Assessment of Key Factors Contributing to Quality Reduction in Public Building Construction Projects: A Case of Gambella Town

Abstract

In Ethiopia, the construction industry is crucial to the nation's economic development, with public building projects playing a significant role. However, the quality of these construction projects has become a growing concern, particularly in Gambella Town, where various factors continue to undermine construction outcomes. This study aimed to assess the key factors contributing to quality reduction in public building construction projects in Gambella Town and to develop practical strategies to address these issues. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative insights from interviews with quantitative data from structured surveys. A total of 62 respondents, including contractors, consultants, clients and project managers involved in public building projects, were selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) and statistical tools, including Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 29, to rank the factors contributing to quality reduction. The findings revealed several factors significantly impact the quality of construction projects in Gambella Town. These include unfavorable climatic conditions (RII value 0.96), communication gaps between stakeholders (RII value 0.95), ineffective project management systems by contractors, poor oversight by consultants (RII value 0.94), and the use of low-quality materials. Unsuitable climatic conditions were identified as the most critical factor. Furthermore, the study highlighted that these factors reduce construction quality and lead to time wastage and cost overruns. The study proposes practical strategies to mitigate the identified issues in response to these findings. These include engaging experienced and competent contractors, implementing rigorous project management practices, and establishing effective stakeholder communication protocols. Enhancing quality control through regular inspections and digital monitoring tools is also recommended. By adopting these strategies, stakeholders in Gambella Town can significantly improve the quality of public building construction projects, ensuring they meet the required standards and provide long-term value.