CAUSES OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS WASTAGE IN RWANDAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN RWANDA. CASE STUDY: GASABO DISTRICT (2014-2023)

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the causes of construction materials wastage in Rwandan construction industry. Case study: Gasabo district (2014-2023). The specific objectives were to determine the causes of construction materials wastage in Rwandan construction industry, to determine the effects of construction materials wastage in Rwandan construction industry and to identify the strategies of wastage construction material management in Rwandan construction industry. The questionnaire survey conducted in the 99 respondents from the active construction companies in Gasabo district. Collected data were analyzed by tables and ranked using excel software. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the Causes of construction materials wastage in Rwandan construction industry are Poor workmanship, Poor communication between designer and builder or within the organization, Inadequate supervision. The results show that the effects of construction materials wastage in Rwandan construction industry are project cost overrun, disease associated with high levels of air pollutants, pollution of the environment by discharging chemicals and other materials, reduction in profit and failure of construction firms. The results show that the strategies of wastage construction material management in Rwandan construction industry are employing a specific professionals to inspect and handle construction waste related issues, adoption of prefabricated or off-site production of components and recent technology products which enable to reduce construction waste, strong coordination between consultant, client, contractors, and other stakeholders during the planning, design, and construction stages of projects, implement strong onsite management practice and create awareness among the construction work members, offer incentives and tender premiums related to waste management, increased implementation of green building codes and specifications, introduction of penalties for construction firms with poor waste management practices, increased landfill charges, incorporation of a material waste minimization plan policy in construction contract, measuring the size of the work and using the proper amount of material on site help to reduce the work item needed to rework, repair and replace, effective and frequent site supervision, taking into account the environment during designing and aiming to achieve resource optimization, providing scheduled training on material waste minimization strategies for construction workers, keep in mind the economic, social, and environmental effects of waste at all stages of the project.