Construction Delays in Rwanda's Local Government Projects: A Statistical Framework for Management

Abstract

Rwanda's construction sector, contributing 8.2% to GDP, faces persistent delays threatening Vision 2050 targets. This study examines delay factors in local government infrastructure projects using a mixed-methods approach involving stakeholders from Nyagatare and Musanze districts. Findings reveal that financial factors are the primary drivers of construction delays, showing a strong positive correlation with delay occurrence (r = 0.783, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis further establishes that financial factors exert the greatest predictive influence on project delays compared to administrative, technical, and environmental factors. Based on these findings, the Rwanda Construction Delay Management Framework (RCDMF) was developed, projecting up to a 60% reduction in proreduction in project delays when fully implemented. The study recommends strengthening pre-project financial planning, enforcing timely payment systems through IFMIS, and enhancing technical capacity through targeted training to improve delay management in Rwanda’s local government construction projects.