Development of a project delivery model for Umgeni Water : infrastructure projects

Abstract

Project delivery challenges encountered within the built-environment is a global phenomenon. Factors causing project delivery challenges in construction projects differ between countries, due to various fundamental reasons. The fundamental reasons that could exert an influence on project delivery challenges could extend into numerous causes relating to; the client, project planning, risk management, cost estimating, communication, quality and project management approach. The construction industry is a key component to the economy, however many construction infrastructure projects are hindered because of project delivery challenges and fail to be delivered successfully. This study aims at identifying lack of performance and its effects on project delivery for construction infrastructure projects and to develop a project delivery model to mitigate or minimise these challenges for Umgeni Water. A typical Likert Scale using a five-point gauge statistical tool was used for the data analysis. The sample population derives from Umgeni Water employees involved in the planning and implementation of construction infrastructure projects. The sample group consists of qualified and experienced professionals that are project managers, civil engineers, planning engineers, quantity surveyors, servitude administrators and environmental project managers. Findings that were identified as major project delivery challenges at Umgeni Water include the following; • Insufficient planning and designing done during the project, communication problems within the project; • Inadequate attributes and capabilitii;is endorsed by the project manager that hinder the implementation of a good project management approach; • Inadequate participation and contribution by the client during the project; • Project risks that are poorly identified assessed, mitigated and controlled during the project; • Unsatisfactory cost estimating resulting in errors and oversights, and • Oversight of critical quality factors during the project.

Recommendations include: (1) the project team must ensure that ample effort is applied at the beginning of the project, sufficient time must be allocated to successfully complete the planning and designing process and consultants must be selected on their experience rather than low bidding; (2) the following courses / modules are recommended for inclusion in built environment tertiary education programmes for all disciplines. They are: design management, quality management, cost management, operational management, resource management and project management; and (3) the model developed should be adopted for use at Umgeni Water for the delivery of projects to minimise project delivery challenges.