Infrastructure, Construction and Transport: COVID-19 Year 2
As we move through a second autumn with COVID-19 playing an active part in our experience of day-to-day life, we are delighted to share with you three short articles, written by members of the DLA Piper contentious Infrastructure, Construction and Transport (ICT) team, which ask some critical questions about the ICT Sector’s response to COVID-19 and the medium and long-term impact of such an unprecedented global event.
- Jenny Harrison raises some key jurisprudential questions about the veracity and impact of “Government Guidance” on existing contractual arrangements. Was the method of intervention optimal for the industry?
- Rachel Armstrong presents some practical guidance for those engaged in operational projects who should now be “taking stock” and, critically, implementing actions to protect projects in the medium term and prevent disputes in the long term.
- Finally, Lucy Pearson gives her insights into the effect of COVID-19 on infrastructure as an asset class and makes some predictions about the prospects of future investment trends.
These three very different pieces of critical thinking pose questions, provide practical advice and raise issues for all in the industry as we move into COVID-19 Year 2.
The ICT Sector is renowned for reacting to global events and evolving to meet the needs of a changing world. Despite that historical resilience, COVID-19 tested all stakeholders beyond any expectation and the industry responded with its usual strength and vigour. We should be proud and thankful for that. However, we should also critique areas for improvement, learn, develop and prepare to cement the undoubted success of future infrastructure projects.
We hope this “triple crown” of articles does just that – prompts discussion, simulates debate and, above all, is useful to those working in the industry.
Please contact any of the authors listed below if you wish to discuss any points within the articles further.
