| Author | Pathirana, Oshadhi Vajira Randunu |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. HS-90-21 |
| Subject(s) | Infrastructure (Economics)--Sri Lanka
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. HS-90-21 |
| Abstract | In urban low-income communities in Sri-Lanka the construction of
basic infrastructure is the responsibility of t he Community Development
Council (CDC) . Community Development Councils are representatives of the
population of urban low-income settlements. Under the Community Contract
System, introduced by t he National Housing Development Authority of Sri
Lanka, contracts are awarded to CDCs for the construction of basic
infrastructure . This study explores the effectiveness of this approach
as an enabling strategy for infrastructure development. It also identifies the problems, advantages and disadvantages of the system, and assesses the replicability of this system by reviewing all the contracts
implemented in the past four years. A field survey, case studies and
action research were the research methods employed. 63 out of the 93
contracts which were implemented in the local authorities of Colombo and
Kollonnawa were considered for a detailed study . The major findings of
the research were significant delays in implementation , deficiencies in
prevailing financial regulations, weak community organization, lack of
training and information. Contracts were implemented through three main
methods: contracts implemented by own community members , by community
members with hired labours , and through sub- contracts. The research found
that the method of implementation depends largely on the training received. Communities are satisfied with community contracts. The index
of success is also positive, suggesting that nearly three quarter of the
contracts are successful .
The main conclusions of the study are that there is a need to
strengthen Community Development Councils, to revise existing financial
procedures to facilitate the system, to provide adequate training and
information and to minimize political influence to construction activities. Recommendations include t he continuation of the Community Contract
System to deliver the services to the urban poor. The recognition of
Community Development Councils by the government is needed to disseminate
the system to the other local authorities. Community- based training
strategies and appropriate information methods need to be adopted to improve the system. |
| Year | 1990 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. HS-90-21 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kioe-Sheng, Yap |
| Examination Committee(s) | Wickramanayake, B.W.E. ;Weber, Karl E. ;Lefebvre, Bernard G. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) /, Sri Lanka; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1990 |