AN INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING COST PERFORMANCE OF ASPHALT ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN EBONYI STATE

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the cost performance of asphalt road construction projects in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, to identify key factors influencing cost performance of asphalt road construction projects and to provide actionable insights for improving project planning, execution, and management. The research addresses a critical gap by specifically investigating the combined impact of localized geotechnical, environmental, and managerial factors on project cost efficiency in the region. The research adopted a qualitative method. The qualitative component involved a survey of stakeholders, with a sample size of approximately 90 respondents selected using stratified random sampling from a population of 115 project managers/engineers, contractors, government officials, and consultants. Data were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the influence of various factors on cost performance. The study identified that asphalt road projects in Ebonyi State are frequently undermined by significant cost overruns. Key factors contributing to poor cost performance were ranked as follows (by RII) inaccurate initial cost estimation (RII: 0.912), high cost and availability of imported and heavy duty equipment (RII: 0.890). Furthermore, the cost of Bitumen (RII: 0.9225) was confirmed as the single material cost with the greatest financial impact. Heavy rainfall and flooding (RII: 0.8375) were also identified as major environmental factors causing delays and physical damage, and thus, higher costs. Several factors influencing cost performance in Ebonyi State are driven by a complex interplay of managerial deficiencies (poor estimation and planning), institutional malpractice (untimely fund release and political favoritism), and geotechnical/environmental constraints (unforeseen poor soil quality and heavy rainfall). The study recommends institutional reforms such as establishing a dedicated Project Trust Fund to ensure timely payments, mandating comprehensive geotechnical site investigations as a prerequisite for contracts, and encouraging local bitumen production to stabilize the cost of the most critical material. Implementing these strategies will enhance cost efficiency and support sustainable road infrastructure development in Ebonyi State.