CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2022 · Vol. 2022, Issue 1

A desk review of preconstruction project development planning delays in South Africa: A case for improvements

Bedan Nyaga Githae, Hakim Hagir and Rebecca Alowo

Keywords: Policy, pre-construction, planning, building regulations, delays, government spheres

Abstract

This paper identifies policy issues in construction management that cause preconstruction planning delays in South Africa; and proposes solutions for improvements. Relying on literature review, the paper highlights preliminary results from an ongoing research project. Such results include among other discrepancies in building regulations; planning laws; and numerous factors related to spheres of government. The researchers acknowledge that the research on which the paper is based is still ongoing. Going forward, data will be collected through the administration of 100 questionnaires to different construction operatives and planning operatives. These will include professional engineers, architects, surveyors, contractors, physical planners, and academics in the built environment. The collected data will be analysed using statistical scales. Thus far, however, the preliminary findings are that in South Africa the delay in pre-construction development planning seem to arise largely from gaps in the South African building regulations and planning laws which result in planning delays in construction project development. It is indeed proposed that there is a need to increase efficiency and bring harmony in the regulatory processes to enhance speedy construction project development planning in South Africa.