The construction industries of developing countries:udthe applicability of existing theories and strategiesudfor their improvement and lessons for the future;udthe case of Ghana

摘要

The evolution of ideas on socio-economic development is firstudconsidered to show that they were theoretical in the beginning, andudtended to be generalised and accorded global applicability, but wereudrevised as experiences in the developing countries increased knowledgeudof the development process.udThe nature of the construction industry and its role in developmentudare next discussed, and the features of the task of improving itudidentified. It is observed that the industry faces problems in everyudcountry.udIn reviewing existing studies of the construction industries ofuddeveloping countries, the similarity between their diagnoses of theudproblems and prescriptions for improvement are noted. Generally, theyudsuggest that construction can constrain development and therefore itudshould be improved and expanded to avoid this.udMain themes of current proposals for improving construction inuddeveloping countries are crystallised and compared with Ghana'sudexperience in developing its industry between 1951 and 1979. Afterudshowing that Ghana has attempted to implement most of the currentudproposals without significant success, it is observed that certainudsocio-cultural, historical and political factors underlying the industry'sudproblems and hindering their solution are often overlooked, and that theudissue of improving construction is complex and variable. Furthermore,uddespite generally depressing conditions, and contrary to usual calls forudnew procedures and systems and additional resources, much can be gainedudby utilising existing institutions, arrangements and resources moreudeffectively. The need for practical approaches is emphasised. Audprogramme for improving Ghana's construction industry is formulated.udSuggestions for modification of current ideas on the constructionudindustries of developing countries are made, especially the need forudstrategies to be country-specific and dynamic, the importance of a timeudperspective, and the usefulness of according orders of priority toudparticular measures, and concentrating on those easiest to implement,udor with greatest linkage effects.ud