Construction for Successful Project Delivery in Zimbabwe: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This study seeks to critically evaluate the role and efficacy of modern methods of construction (MMC) in enhancing successful delivery of projects in the context of the purview and dynamics of time, quality and costs. This research inquiry stems from the background of continued construction overruns affecting time of delivery, costs and quality in several construction projects in Zimbabwe. The main strand permeating this research is aimed at establishing the relationship or nexus between MMC and the delivery of construction projects in terms of time, costs and quality. If MMC are the panacea to the achievement of the mentioned three variables, it could be asked; why is that the uptake is still low? The study is informed by pragmatism philosophy and adopts the abductive approach and the sequential exploratory design in sync with the adopted mixed methods paradigm. The major findings of the study are that MMC ensure quick delivery of housing units, offer low-cost material, faster construction, high savings, involve low labourers, are environmentally friendly, are energy saving due to the walls, are safer with reduced risk easily accessible materials, and are sustainable.  However, if MMC are adopted within traditional and fragmented project delivery methods, project overruns in terms of costs, time and quality will still be experienced. The study also brings to the fore the fact that though the construction industry is privy to the benefits of MMC, the clientele is still stuck in Traditional Methods of Construction (TMC), the use of brick and mortar. There is need for government to promulgate a policy which enhances the uptake of MMC. The construction industry must adopt MMC within Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and other contemporary delivery processes. This will ensure that all parties to the construction are involved from the onset of the project up to its delivery.