Saturday, 15 March 2025
The Senate has passed an amendment aimed at resolving challenges in the digitalization of construction proceedings, which have plagued builders and officials since the system’s launch in July. The amendment, set to take effect immediately after its publication in the Collection of Laws, will allow building authorities to continue using their pre-digitalization management systems until 2028. The proposal now awaits the President’s signature.
The amendment provides a three-year transitional period, enabling building authorities to rely on their existing systems while also offering builders the option to submit project documentation in digital form. The newly developed digital construction management system is expected to be operational by January 2028.
Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS) defended the transitional measures, stating that the current digitized systems suffer from significant deficiencies that fail to meet the requirements of the Building Act or the initial tender documentation. “This period brings certainty to the state, ensuring we develop a properly contested system that will withstand scrutiny,” Kupka explained.
Regional Development Minister Petr Kulhánek (for STAN) emphasized that the amendment introduces clear legal protections for both builders and officials, ensuring compliance with the law even while operating outside the flawed digital system.
Issues with the digitized construction management systems led to the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalization and Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš (Pirates) in September. The controversy also prompted his party’s departure to the opposition.
In October, the government initiated a new procurement process for a digitized construction system while allowing temporary use of older systems. The updated system will focus on addressing the deficiencies of the current setup and will align with spatial planning and geoportal requirements during its phased implementation.
While 45 of the 70 senators present supported the amendment, it faced criticism from some quarters. Pirate Senator Adéla Šípová questioned the need for a three-year workaround, expressing regret that the previous system was effectively scrapped rather than improved.
A proposal by Senator Michael Canov (SLK) sought to limit the scope of municipal building authorities’ competence, particularly removing residential buildings from their purview and assigning them to local authorities instead. However, Kulhánek rejected the proposal, arguing that it would not adequately address the broader issues.
The transitional period will consist of two phases: the first, lasting until mid-2025, focuses on spatial planning and the national geoportal. The second, extending through 2027, addresses the full digitization of construction proceedings. By January 2028, a completely new and robust digital system is expected to be in place, promising a more reliable and streamlined process for all stakeholders involved.
This amendment is seen as a critical step in stabilizing the construction process while laying the groundwork for an improved digital future.
Source: CTK
Photo: CTK
