The projects are expected to generate 5,000 new jobs at construction companies and building material designers, suppliers and producers. Around 45% of the projects relate to infrastructure works, 54% to non-residential premises such as school buildings, hospitals and nursing homes, and 1% to residential buildings. The Flemish government hopes to round off the tendering procedure for most of these projects this year.

Activity level
According to calculations made by Vlaamse Confederatie Bouw (VCB), the Flemish contracting organisation, these projects represent around 8% of the turnover generated by infrastructural works site agents. It is especially important for the intended PPP projects to go through for these companies. While their level of activity is still high at present, the number of new assignments has diminished somewhat in recent months.

Maintenance
For many years, the Flemish government has poured too little money into maintaining its road infrastructure. Over the past decade, the annual budget for road maintenance was limited to an amount of €60 to €80 million. For the first time in many years, the Flemish government has now increased this budget to more than €100 million. The latest inspection report shows that 8% of the motorways, 18.5% of the regional roads and 16.5% of the municipal roads score poorly. In order to catch up on the overdue maintenance, VCB asserts that the Flemish government needs to raise the maintenance budget for roads to at least €125 million a year. Currently, the Flemish government barely sets aside €4.5 million for bridge maintenance. And, according to VCB, the level of maintenance credit for water management is insufficient to maintain the existing patrimony.

Source: Cobouw 16 | 01 | 2008