Minimizing construction dispute in the Swaziland construction industry

Abstract: Construction Projects are often delivered under a complex and uncertain environment, with claims and conflict being an inevitable part. It is vital to manage claims and conflict as soon as possible, in order not to turn into disputes. The intent of this paper is to investigate dispute causation in construction projects in Swaziland, and to examine the methods to minimize construction disputes in construction projects in Swaziland. The data used in this study were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data for the study was derived from the review of literature. The primary data was obtained through the use of a questionnaire which was distributed to client (government), contractor and consultant representatives (quantity surveyor, civil engineer, architects, project managers and mechanical and electrical engineers). Only organizations registered with the ministry of public work and transport in Swaziland and other professional bodies were surveyed. Findings from the survey revealed that the major factors contributing to the causes of construction dispute in construction projects of Swaziland can be classified into: client related factors, contractor related factors, design related factors, contract related causes, project related factors and external related factors. Finding on ways to minimize dispute in the Swaziland construction projects, it was found that supply chain management, partnering, and alliancing are the effective way to minimize dispute in the construction industry