An evaluation of cost performance of public construction projects: a case of Tanzania

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Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The cardinal aim of the research was to evaluate the cost performance of public construction projects in Tanzania. To achieve this, the significance of various factors of cost overruns was sought from construction professional in client, consultancy and contractor organizations. Official reports from client organizations were also studied to evaluate cost performance of construction projects executed between 2000 and 2005. Five research objectives were set forth in order to identify factors that influence cost overruns in construction projects, evaluate final accounts records and in so doing be able to come up with a way forward for public construction projects. The study, which was conducted in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, composed of 37 respondents in the fields of engineering, architectural, quantity surveying and project management. Research findings reveal that the cost performance of public construction projects is poor. The cost performance was found to be marred by problems of additional or extra work, price changes, variation or change order. These and other problems result in average cost increases of up to 60%. Research findings also indicate that the client organization is associated with 83% of the critical problems while consultants were associated with 66.7% and to lesser extent the constructor was associated with 33% of the problems. In view of the research findings it has been recommended that measures to increase accountability of design and supervisory professionals must be taken together with the ongoing training and capacity building programs in both client and consultancy organizations. Further more the use of an independent project assessor must be initiated in public construction projects in order to prevent, uncover and report corrupt practices in the construction process. In line with the report layout areas of further studies are also highlighted.
Description
Available in print form, EAF Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, (THS EAF HD9715.T34H63)
Keywords
Construction industry, Management, Government ownership, Cost effectiveness, Tanzania
Citation
Hokororo, D.S (2006) An evaluation of cost performance of public construction projects: a case of Tanzania, Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam