ASSESSING THE CONSTRUCTION DELAY CAUSES: THE INFLUENCE OF TIGRAY CONFLICT IN MEKELLE CITY

Abstract

Conflict is inevitable among humans, especially in construction projects where there is a day today interaction, multidisciplinary team, resource and time constraints, uncertainty and multi organizational structure. This study aims to comprehensively assess the impact of the Tigray conflict on public building construction delays in Mekelle City. Primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaires on 100 selected respondents and categorized the causes of delay under three main groups of client s related, consultant related and contractor related. The finding reveals the factors affecting delays due to conflict the respondents agree that, 43% security concerns, 33% financial instability, 14% political instability and 11% resource scarcity. Additionally, in construction scheduling & resource management the respondents agree 44% major effect, 28% significant effect, 20% moderate effect and 8% minor effect. The top five construction project delays reveal some critical insights. Topping the first is the "shortage of equipment", a contractor-related delay with a mean value of 4.26 and a Relative Importance Index (RII) of 0.84. Closely following is the delays due to material delivery, another contractor-related factor with a mean value of 4.23 and an RII of 0.84. The third ranked delay is "delays in subcontractor", also a contractor-related issue, with a mean value of 3.84 and an RII of 0.76. Interestingly, the fourth ranked delay is a client-related factor "delays due to progress of payment" with a mean value of 3.70 and an RII of 0.74. Rounding out the five is the "low productivity of labor", a contractor-related delay with a mean value of 3.69 and an RII of 0.73. These findings provide valuable insights for project managers to identify and address the most significant contributors to construction project delays, ultimately enhancing overall project efficiency and success. By understanding these impacts, the study seeks to offer strategic recommendations for mitigating future risks and enhancing the resilience of the construction sector in conflict affected areas. The findings are contributed to the sustainable development of the Tigray region, especially in Mekelle City, and inform policymakers, construction professionals, and local authorities on effective measures to prevent and manage construction delays in the future.