Analysis of the Efficacy of Contract Management Practices in Public Projects in the Construction Industry of Lesotho

Résumé

Contract mismanagement in public construction projects is a common occurrence in the construction industry of Lesotho. It has led to significant project delays and disputes, hindering the country's infrastructure development. This paper is a report of a recent study carried out to assess the efficacy of contract management practices, aiming to identify areas for improvement for the purpose of enhancing project delivery in the industry. A mixed-methods approach, combining a documentary search and a survey - of the professionals actively involved in public construction projects in Lesotho - was employed for the research. It was observed that a formal framework for contract management is in place, but various challenges hinder the effective implementation of the framework. The challenges comprise inadequate managerial capacity of the contract managers, weak enforcement of contractual obligations, and lack of transparency and accountability in the contractual process. The researchers concluded that there was a pressing need to enhance contract management practices in Lesotho's public construction sector. Their recommendations for addressing the identified challenges are capacity-building initiatives for contract managers, strengthening the regulatory frameworks for contract enforcement, and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability within the industry