Diagnostic view of road projects in Malawi

• Published in: Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Municipal engineer Vol. 167; no. 1; pp. 44 - 55
• Main Authors: Emuze, Fidelis, Kadangwe, Samuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Institution of Civil Engineers 01.03.2014; ICE Publishing
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Barriers; Buildings. Public works; Civil engineering; Construction industry; Contractors; Data collection; Delay; Diagnostic systems; Exact sciences and technology; Project management. Process of design; Road types (roads, freeways, express ways, etc.); Roads; Roads & highways; Rural areas; Tasks; Transportation; Transportation infrastructure; Malawi; Africa; Project evaluation; Survey; Experience feedback; Road construction; Project management; Road network; Diagnosis; Statistics; Civil engineering; Data gathering; Building contractor
• ISSN: 0965-0903; 1751-7699
• DOI: 10.1680/muen.13.00003

In sub-Saharan Africa, road is the dominant mode of transportation. As such, government and developmental agencies in the region usually invest in road projects significantly. However, the delivery of road projects that are supposed to act as the catalyst for socioeconomic development is fast becoming an uphill task in Malawi. A number of problems have been reported in the media. This development led to a preliminary diagnostic study that was aimed at examining the barriers that are hindering the successful execution of road projects in Malawi in 2012. The investigation that was conducted among engineers who are employed by the agency responsible for road projects in Malawi and civil engineering contractors used a self-administered questionnaire for data collection. Salient findings suggest that delayed payment by clients severely marginalises contractor performance and delivered projects are seldom defect free. Considering Malawi's heavy dependence on roads as a means of transportation, it is crucial that these barriers be addressed without delay.