Exploring construction risk factors in an operational airport environment: A case study of Kotoka International Airport

Construction risks is an essential factor during execution of construction projects because it affects the whole project delivery process predominantly production costs and execution time of projects. Construction risks that are continuously faced by airports are due to the highly dynamic environment exposed to these projects in an attempt to build or refurbish infrastructure to meet the demands of the environment. Kotoka International Airport currently stands as the only international airport in the country hence it experiences increased pressure on its infrastructure. This study sought to explore construction risk factors in an operational airport environment using Kotoka International Airport as case study. The study adopted a quantitative method and a case study approach as a research strategy. Questionnaires were used as data collection instrument to gather data from various construction companies that are undertaking construction activities at Kotoka International Airport. From the survey it was realized that the most occurring risks associated with construction projects in an operational airport environment such as Kotoka International Airport from the contractors were; Tight project schedule affected by long bureaucratic approval procedures within government agencies, Government agency identifying excessive project cost that results in loss of interest to fund construction project, Government restrictions on funding for certain airport maintenance projects, high Security and safety related issues causing delay in the construction process and affecting project cost, and changes in government funding for the fiscal year affecting project schedule. Respondents noted that the following risk factors had significant impact on their works which are Agricultural land owners not willing to sell land for airport development purposes, Local community opposition to airport capital development, Chosen airport location which does not fit with the purposed planning, development and operation of airport facility affecting overall development process, possible labour strike affecting construction process and land owners unwilling to sell identified land for airport development. Mitigating strategies to these impact are key to managing risk. Risk control, risk reduction, risk avoidance, risk sharing, risk retention, and risk transfer were identified as mitigation strategies to these factors. The knowledge of the existence on construction risk is not enough, contractors need to know its impact and how it is affecting the progress of the construction works including understanding and complying to all safety measures during execution of works at the Airport. Contractors undertaking works at Kotoka International Airport must undertake thorough risk assessment at the early stages of the project cycle to mitigate these risks. Furthermore, Airport managers and operators must frequently document risk on their construction projects. This would serve as an effective and efficient guidance document for contractors undertaking works at the Airport in the future.

Source: KNUST