The term ‘construction’ refers to all economic operations that involve planning, designing, constructing, renovating, repairing or expanding fixed assets, such as buildings, land, engineering upgrades, and other infrastructure projects, like roads, bridges, dams, etc.
The construction sector is one of the main areas of economic activity. According to Pakistan Economic Survey 2021, the construction sector is expected to contribute 14.8 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.
Unlike developed countries, the construction sector in Pakistan experiences slow growth which has hampered its productivity. The major reason behind low productivity of the sector is mainly project delays, which has affected the national construction sector. Other factors involved in project delays are conventional methods of construction, slow documentation processing, lack of governance, inadequate funds, corruption and fund embezzlement.
The government must pay attention and take concrete measures to uplift the national construction sector as it happens to be the backbone of the national economy. Effective policies and strategies should be devised to overcome project delays. It will not only boost economic sustainability, but will create job opportunities as well.
SHAHID ULLAH KHAN TATOR
DERA ISMAIL KHAN
