Evaluating low income housing construction challenges and their impact in completing housing projects on time : case studies of Mpumalanga and uMlazi Housing Projects.
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Date
2016
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Abstract
In terms of housing development in South Africa, the delivery of low income housing is a vital process in providing satisfactory housing for the less fortunate and the imperfectly accommodated, which is an effort to decrease poverty and improve quality of lives which has been a challenge for South African government over the years. The South African citizens have the right to access adequate housing. The government has provided housing but the houses are not delivered on time. In between the duration of housing projects, there are certain challenges that arise which delay the projects and affect the completion date. This study was aimed at finding the challenges that are encountered during the construction of low income housing and how they have an impact on completing housing projects on time. The research study made reference to uMlazi and Mpumalanga Housing Projects. The data for this study was gathered through conducting semi-structured interviews with project managers, contractors, the KZN department of human settlements and beneficiaries. The findings gathered from the informants were analysed using thematic analysis. After the analysis of the findings, it was evident that more challenges were experienced by project managers who were responsible for the project from the conceptual stage to the handing over stage. The contractors did experience challenges which were dealt with sometimes with the help of the project manager. It also helped the contractors to work with experienced project managers. The KZN DHS was affected by the delays financially as the projects were not completed on time. From the finding, recommendations were provided which involved; The project manager must know how to manage exceptions and risks because there are always risks in every project; Good early cost advice is essential in order that the best possible information be available on which the judgement to abort, amend or proceed with the project can be made; communication is vital when dealing with the beneficiaries or the community where the project is taking place; If construction has to take place on steep slopes and there is no option of relocation, there has to be a bigger budget amount for the construction of the project and developing a schedule which includes adding time to the original schedule just in case something important is delayed unexpectedly was recommended.
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Master of Housing. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2016.