A cross-sectional snapshot of the insider view of highway infrastructure delivery in the developing world

An extensive range of literature reporting research into technical practices by highway agencies in the developed world abound, several of which have spotlighted shortcomings in the practices of the highway agencies. However, a discernible gap in the literature is evident in the paucity of studies which have similarly spotlighted practices in the developing world. This is despite difficulties experienced by ex-colonial countries in tropical areas, in designing roads suitable for their terrain, and setting up technical organizations to adequately manage funds allocated to highway development. This study provides a cross-case insider perspective to highway project delivery in the developing world, using a geotechnical trajectory. The results reveal a consistent lack of adherence to best practice underlain by knowledge/skill gaps within the highway agencies. These, further compounded by a political and conflict driven procurement climate account for the backward state of highway project delivery in the Niger Delta region. The study findings serve as a sneak-peak into the contextual issues impacting on the maturity of highway infrastructure in the developing world.