Spend a little more now, save a lot later

Re: “Grey Bridge needs an audit,” comment, Feb. 8. The commentary downplays the criticality and proven value of the “lessons learned” process. Although nobody wants to spend more time and money on this project, it would be a great mistake. The project won’t be done when the flowers are planted. Much will have to be finalized.

“Finalized” because gathering lessons shouldn’t start at the end. How much does everyone remember about the procurement process? Much of that knowledge walked out the door. Knowledge is an asset: It has a cost, and a future value.

What has the city learned about the vendor? From the materials, to the subcontractors, the complexity is mind-boggling. Adequate visibility and transparency are difficult, while true accountability is often nonexistent. But none of this matters to the taxpayer, since it all points at city hall.

Capturing these lessons must start with serious introspection. To take that much longer and cost that much more, a lot was missed. Yet no one was forced to sign, and keep signing, on the dotted lines.

Let’s not repeat these mistakes. Spend a little more now, and save later. It’s time to contribute to the city’s corporate knowledge bucket.

Victoria might not need another bridge for many years, but will still enter into complex contracts for large infrastructure projects. With an empty knowledge bucket, taxpayers are going to pay even more later. Alain Bechard Oak Bay

The new Johnson Street Bridge’s raising mechanism was tested on Tuesday. A letter-writer says the city needs to hang on to all knowledge gained over the difficult tendering and construction process.