Perception of road users on impact of delayed road construction projects on livelihoods in Ashanti Region

Abstract

Road construction delays in Ghana's Ashanti Region have detrimental impacts on livelihoods and health risks for residents and road users. This study examines road users’ perceptions (drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and residents) of construction delays and their effects on livelihoods. Data was collected from 2252 respondents using a structured questionnaire and purposive/random sampling across six road projects. This study employed both random sampling and purposive sampling methods, as it aimed to achieve a balance between ensuring representativeness within each category of road users while also targeting individuals with pertinent experiences and knowledge related to road construction delays. This approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the issues under investigation while maximizing the efficiency of data collection within the constraints of the study scope and resources. Principal component analysis identified poor management as a major cause of delays, resulting from inadequate project supervision, communication, contractor experience, financing, equipment breakdowns, delayed payments, and late project initiation. Users faced challenges in transportation, business, health, and the environment. However, no significant positive relationship was found between delays, economic activities, and livelihoods. Recommendations include merit-based project awards, proactive contractors with competent managers for effective planning and evaluation, improved communication among stakeholders, adequate funding to reduce delays, and long-term impact assessments through road user tracking. The limitation of this study is that it solely focusses only on Ashanti Region; therefore, extending the research to other regions in Ghana is suggested.