Critical Success Factors and Road Infrastructure Project Performance in Rwanda: A Case Study of the Sonatube- Gahanga-Akagera Road
Bezawit Derbew Dessie and Sam Bazimya
University of Kigali, Rwanda
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5275-4491
Email: beziderbew@gmail.com
Abstract: Road infrastructure projects are expected to meet schedule, cost, quality, and stakeholder requirements, yet their performance can vary across these dimensions. This study examined critical success factors and performance in the Sonatube-Gahanga-Akagera Road Project in Rwanda, while documenting implementation challenges as contextual evidence. A mixed-methods case study design was used. Questionnaire data were obtained from 50 purposively selected road-sector professionals, comprising 35 general respondents and 15 professionals directly involved in the project. Ten semi-structured interviews and a review of project records complemented the survey. Descriptive statistics summarized five-point Likert-scale responses, and Pearson correlations were examined exploratorily. Project-specific respondents rated financing (M = 4.60), planning (M = 4.53), and contractor competence and qualified personnel (M = 4.47 each) highly. The most salient project-specific challenges were land acquisition and compensation (M = 4.33), COVID-19 (M = 4.20), and design changes (M = 3.93); financial constraints (M = 2.40) and inflation (M = 2.53) were less prominent. Performance ratings were highest for achievement of objectives and budget performance (M = 4.07 each), followed by quality and stakeholder satisfaction (M = 3.73 each), while schedule performance was lowest (M = 3.00). Project records show that the original 24-month contract period extended to approximately 39 months and two weeks, although major works reached substantial completion. The available data did not show a statistically significant correlation between critical success factors and performance in either respondent group. The study recommends earlier right-of-way clearance, utility coordination, design readiness, and proactive schedule-risk management. The findings are case-specific and do not establish causality.
