39. Causes of Delays in Mega Projects—Case of the Zambian Transmission Power Projects

Zambia is experiencing unprecedentedly high levels of construction activities in the electrical transmission power sector with investments in excess of USD 1 Billion. However, delay has been identified as one of the major recurring problems in these projects with many negative effects such as cost overruns, schedule overruns, lost business opportunities and delayed project benefits. This study aimed at identifying the most important causes of delay and their effects in large transmission power projects in Zambia. A combination of a case study and survey approach was adopted. The questionnaires were distributed to contractors and clients involved in transmission power projects in Zambia. The data collected was analyzed and the factors (causes) of delays ranked to determine the importance and the effects of delays. The results show that the following are the most important causes of delays in transmission power projects in Zambia: rain effect on construction activities; type of project bidding and award; difficulties in financing project by client/owner; delay in approving major changes in the scope by the client; and delays in progress payments by owner. Some of the recommendations made based on the study results were: need for adequate planning and scheduling; engaging of fully dedicated project implementation units (PIUs) which should hasten the approval processes; and to make adjustments to the criteria for contract award to focus less on price (lowest bidder) and more on the contractor’s capabilities and past performances.