Abstract
The study aimed to identify the determinants of project delay and assess its socioeconomic effect on project beneficiaries. Regression analysis and relative importance index were employed to identify its determinants whereas key informant interview (KII) and focus group discussion (FGD) were used to assess its socioeconomic effect on beneficiaries. Poorly defined project scope, poor project control and management, incorrect estimate of cost and schedule, bad economic conditions, political instability, dearth of construction inputs and inadequate communication causes project delay. The regression results show project delay is positively associated with poor project initiation, planning and design, monitoring and control and communication and lack of project materials and inputs. KII and FGD reveals delays in project limit access to transport, unemployment, migration, disputes among project stakeholders, and congestion on public service delivery. Also it has health and health-related impacts such as many mothers have died with maternal complications, and children were unable to get vaccinated. Therefore, project monitoring, follow-up and control should be part and parcel of project implementation strategies. Project manager shall be selected based on meritocracy with good qualities of leadership. Project sponsors reconsider the broader social and economic implications of project delays in addition to cost and time overruns.