Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Risk identification on community‐based construction projects in Zambia

2008; Emerald Publishing Limited; Volume: 6; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1108/17260530810891289

1758-8901

Inambao Manelele, Mundia Muya,

Public-Private Partnership Projects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss and highlight the results of a study that identified critical risks involved in the procurement of community‐based infrastructure projects in Zambia. Design/methodology/approach Brainstorming was chosen as the method for identifying risks in the study. It was applied in the form of group discussions with project management committees at community level to identify potential risks affecting their particular projects. Findings The identified critical risks were classified into six categories: project initiation; community contribution and participation; budget and finance; skilled labour; materials procurement and technical supervision; and quality control. Several significant risk factors were identified in all these six categories in community‐based construction projects. The paper concludes that indeed there are critical risks in community‐based construction projects that require forward planning, assessment and mitigation. Originality/value The consequences of not assessing and managing construction risks in both conventional and community‐based procurement systems are that projects may experience time and cost overruns and lead to poor quality structures. It is therefore important to identify risks in community projects.