Causes and Mitigation Strategies for Construction Delays in Small- and Medium-Scale Dams: The Case of Phase 1 of The finna oromia Initiative
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Date
2025-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The Finna Oromia Initiative is an ambitious regional development program launched by the Oromia National Regional Government to enhance water storage capacity through the construction of small- and medium-scale multipurpose dams in four phases. However, projects in Phase 1 of the Initiative have experienced significant delays, undermining their intended benefits. This study investigates the causes of these delays. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design, the research collected quantitative data using structured surveys from key project stakeholders across 24 dam projects and an in-depth qualitative case study of the Finna Oromia Keta Dibe Dam. The findings of the survey revealed that unrealistic initial time and cost estimations, the contractor’s inadequate experience and limited capacity, and price escalations/lack of timely adjustments are the most critical factors causing delays in the studied projects. Other significant contributors are: design modifications, contractor’s lack of commitment, political instability/security issues, shortage and late mobilization of resources, unfavorable weather conditions, and delays in land acquisition/Right-of-Way issues. The qualitative case study of the Finna Keta Dibe Dam further underscored how foundation-related design modifications and unforeseen site conditions led to extended time overruns. The study concludes that construction delays in Phase 1 projects of the Finna Oromia Initiative are multifactorial, resulting from the interaction of technical, financial, managerial, logistical, and external factors. Based on the findings, the study developed practical and stakeholder-specific recommendations on mitigation strategies for the identified causes of delay.
Key Words: Construction delays, Finna Oromia Initiative, causes of delay, delay factors, sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design, mitigation strategies, Ethiopia