MORE than 60 per cent of government capital works projects forecast to start within the current financial year were late. The Government said 136 projects would start during 1995-96. But according to a document given to legislators, only 53, or 39 per cent, have started or will start on time. Of the others, 36 are expected to start late. But 39 will start in 1996-97 or later, and eight projects either do not have programmed start dates or will be dropped from the capital works programme. The Government says the main reasons for delays include longer than expected time to obtain approval, public objections, refinement of project scope, and the need to comply with environmental requirements. While admitting that the Government might have hoped for a better result, it says: 'Our focus over the next 12 months will be to strengthen the project management culture in the works and other supporting departments.'
