Delay in public utility projects in Saudi Arabia

Abstract This paper presents a survey research to investigate three components of delay in the construction of water and sewage works in Saudi Arabia. The components are (1) the frequency of delayed projects, (2) the extent of delay, and (3) the responsibility for delay. The research is intended to shed some light on the issue of construction delay in order to avoid, or better manage, delay situations. The results of the survey showed that a high proportion of projects were subject to delay. The frequency of delayed projects seems to be associated with the contractor classification grade but not with the region where the project is constructed. It was also found that the extent of delay was severe and that it was associated with the original project duration. Project owners and consultants assigned the major responsibility for delay to the contractors while contractors believed that the owner is mostly responsible.