Project Constraints Management and Sustainability of an Environmental Protection Project: A Case of Sebeya Catchment Management Project in Rubavu District, Rwanda

Denys Pascal Manizabayo – https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1045-8821

Dushimimana Jean de Dieu – https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4826-0368

University of Kigali

Email: manidenys25@gmail.com

Abstract: Project constraints management is key to successful implementation of environmental protection projects because success depends on completing activities on time, within budget, and with attainment of intended ecological and social outcomes. The research was anchored on Theory of Constraints and Sustainable Development Theory, and adopted descriptive and correlational research designs with a mixed approach. The target population consisted of 161 stakeholders including project managers, technical staff, environmental officers, and community beneficiaries directly or indirectly involved in the project. A census survey was used, while structured questionnaires, interviews, and documentary review collected primary and secondary data. A pilot test was conducted on 17 respondents, the Content Validity Index was 1.0, and Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.75, confirming validity and reliability of the instruments. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were applied using SPSS version 28 at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that scope management had a positive and significant effect on sustainability (Beta = .509, t = 9.802, p = .000), time management had a positive and significant effect (Beta = .244, t = 5.127, p = .000), and cost management had a positive and significant effect (Beta = .285, t = 5.858, p = .000). The study concluded that sound management of scope, time, and cost constraints significantly enhances the sustainability of environmental protection projects. It recommended stronger planning, stakeholder involvement, timely execution, and financial control to secure long-term project success.