Factors Contributing to Construction Costs in Botswana – Perspective from Construction Contractors

Abstract

This study investigated and reported on factors contributing to construction cost in Botswana from the perspective of construction contractors operating in the country. Major problems (factors) facing the construction industry worldwide were captured from the literature review. These factors were the subject of ranking by the construction contractors operating in the county. The results revealed that the five cost factors that ranked highest in descending order of contribution are construction management factors (0.668)), construction item factors (0.603), cost estimating factors (0.535), environmental factors (0.515) and financing factors (0.406). The five factor variables that ranked highest in descending order are: cost of materials (0.858), incorrect project planning, (0.806), frequent design changes (0.754), lack of coordination between designers and contractor (0.753), contract management (0.742). the main factor contributing to high cost of construction in Botswana is cost of materials. Government the major client of the construction industry in Botswana was advised to train manpower in construction management and embark on diversification policy that would reduce inflation to which the problem of high cost of construction materials could be traced.

DOI: 10.7176/CER/11-12-05

Publication date: December 31^st 2019