An Assessment of the Challenges in the Delivery of Umgeni Water Project in South Africa

Abstract

Implementing a suitable plan, design and management strategy is critical to the success of a project. Project delivery challenges encountered within the built-environment is a global phenomenon. Factors causing project delivery challenges in construction projects differ between countries, due to various fundamental reasons. The aim of the study is to assess lack of performance and its effects on project delivery for construction infrastructure projects with reference to Umgeni Water. The study was conducted at Umgeni Water, Pietermaritzburg in Kwazulu-Natal. Respondents for the study were Project Managers, Civil Engineers, Planning Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Servitude Administrators and Environmental Project Managers. A non-probability sampling technique was employed in the selection of samples. A total of twenty three questionnaires were analysed for the study, Descriptive statistic was employed for the analysis. Findings revealed that insufficient planning and designing, and a weak project management approach endorsed and implemented by the project manager influence project success at Umgeni Water. This implies the need for the study to pursue strategies that will improve project and service delivery at Umgeni Water. Recommendations include that attention should be given to implementing a workable project delivery plan and management approach that will result in a better understanding and successful delivery of a project.