Abstract:
The study sought to assess the factors that affect effectiveness of contract management on the
success of irrigation projects in Buno Bedele Zone. The specific objectives were to: determine
technical capability factors that affect the success of irrigation projects; assess cost related
factors that affect the success of irrigation project; examine supplier‟s compliance with terms
and conditions that affect the success of irrigation project and assess the influence of closely
monitoring on irrigation projects. The study adopted descriptive research design. Besides,
questionnaires and interviews were used to collect the data from contractors involved in project,
zone project team members, staff (employees) and zone office managers. Moreover, the census
sampling technique was adopted to identify the study‟s sample size which involved
selection of all members of population. For this reason, a total of 41 participants were
considered for the questionnaire. In addition seven participants were interviewed for additional
information. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study
found that technical capability related factors such as work experience of the contractor and
poor site management are the major causes of project failure. The study also found that
monitoring during construction is critical to ensure quality products and delivery of projects.
They study found that poor utilization of mobilization advance has a negative effect on
construction projects‟ success. The study also found that availability and failure of equipment
was another factor that can adversely affect project success. Finally, the study recommends that
zonal team members have to place strong formal monthly inspections of supplier technical
evaluation with clear criteria depends on the control of Schedule, quality, compliance with
specification, risk, scope, dispute resolution and cost with regular reporting. The government
should adopt stringent measures which would arrest the cost related factors. The government
should also be consistent from contract creation through to tracking milestones and contract
renewal
