Abstract:
Delay is the most considerable factor in all kinds of projects in all industries. In
construction projects, a delay is a key considerable factor. The time length between the
completion of the project and the given time period for the project is called a project delay.
The length of the time period will be the most considerable factor in the success of the
project. Construction delays can be seen in all kinds of construction projects worldwide. It
is a common factor that most of the Water Supply Scheme projects in upcountry Sri Lanka
are failed to complete the project within the estimated time period. Nowadays, the
Construction of Plantation Water Supply Schemes in Nuwara-Eliya district, Sri Lanka is
also facing the project delays. With the information gathered through the discussion
between project participants (Client, Consultant, and Contactor), in Nuwara-Eliya Water
Supply Scheme projects, and through the literature review, factors affecting Water Supply
Scheme project delays were identified and a questioner was prepared considering those
factors. An investigation was carried out to identify the effectiveness of those factors to the
Water Supply Scheme projects. Leads in financing the projects by contractors, Lack of
teamwork among all involved parties in the construction, Delays in gathering approvals
from Client, Poor project management of Contractor, Skilled labour shortage and
especially Political involvement in Tea Estates (Beneficent parties) and Environmental
leads such as heavy rain, landscape, and other natural leads has been identified as the most
effective factors for the delays in Water Supply Scheme projects in Nuwara-Eliya District.
Conclusion and recommendations are made to overcome the identified most effective
factors influencing project delays in future Plantation Water Supply Scheme Construction
projects.
Keywords: Projects, Delays, Construction projects, Water supply schemes projects
