An investigation of causes for time overrun of water supply projects in Sri Lanka
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka
Abstract
The construction sector plays a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's economic development, particularly in infrastructure projects such as water supply systems. However, these projects often face significant time overruns, leading to increased costs, reduced quality, and socio-political issues. Previous studies indicate that delays can be attributed to factors related to contractors, clients, consultants, and external influences. This study investigates the primary causes of time overruns in Sri Lankan water supply projects and proposes strategies to mitigate these delays. A quantitative approach was utilized, involving a standardized questionnaire distributed to 45 professionals working on water supply projects across Sri Lanka. The respondents included project directors, project managers, civil engineers, and quantity surveyors responsible for project performance and completion. The data collected was analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method, which ranks the causes of delays and their impacts based on respondents' perceptions. The study identified ten major causes of delays across four categories: contractor-related, client-related, consultant-related, and external factors. The most significant delay factor was difficulty in obtaining approvals from local authorities, followed by issues such as inadequate planning and site management, client-initiated changes, and delays in consultant approvals. These delays primarily led to schedule and cost overruns, stakeholder conflicts, and diminished project quality. The findings highlight systemic weaknesses in Sri Lanka's water supply project management, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, poor planning and management practices, and challenges in decision-making and financial management. To enhance project efficiency and reduce delays, the study recommends improving coordination among government agencies, enhancing contractor planning and site management practices, facilitating timely decision-making by clients, ensuring accurate documentation and design by consultants, and optimizing financial management processes. These recommendations aim to streamline project delivery, minimize delays, and improve the overall performance of water supply projects in Sri Lanka. The study offers valuable insights into the complexities of managing water supply projects in Sri Lanka and provides practical advice for stakeholders to address critical challenges and enhance future project performance.
Description
Keywords
Construction delays, Delay causes, Project efficiency, Time overrun, Water supply projects
Citation
Samarakoon S. M. O. E.; Jayasooriya N. K. (2024), An investigation of causes for time overrun of water supply projects in Sri Lanka, Proceedings of the International Conference on Applied and Pure Sciences (ICAPS 2024-Kelaniya) Volume 4, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka. Page 175