Abstract:
The increasing complexity of infrastructure projects and the environment within which they are delivered place greater pressure on construction managers to deliver projects on time, within budget and free from defects. A road construction project is generally considered to be successful if it is implemented within the intended budget, time and also constructed to the desired quality. However, most road construction projects in Malawi have experienced challenges in terms of quality, completion time and project cost. This study aimed at identifying causes of poor quality of road construction works in Malawi. Specifically, the study identified major defects in road works construction and their causes, analysed the identified causes and ranked them based on their influence on quality of road construction works. The methods adopted in this study included: review of literature, administration of questionnaires and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer test (DCP). The study demonstrated that poor quality of road construction in Malawi are caused by; use of lowest price tender method of procurement, lack of qualified and experienced technical personnel, quality of construction materials used during construction, corruption by site personnel and collusion in carrying out laboratory tests. In order to improve on quality of constructed roads in Malawi, it is recommended that (i) the current procurement system should be reviewed in order to ensure that contracts are awarded to deserving bidders who have the capacity to do the works. (ii) verification of test results be randomly conducted through independent accredited laboratories. (iii) thorough scrutinising of contractors applying for upgrading be enhanced by NCIC. Training institutions in Malawi need to conduct more capacity building trainings (foremanship and inspector of works) in order to avert the problem of shortage of site technical personnel.
