PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF BUILDING CONTRACTORS ON PUBLIC PROJECTS: A CASE STUDY OF BOLGATANGA MUNICIPALITY

ABSTRACT

The performance of contractors is essential to the success of construction projects. Enhancing the performance of construction firms will significantly contribute to the productivity of the construction industry. The aim of the study was to examine performance of building contractors on public projects in the Bolgatanga Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive survey approach involving the design and administration of survey questionnaires. The respondents’ for the study was 38 consultants using census approach. The findings of the study revealed that consultants evaluate the performance of contractors on public projects in the municipality. It was revealed that the criteria/factors considered in the performance evaluation of building contractors were quality, time, and cost. The main aspects of quality considered by the consultants included; level of skills of contractor’s personnel, establishing quality audit (inspections), and adequate equipment holding. The critical aspect of time considered by the consultants included; adequate time estimate, project planning and scheduling and the type of project design. The important aspects of cost considered by the consultants included fluctuations and variations in project execution, financial standing, and delay in project execution. Based on the aforementioned findings, the study recommended that building contractors and consultants should consistently organize intensive and effective education and training programmes for their workers to upgrade their technical knowledge and professional expertise to suit modern architectural requirements for quality delivery of projects. There is also the need to ensure timely completion of projects and cost reduction to clients.