Assessment of quality control implementation on unpaved roads construction and maintenance of oromia roads authority

Abstract

Attaining good quality in any construction projects such as unpaved roads constructions in particular have positive impacts to end users or society. Assessments of these impacts were undertaken in Oromia Regional State, Oromia Roads Authority. This research was aimed to assess, identify and document the current status of the unpaved (gravel) roads construction quality in Oromia regional state, under the responsibility of Oromia Roads Authority. This was involved identifying the main problems and point out where the scope lies for improving and by what means this is possible to do. To begin with, a literature review has been undertaken in order to analyze the status of quality in construction in general and unpaved (gravel) roads construction in particular with regard to quality problems and quality aspects. After having analyzed the data, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to construction professionals, who are working with clients, contractors, consultants, funding agents, consumers (end users) and related stakeholders. The research interview was focused on background of the respondents, quality management system, quality in general and top managements’ commitment to quality control in unpaved roads construction. Finally interviews have been conducted with professionals in organizations whom staff has participated in the questionnaire. After performing the above mentioned activities, the research was suggested the extent of problems that is resulting from inferior quality problems. The research was also indicated possibilities to improve quality related problems in unpaved roads construction. A conclusion was supported by literature reviews (desk studies) as well as research works based on primary and secondary data. This research hopes that the results are going to give a clearer picture of the quality status and where improvements are needed. The study also tried to assess the need of improving quality management and identified gap in terms of knowledge of quality management and the application of quality management systems within the construction of unpaved roads in the Oromia Region in order to attain more systematic efficiency of its operation. It also tried to point out the roles that should have been played by construction parties in increasing the implementation of quality control, assurance as well as management in unpaved roads construction. Finally, based on the analysis of the results, recommendations are proposed to enable in minimizing the adverse impact of poor quality management on gravel road construction and favors the construction parties involved for better performance.