Origins
In 2006 DFID decided to extend the experience of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to the construction sector to improve transparency and value for money in public procurement and increase the scrutiny of public spending on construction. It was assumed that increased transparency would improve the delivery of public infrastructure. And, because of the direct connection between improved infrastructure and development, it was assumed that better transparency and value for money in public construction projects was key to improved development outcomes.
A consultation phase began in 2006 and a team of consultants was appointed to undertake an initial design. This design document can be downloaded here.
Announcing details of the new initiative a year later, then-Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn described the purpose of CoST as helping to “deliver a ‘get what you pay for’ culture to the industry,” saying that this would “help create greater transparency around the flow of money, and the quality of roads, schools, hospitals that are built with it.”
These broad parameters were underpinned by a series of CoST principles. The principles remained a unifying force throughout the pilot project and were used as the basis for recruiting pilot countries and securing the endorsement of supporters.
The CoST International Secretariat was appointed in March 2008 and the pilot phase ran until December 2010.
