Construction disputes

Has  the regulation making the investor liable as a guarantor for the general contractor’s debts to subcontractors made life easier for subcontractors? What purpose does the guarantee of payment serve in practice? (Not necessarily timely payment of contractors’ fees.) How can the investor recover fees paid directly to subcontractors? How are settlements with subcontractors conducted in the public procurement regime? What is the general contractor’s position under the regulations on the investor’s joint and several liability? Lawyers experienced in handling construction contracts discuss these issues.