Abstract:
Projects especially construction projects have a vital role for the economic development of a nation by
transforming the living standard of the community. This study aimed to assess determinants of delay in
Construction projects in Ambo town. This study was adopted explanatory research design as well as a
quantitative and qualitative research approach. This research was used both the primary and secondary
data sources. Primary data was collected from the respondents or population under study which are the
stakeholders of construction project. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed in selection of
sample respondents in public project in Ambo town and 180 respondents were used study respondents.
Descriptive and inferential statistics were used as the method of data analysis and multiple regression
models were employed. The findings of the study revealed that, the top three causes of project delay were
related to the category of Contractor (Contractors timely change project specification in work and
difficulties in financing project by Contractor to minimize delays, and client related factor (specifically
issuing project tender notices in the 2nd and 3rd quarters). Generally based on the top ten causes of
project delay, client share 40%, contractors share 20% causes of delay; external factor share 20% of
causes of delay, consultant share 10% and labour 10% of project delay. From the six major casus of
project delay, the top three causes of delay were contractor, clients, and external factors. The rest causes
of project delay are material; labour and consultant were ranked to fourth, fifth and sixth. The study
conclude that project delay specifically construction projects delay effects are multidimensional that
affects the life of thousands of residents of the Ambo town directly or indirectly economically, politically
or socially and, it costs the country a lot. This study recommended that Clients should have guaranteed
enough financial resources before the execution of project so that payment to the contractors is not
delayed which in turn results with large time over runs. In addition to this, subcontractors must be
involved with a proper contractual agreement with a contractor that can transfer risk from contractor to
subcontractors.
