Assessment of Road Project Delay Factors: in the Case of Addis Ababa
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Date
2025-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Road construction is a vital component of national development, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities such as Addis Ababa. Despite ongoing infrastructure investments, persistent delays in project execution continue to undermine economic efficiency and public service delivery. This study investigates the key factors contributing to delays in road construction projects under the Addis Ababa City Roads Authority (AACRA) and proposes strategies to mitigate them. A quantitative research approach was employed, using structured questionnaires administered to 104 professionals from client organizations, consulting firms, and contracting companies. The collected data were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank delay factors based on stakeholder perception. The findings reveal that the most significant causes of delay include delayed utility relocation's, price escalation of construction materials, prolonged land compensation processes, foreign currency shortages, and poor contractor management. Other notable factors include inadequate supervision, delayed design approvals, and shortages of materials and equipment. Based on these results, the study recommends: (1) enhancing inter-agency coordination to streamline utility relocation and land compensation processes; (2) improving contractor prequalification and performance monitoring; and (3) establishing reliable financing and foreign currency allocation mechanisms. The study contributes valuable insights for policymakers, project managers, and stakeholders aiming to improve the efficiency and timeliness of urban infrastructure delivery in Addis Ababa.
Keywords: Road construction delays, project management, urban infrastructure, Addis Ababa City Roads Authority (AACRA), Relative Importance Index (RII)