Assessment of the Impact of Unfinished Private Building Construction Projects and Its Mitigation Measures: A Case Study inJimma Town

Abstract

Unfinished buildings cost huge sums of money which cannot be divested. There were several major factors which may affect the smooth implementation of building projects, but the gravity of its impact had been seen to be very challenging, especially when it comes to the progress and economic development of a city or town as in the case of Jimmatown.The study aimed to assess the causes and impacts of unfinished private building construction in Jimma town. The research methods used literature review through desk study, personal interviews, and questionnaire survey to identify the causes of unfinished building construction and their impacts as perceived by the respondents.The results of this study indicated that the factors such as discrepancies between contract documents, delay fixing the right of way problem, late identification and resolution of drawings and specification errors and omissions had the same Relative Index (RI) of 0.800.Likewise, regulatory changes and awarding the project for lowest biddershowed with a Relative Index (RI)ranging from 0.760 to 0.750. The results also revealed that an increase in project costwith the Relative Index of 0.822, quality degradationwith the Relative Index of of0.800, the effect on progresswith the Relative Index of 0.778, an increase in overhead expenseswith the Relative Index of 0.733, andlogistics delayswith Relative index of 0.700. These wereranked major factors impacting of unfinished building construction.Hence, it is concluded, based on the findings of the research that an increase of the project cost was the main cause of the problem of unfinished private building. In addition, the findings also suggested the most recommended strategies by the respondents to minimize the problem. These strategies indicated the consultant should produce a concluding design and contract documents. It included drawings that should be completed at the tender stage; works should be supervised with an experienced and dedicated supervisor, enhance communication between all parties and carry out a detailed site investigation, including detailed soil investigations and consider it during tendering stage to minimize the problem of the unfinished building on private building projects.