| Author | Siwakoti, Jiwan Nath |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ST-97-37 |
| Subject(s) | Construction industry--Bhutan
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| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering. |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. ST-97-37 |
| Abstract | The construction industry plays a significant role in any developing or underdeveloped country. Many of the physical infrastructures that are essential to human lives are but products of this industry. It is also true that in the process of realization of these facilities, the industry contributes significantly to the GDP, thus the economic sector of the country. The industry· itself is localized and is growing in complexity and size. Yet, this industry faces many problems that need to be corrected at different levels. Bhutan's construction industry is not devoid of such problems. This implies the need for appropriate plans and policies that steer the industry in the right direction so that ensuing challenges are effective met. This is the first attempt of a systematic and organized study of the construction industry in Bhutan. Like in many under-developed countries, the problems of the industry are both structural and organizational. The relatively young private sector, developing human resource sector and the difficult logistic problems have been serious constraints impeding the rapid growth of the industry. It is evident from the study that there is a need to review the contracting systems, contract license issuing procedures and the training needs of the technical and skilled_ manpower sector .. Also _the supporting industries have to see a rapid growth to meet the local needs of construction materials. There are important areas of project implementation that need to be improved. Namely, the problems of frequent changes, delayed decisions and delayed payments seem to bog down the efficient functioning of the system. Furthermore, there is a wide gap between the capacity and market of the contractors. There is a need to penetrate the private market by the contractors, since the government alone cannot possibly provide enough market for them. There are many problems that confront the industry. However, there are also ample opportunities and strength to improve them. With the small size and protective government a little effort from the contractors can help in removing many of the pressing issues. A more active and matured approach is thus called for. The contractors can no longer look to the protective attitude of the government to address all the existing problems. For the long run they should not aim for local market only, since there are limitations to the demand and market of the industry. However, an international approach would require virtual re-haulling of the contractors. This may sound hit ambitious but time is not far of when Bhutanese contractors will have to look outside the:: boundary of the country and may have to face international competition even within the country. The maturity and development success of industry will depend on the appropriate government policies and earnest effort by the contractors. Bhutan has achieved a lot in a short time and there is every optimism that the industry can develop itself into a more efficient and responsible one in future. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. ST-97-37 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Structural Engineering (STE) /Former Name = Structural Engineering and Construction (ST) |
| Chairperson(s) | Baba, Keizo. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Gupta, Ashim Das;Ogunlana, Stephen. O. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Government of Bhutan/AIT |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |