The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure has announced a regulatory amendment requiring mandatory insurance for all construction projects.

The Fifth Amendment to the Construction Industry Practitioners Regulation now mandates that insurance coverage must be in place before any building work begins.

Under the revised regulations, published in the Government Gazette on Wednesday, applicants seeking building permits or project licences are required to submit documented proof of a comprehensive insurance package.

The amended rules specify that insurance must cover the full scope of the project. This includes compensation for damage to the surrounding environment, nearby buildings and structures, and injuries to individuals resulting from construction activities. The policy must also cover vehicles parked near construction sites, which are often at risk of accidental damage.

The move follows a series of incidents involving construction-related accidents that caused serious injuries to workers and pedestrians, as well as damage to nearby vehicles and property. Falling debris and other hazards have underscored the need for a stronger regulatory framework to manage risks and ensure accountability.

According to the Ministry, the primary aim of the amendment is to institutionalise responsibility and guarantee fair compensation for victims of construction-related incidents.