AN ASSESSMENT OF THE LOW PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL CONSTRUCTION FIRMS: A CASE STUDY OF WA MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT The progress of many institutions relies on a well - functioning physical infrastructural development. The involvement of local construction firms in constructing infrastructure projects cannot be over emphasized. However, most of the local construction firms perform abysmally as far as quality delivery was concerned. Many projects undertaken by local construction firms experience delays and other substandard performance. The aim of this study was to assess the causes of poor performance of local construction firms. The study adopted a mixed method design involving the administration of survey questionnaires, interviews and observation to a sample of 71 respondents made of Quantity Surveyors, Site engineers, Structural engineers, Masons Steel benders and Electricians The collected data was analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21. The results were presented using percentages and mean values in Tables and charts .The findings of the study suggested that lack of adequate technical expertise, inadequate construction equipment and lack adequate skilled laborshortage of materials, improper design, unreliable sub-contractors, complexity of the project, unclear details in drawings, equipment unavailability were the key factors causing low performance of local construction firms in Wa Municipality. The study recommends that sub-contractors should be selected based on their past experience. Contractors should not be selected only based on their lowest bid. Local construction firms should have competent – spot supervisors to ensure persuasive execution of the project in time. The study finally recommends that local construction firms should ensure they have necessary capital to purchase equipment and machinery for easy and prompt delivery of projects.