Impact of Covid 19 Pandemic on the Management of Construction Projects in Malawi

Abstract

Construction projects were massively disrupted by the Covid 19 pandemic. The pandemic significantly affected how construction activities are carried out on site. This study investigated in depth the challenges construction teams faced while managing the projects amidst the COVID 19 pandemic.  The study collected data using a google form questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to 52 respondents in total who were actively involved in the management of the construction projects. The collected data was analysed using SPSS software version 26. Findings indicate that the COVID 19 pandemic caused disruption in the management of projects. The construction sites were abandoned by foreign skilled labours and left unskilled local workers on site. Results indicate that it was impossible to work on site because of the imposed restriction measures. Work was done online but proved to be a challenge since one needs to be on site to make decisions about activities. People lost jobs, lives and the local economy was disrupted. Supply chain of construction materials was disrupted because ports and boarders were closed.  The study recommends that projects must procure materials in advance, develop a policy of training local labours to transfer skills, encourage local manufacturing and workers to be vaccinated.