Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Delivery of Building Construction Projects in Abuja

Abstract

Studies have established that the problem of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a halt in construction activities leading to poor cost and timely delivery of building construction projects. The study evaluated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of building construction projects in Abuja with a view to identifying strategies for minimising the effects on project delivery. A quantitative research approach was adopted with the use of questionnaire survey to collect data from thirty (30) construction firms registered with Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja. Analysis of data was undertaken with the use of frequency counts, percentage and Mean Item Score (MIS). It was found that the most important factors hindering the success of construction project delivery as a result of COVID-19 are Restrictions of movement and lockdown (MIS = 5.00); Delays in material delivery (MIS = 4.97); and Price escalations (MIS = 4.97). The study shows that the most significant effects of COVID-19 on the cost delivery of building construction projects are Price escalation of material (MIS = 5.00); High cost of construction materials (MIS = 5.00); and Disruptions (MIS = 4.87). It was also shown that the most significant effects of COVID-19 on the time delivery of building construction projects are Workforce availability due to illness (MIS = 4.63) and Shortage of equipment and labour (MIS = 4.57). It was also discovered that the most effective strategies for reducing the negative effects of COVID-19 on the delivery of building construction projects are Communication of information (MIS = 4.63); Design optimization (MIS = 4.53); and more effective actions by the government to generate faster healing in the construction sector (MIS = 4.53). The study concluded that the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of building construction projects in Abuja is significant. It was therefore recommended that construction firms should set up implementable mechanism that will accommodate all the effective strategies for reducing the negative effects of COVID-19 on the delivery of building construction projects with more focus on communication of information; design optimization; and effective actions by the government to generate faster healing in the construction sector