Improving performance of infrastructure projects in developing countries: an Ecuadorian case study

Abstract

Improving the quality of infrastructure is crucial for sustainable development. Providing infrastructure faces many challenges – both financially and in terms of how projects are delivered. This is particularly apparent for developing countries. This research aims to (a) determine the key factors influencing the successful delivery of infrastructure projects, (b) provide an example of these factors as manifested on an important Ecuadorian flood control and irrigation infrastructure project and (c) identify key learnings for future projects in similar contexts. Many of the key failure factors identified in the literature were evident on the example project, validating the literature findings and indicating that the learnings may be relevant to the context of developing countries more widely. These factors included insufficient planning, unrealistic estimates, poor stakeholder communication, bureaucracy, insufficient ground investigation and an inadequate project delivery system. Addressing these issues is an important step towards improving infrastructure delivery in developing countries.