Significant Factors of Delay in Construction Projects in Afghanistan

Abstract

This research investigates the factors, which cause delay in construction projects in Afghanistan. Delay is one of the major challenges during the implementation of the construction projects, and it is the late completion of the activities or works of a project compared to the planned. A large number of construction projects in Afghanistan are facing delay during the implementation. Project delay negatively affects the prestige and dignity of the government organizations and in general, failures and weaknesses of the projects created distance between the people and the government and shows incapacity of the Government in the implementation of the projects all around the country in Afghanistan. Several similar studies from developing countries have been reviewed and a survey has been conducted for data collection from the different public organizations of Afghanistan. The analysis of the collected data points out the significant causes of delay in construction project in Afghanistan as; ineffective planning and scheduling of a project by contractor, delay in progress payments by client, poor site management and supervision of contractors by consultant and client, financial difficulties by contractor, insufficient controlling and monitoring by consultant and client, non-availability of experienced technical staff of contractor, late in reviewing and approving design documents by client, lack of communication and coordination between the parties, delay in delivery of materials to site, inadequate contractor experience, political influences and warlords intervention. Finally, this thesis provides applicable recommendations to minimize or eliminate the causes of delay in construction projects in Afghanistan.