Risk Mitigation in Managing a Mega Project - a Case Study of Gomal Zam Dam Construction

Abstract

Global contractors operate in an environment that has a variety of alternatives and uncertain circumstances that requires constant circumvention and adjustment. It is not uncommon that a contractor conducting an international project does not comprehensively evaluate the local environments and identify and assess potential risk factors thoroughly and respond and forewarn its teams promptly. Gomal Zam Dam Multi-Purpose project includes the highest roller compacted concrete gravity dam in Pakistan and a hydropower generation station. The construction started in 2007 and inaugurated in 2013. During the construction, the construction management level of the contractor faced many challenges and risks not previously identified. These risks impacted the construction in various aspects including schedule, cost, and finance control. This paper provides the background information of the project, the specifics of the project and challenges encountered. It also presents the countermeasures and management techniques used under the multitude of uncertainties in this mega infrastructure project, the management lessons learned during the six years construction. In view of the growing global construction and construction management projects worldwide, the practices in this infrastructure project will provide referential experience to international companies and construction managers pursuing projects in Pakistan.