An evaluation of construction project cost management for public works: a case for Botswana

Abstract

The construction industry in Botswana faces a problem of cost variances on the construction projects. Hence, the identified problem needs to be attended to. The study was an evaluation of how constructions cost on projects were managed. This entails establishing how project costs were planned, how projects costs were controlled and reported and finally how project costs at completion were analysed. This was done through questionnaires. The major findings were that of inadequate planning for project costs. This could be attributed to the fact that, although the major cost planning factors such as specifications and statement of work (Scope) were incorporated in the cost plan, they were not complete at the time the cost plan was determined. Consequently, they were the major causes of cost variances at post contract stage. Furthermore, cost control was not adequately conducted on projects. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should provide a detailed brief and specifications to confirm the project requirements and also have standardised cost control measures on projects.