A study of non-compliance with quality requirements in Uganda

Abstract

Quality failures in public building construction are increasingly being noted, partly due to the prevailing environments in which contractors are selected on lowest bid prices, but also because the initiatives of certifying quality-compliant companies are mainly used for the enhancement of a company's public image for marketing purposes. This problem is further compounded because these projects are prone to ‘graft’ and other undesirable individualistic characteristics that exist within a construction project organisational setting. The primary aim of the research was to determine causal factors, examine derivative impacts and propose mitigation measures for non-compliance to quality requirements. A questionnaire survey approach was adopted and appropriate statistical analyses conducted. Responses to the causality factors, derivative impacts and mitigation measures were then analysed. The three strong causality factors were inadequate communication, graft and dishonesty. Safety failures, increased building maintenance costs and reduction in building lifespan were identified as the three strong derivative impacts. The three strong plausible mitigation measures were stringent action on public sector graft, increased quality testing of materials and improved procurement practices. The research highlights the need for best practices that encourage a whole-life value philosophy and the curbing of graft in public sector procurement.