Risk assessment and model for community-based construction projects in Zambia

Abstract

The involvement of local communities in infrastructure development minimizes costs compared to conventional construction modes and also instils a sense of responsibility in the community to look after the constructed infrastructure. It also helps governments in developing countries like Zambia to meet the challenges in the provision of infrastructure to improve the social-economic well being of citizens. However, the involvement of local communities introduces a number of risks during the execution of projects as the individuals involved may not be conversant with construction and the procedures involved in the procurement processes of projects. The consequences of not assessing and managing construction risks are that projects may experience time and cost overruns and lead to poor quality structures. It, therefore, becomes necessary to systematically manage uncertainty in community-based construction in order to increase the likelihood of meeting project objectives using necessary risk management strategies. Risk management, which is an iterative process due to the dynamic nature of many risks, follows three main steps that may be repeated throughout the construction phase of a project and include risk identification, response development and control. This paper discusses and highlights the results of a study that identified risks involved in the procurement of community-based infrastructure projects in Zambia. A risk assessment model (RAM) developed during the study and recommended for adoption in community-based projects is also presented.Keywords: Community-based Construction, Risk Assessment, Risk Management