The causes of delays on government housing construction projects in Botswana

Abstract

The spate of delays on Botswana government housing construction projects has raised concern – not only to the government but also to the general public. The conditions of contract applicable to the Botswana government building contracts make allowance for extension of construction periods under certain circumstances. Any such circumstances not dealt with by the conditions of contract, do not warrant extension of the construction period and is referred to as a circumstance which is within the contractor’s control. The aim of this study, amongst others, is to identify the major circumstances that cause delays on government housing construction projects. This is achieved by means of ex post facto research on available data of completed projects. By means of an analysis of response to questionnaires which were put to selected consultants and contractors, it is investigated whether the types of programming techniques utilised by contractors are appropriate and whether attributes other than price are taken into account by consultants at contractor selection stage. It is investigated in addition whether contract periods are realistically determined. The abovementioned investigations have been tested against hypotheses statements. Based on the findings and conclusions, recommendations are made with the objective of reducing delays on Botswana government housing construction projects in future. Recommendations for further research in fields related to the topic of the treatise have also been made.