Translated using ChatGPT service.
In the first half of this year, changes were made to the register of construction specialists, and the number of e-services in the Construction Information System (BIS) was reviewed and optimized for better usability.
Merged Specialties and Streamlined E-Services At the beginning of the year, the specialties of construction supervision and construction management were merged, which also led to adjustments in the BIS register of construction specialists. These changes were eagerly awaited in the industry, as they reduce the number of necessary certificates and associated costs for construction specialists.
The number of BIS e-services was reviewed and optimized by grouping them into categories. Currently, 25 BIS e-services are available. The availability of e-services has not decreased overall, but their systematization and searchability have been improved, making them easier to navigate.
Registration of Payments and New Interfaces In June, a new system was introduced for registering payments between main contractors and subcontractors in the Unified Electronic Working Time Accounting Database (VEDLUDB). Work has also begun on utilizing data from the National Cultural Heritage Administration in construction supervision processes and implementing a mobile e-signature in BIS applications, ensuring document signing via the BIS portal with a mobile e-signature.
“We are pleased with the improvements made to the Construction Information System, making it more user-friendly and understandable. We continue to work on further developing the system, automating processes, improving usability, and enhancing data reuse,” notes Kristīne Upmiņa, Acting Director and Deputy Director of the State Construction Control Bureau (BVKB).
Positive Feedback on Services Provided BVKB is responsible for certifying construction specialists and supervising independent practices in the field of construction expertise. In a survey conducted this year regarding the quality of services provided by the Construction Specialists Certification Department, 66.7% of surveyed experts rated them highly.
In the first half of the year, three decisions were made to grant construction practice certificates and one decision to grant permission to a foreign specialist to provide temporary professional services. Complaints about the possible professional misconduct of nine construction specialists were reviewed. In six cases, the cases were closed without finding violations, minor violations were found in one case, and in two cases, professional misconduct was identified, resulting in warnings being issued to the construction specialists. The evaluation process continues for complaints against five other construction specialists.
Trends in Construction Supervision In the first half of the year, approximately 60% of inspection reports did not identify any violations in construction works. Out of 345 inspection reports prepared in the first six months of this year, no violations were found in 219 cases. However, 120 cases involved minor violations that were not significant enough to halt construction. In six cases, construction work was stopped across the entire site or part of it. The main reasons for stopping construction were related to work being carried out not in accordance with the construction project and the failure to fulfill obligations set by construction regulations in a timely manner. Amendments were made to the regulatory framework regarding the approval process for changes to construction projects in 2023, reducing administrative barriers that delay construction processes.
Need to Improve Building Safety In the first six months of this year, 161 physical inspections were carried out as part of the supervision of public building operations. The initial inspections revealed that 10.6% of buildings were in a dangerous—emergency or pre-emergency—condition, making their operation unacceptable until the danger is eliminated. Safety needs to be improved in 77.6% of buildings, with common issues including the absence of railings and their fillings, unmarked height differences and glazed surfaces, the risk of façade elements falling, and unsafe electrical installations. Meanwhile, 11.8% of buildings were found to be in excellent or good condition. The situation is similar to the corresponding period last year when 9% of buildings were in an emergency or pre-emergency condition, 81% required safety improvements, and 10% were in excellent or good condition.
At the same time, BVKB conducted 386 administrative inspections. In 74 cases, enforcement of an administrative act was initiated (fines imposed on owners) because the necessary actions were not carried out by the deadline.
Received Acknowledgments The BVKB is a direct administration institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Economics, established on October 1, 2014, and this year marks its 10th anniversary. Since 2023, the bureau has also been entrusted with the function of energy administration.
In March 2024, BVKB received a "Energovienoti" certificate from the Institute of Environmental Protection and Heat Systems of Riga Technical University (RTU) for its contribution to evaluating and reducing energy resource consumption.
In May, at a conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers (LBS), LBS Chairman R. Eizenšmits presented BVKB Director S. Mjakuškina with a certificate of appreciation for long-term and successful cooperation with LBS in promoting a quality construction environment. Additionally, Minister of Economics V. Valainis awarded S. Mjakuškina with a certificate of appreciation for the achievements and personal contribution to the development of BVKB and the digitalization of the construction process.