MITIGATING CONTRACTOR PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Abstract

The construction industry of Trinidad and Tobago has been, for decades, a direct indicator of national development and contributor to economic growth. The associated problems of the industry as experienced by contractors negatively impacts project performance and success. This study identified the most common problems experienced by contractors and assessed these to determine their level of significance and importance to projects. Employing a survey questionnaire and analytical methods using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), 43 problems were identified, classified into seven (7) factor groups: Financial, Managerial, Environmental, Labour Based, Resource Based Owner Based and Project Based that were ranked on their level of significance and importance. The top ten (10) problems were found to be delay of payments, design, scope and material changes, working in high risk areas, lack of feasibility and brief, corruption, lack of contractor’s experience, bureaucracy, geological problems, contractor’s finances and cash flow. These problems represent the Financial, Managerial, Environmental, Project Based and Owner Based factor groups with financial factors being the highest rated group of adverse effect and significance. Highlighting the findings of this study, the preferred solution to mitigate against the adverse impact indicative of the construction problems experienced were presented. These solutions can be implemented to reduce the adverse effects on projects, promoting sustainable construction practices in the construction industry of Trinidad & Tobago.