Developing a pandemic resilience framework for highway projects: case of Covid -19 disease in Rwanda

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic have not only significantly disrupted the highway construction projects worldwide but also in Rwanda. Leading to the delays, increased costs, workforce shortage and supply chain disruptions. The aim of this project was to develop a pandemic resilience framework for highway construction projects in Rwanda to mitigate the adverse impact of future pandemics and improve construction efficiency. We examined the major five highways projects undertaken during the covid-19 pandemic period, such chosen project are Nyagatare-Rukomo road upgrading project (73 Km); Upgrading works of Huye-Kibeho-Ngoma/Munini (66.3Km); Asphalt Road Pindura- Bweyeye Upgraded (32 km); 13 Km(Sonatubes-Gahanga) of urban roads in CoK and other secondary Cities were constructed and Maintenance of 65km Kigali- Kayonza road. The mixed methods of surveys and interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used in data collection from the different key informant including Client (RTDA and Government Agency), Consultants (Astrik International, CRBC, Etc.) and contractors (NPD, HNRB, Real contractors). The study identified the primary challenges faced during the pandemic, evaluated the effectiveness of mitigation strategies implemented and proposed a structured roadmap to enhance resilience in future highway construction projects. This study provides the valuable insights for police makers, construction firms and government agencies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of Rwanda’s highway sector