Risk identification on community-based construction projects in Zambia

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss and highlight the results of a study that identified critical risks involved in the procurement of community-based infrastructure projects in Zambia. Design/methodology/approach: Brainstorming was chosen as the method for identifying risks in the study. It was applied in the form of group discussions with project management committees at community level to identify potential risks affecting their particular projects. Findings: The identified critical risks were classified into six categories: project initiation; community contribution and participation; budget and finance; skilled labour; materials procurement and technical supervision; and quality control. Several significant risk factors were identified in all these six categories in community-based construction projects. The paper concludes that indeed there are critical risks in community-based construction projects that require forward planning, assessment and mitigation. Originality/value: The consequences of not assessing and managing construction risks in both conventional and community-based procurement systems are that projects may experience time and cost overruns and lead to poor quality structures. It is therefore important to identify risks in community projects.