Causes of Delay in Construction Projects in Nepal

Abstract

Nepal, a developing nation with a population of over 29 million, heavily relies on the construction sector for its economic growth and development. However, delays in construction projects have adversely affected the country's national economy. This research aims to identify the main factors that contribute to construction project delays in Nepal and proposes solutions to address these issues. A detailed descriptive analysis was conducted by reviewing six selected journals. The findings indicate that inadequate planning, weak monitoring, poor site conditions, design changes, lack of construction materials, equipment, and manpower, low bidding of contracts, unrealistic contract durations, lack of coordination among team members, variation of quantities during project execution phases, climate change, inflation, natural calamities, rapid changes in government, strikes, holidays, insufficient budget allocation, and political and governmental issues are the primary causes of construction project delays in Nepal. These delays have significant implications for Nepal's economic growth and development. For example, delays in the construction of critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, can hamper access to essential services, hinder trade and commerce, and result in delayed project delivery, increased project costs, negative impact on the project's reputation or impression on donor agencies, stress among concerned authorities, negative impacts on economy and society, strained relationships, and communication breakdowns. To address these issues, all stakeholders, including the government, contractors, and project owners, must be involved in implementing the recommended solutions. The proposed solutions include improving planning and monitoring, ensuring availability of materials, equipment, and manpower, enhancing coordination among team members, realistic contract bidding and duration, and addressing political and governmental issues. The findings of this study have implications for other developing countries facing similar challenges in the construction sector. By implementing the recommended solutions, Nepal can overcome these obstacles and achieve its infrastructure development goals, promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens. In conclusion, this research highlights the need for a coordinated effort by all stakeholders to address construction project delays in Nepal, which is critical for the country's progress and development.