THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a contagious disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 which was declared as a Global pandemic by the WHO on 11th March 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic impacted every sector of countries like the economic, social, and cultural as well as the construction industry including construction projects of DUDBC of Nepal. Many projects faced difficult challenges and impacts whereas some opportunities were also seen. This research aims to highlight challenges, opportunities of Covid-19 and its impact on selected construction projects under DUDBC, Nepal as well as the possible preventive measures for responding similar pandemic in future in construction projects. For this purpose, 9 construction projects under DUDBC were taken into account. 100 questionnaires for challenges, opportunities of Covid-19 and its impact on selected construction projects under DUDBC were provided to potential respondents i.e., client, contractor through the goggle forms and emails. Among 100 questionnaires, 83% i.e., 83 questionnaires respond were received. Data obtained were analyzed by using MS Excel, RII and PCA by SPSS. KII conducted to identify preventive measures for responding similar pandemic in future in construction projects. For challenges of Covid 19 to the selected construction projects under DUDBC, RII was used which revealed major challenges were suspension of works, increase in cost of construction materials, shortage of skilled labor, scarcity of health amenities like mask, gloves, PPE etc. in market and difficulty in preparation and approval of bills, drawings and reports. PCA approach was used to identify opportunities of Covid-19 and its impact on selected construction projects under DUDBC. Result have shown that prime opportunities created by Covid 19 in construction industry were divided into 4 components i.e., Technological transformation, health and safety culture improvisation, better planning and monitoring and scientific material management. Similarly, result have shown that impacts of Covid 19 to the selected construction projects under DUDBC were divided into 5 components i.e., time and cost overrun, financial constraints, contractual dilemma, construction quality deterioration and supply chain breakdown. VII Increasing collaboration between contracted parties, inventory planning and saving stock for emergency use, increase use of modern equipment, purchasing reusable PPE instead of disposable PPE, promoting online submission and approval of bills and drawing, granting time extension for projects, implementing strict cost-control measures, reviewing contract document before signing and using high quality materials in construction were identified preventing measures for responding similar pandemic in future in construction projects obtained from KII.

Keywords

Construction Projects, Covid 19, Challenges, Opportunities, Impacts, Preventive Measures.