"To get the project delivered in time and on budget, we made some compromises, but we've documented the compromises and had reassurances that processes will be in place to ensure safety and maintenance during the project's lifecycle" is the Chekhov's gun of engineering.

Reality: the business/political leaders won't read (let alone understand) the documents setting out the problems but they'll wear a nice tie during a solemn TV interview where they say nobody could have foreseen any problems.