruptions.
6. Extension of Deadlines: In an effort to provide relief for contractors and owners impacted by the pandemic, some governments have enacted legislation to extend contract completion deadlines. While these extensions have provided much-needed relief, they have also resulted in additional delays, as contractors and owners are required to adjust their schedules and allocate additional resources to ensure that projects are completed on time.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant impact on the construction industry, and the response from governments in the form of new legislation has added to the challenges faced by contractors and owners. While these new regulations have provided some relief, they have also resulted in additional delays, increased costs, and increased bureaucracy. It is important for construction professionals to be aware of these effects and to have appropriate measures in place to mitigate them, such as clear and detailed contracts that address the impact of the pandemic and new government legislation, and appropriate health and safety protocols. By doing so, they can help to ensure the success of their construction projects and avoid costly and time-consuming disputes.