Delay Causes In Building Construction Projects In Sudan

The construction industry in Sudan is an important sector due to its enormous contribution to the country's economic development.This in terms of employment opportunities and attraction of Foreign Direct Investments which grossly contributes to the country's GDP.However due to the geographical,political,social and financial situation of the country,many construction projects are prone to delay.These delay factors can only be avoided by first identifying the factors and their sources.The main aim of this paper was to find out the main causes of delay in Building construction projects in Sudan.The research design was quantitative,where the data was collected from clients,consultants and contractors using questionnaires.The questionnaire had a list of delay causing factors of which the respondents were ask to rank each according to the 5 point likert scale.The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Program for Social Scientists(SPSS).The results obtained indicate that the top major causes of delay were;insufficient data collection and survey before design,un-use of advanced engineering design software,unclear and inadequate details in drawings,delays in producing design documents,Mistakes and discrepancies in design documents,Inadequate experience of consultant,poor communication and coordination,Delay in approving major changes in the scope of work,Delays in site mobilization,Poor qualification of the contractor's technical staff,Frequent change of sub-contractors,Inadequate contractor's work,Delays in sub-contractors work,Improper construction methods implement,Ineffective planning and scheduling of project,Conflicts between contractor and other parties,Rework due to errors during construction,Conflicts in sub-contractors schedule in execution of project,Difficulties in financing project,Delay in progress payments,Suspension of work by owner,Conflicts between joint-ownership of the project,Slowness in decision making process,Delay in approving shop drawing and sample materials,Late in revising and approving design documents,Change orders by owner during construction an Delay to furnish and deliver the site.