Assessment of client-related factors for delaying of public building construction projects in local government Authorities

Abstract

This study aimed to assess client-related factors influencing public building construction projects in the Arusha City Council (ACC). The specific objectives of the study were to assess effect of inadequate project design on public buildings constructions, assess effect of political intervention on public buildings constructions, and to assess influence of decision-making challenges on public buildings constructions projects in Arusha City Council. The study used the descriptive research design and adopted the survey strategy. Mixed method research approach (qualitative and quantitative) was employed to collect and analyse data from a sample of 55 participants. Tools used to collect primary data were the semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide. Cross tabulation with Chi square tests was deployed to analyse data. The study found that inadequate project design, variations due to inadequate design, effect of insufficient budget, inadequate project design and insufficient professional staff are the main causes of delays in public buildings constructions project at Arusha City council (ACC). The study also found out that political intervention, decision making challenges such as bureaucracy, unnecessary directives by government officials and delays on payment of interim certificates are the causes of delaying public building construction projects in ACC. The study recommended that, the government should employ adequate number of building construction engineers, quality assurance officers, as well as project monitoring and evaluations officers who are expected to be tasked to ensure that projects are designed adequately and their execution are managed and monitored effectively. Also, the government should avail adequate budget for all public building construction works and should pay interim certificates timely to avoid delaying the projects. In addition, the government should formulate and institute a general guideline that obstruct politician and government officers to be bid for public building construction works in their respective councils. This measure is expected to prevent conflict of interest among politicians and government officers.