Effect of Inadequate Design on Cost and Time Overrun of Road Construction Projects in Tanzania

Abstract

Completing road construction projects within the budget and time has been a problem for the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS); and the major problem highlighted in almost all projects being inadequate design. However, the extent to which inadequate design contributes to both time and cost overruns and its causes remained under-studied. The objective of this study is therefore to determine the extent of the effect of inadequate design, its causes and remedial measures. The methodology used in this study includes reviewing recent projects completion reports, holding roundtable discussions with consultants and TANROADS officials and analyzing the information. Cost and time overruns for the reviewed projects averaged 44% and 26% respectively. Similarly, the extents to which inadequate design contributes to cost and time overruns were on average found to be 61% and 85% respectively. The overruns are predominantly related to problems that occurred during the design process. To alleviate the problem, TANROADS is advised to improve the management of design projects, enhance the process of reviewing design reports, improve the design process including introducing Road Safety Audit and geometric design manuals, and increase staff to match the work-load.