Delays and Cost Overruns in Infrastructure Projects in Cotabato City, BARMM: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies

Delays and cost overruns remain persistent challenges in infrastructure development, especially in fast-growing urban areas like Cotabato City, BARMM. This study investigates the root causes of these issues across both government and private construction projects through a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were obtained from structured surveys, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews with key industry professionals. Analysis using the Relative Importance Index (RII) identified the leading delay factors as material procurement delays (RII = 0.884), poor site supervision (RII = 0.837), and unskilled or insufficient labor (RII = 0.814). For cost overruns, the primary contributors included increase in material costs (RII = 0.902), inflation/economic fluctuations (RII = 0.873), and underestimation of project costs (RII = 0.842). Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r = 0.818) indicated a strong positive relationship between delay and cost overrun factors, confirming their interconnected nature. Thematic analysis supported these findings, revealing recurring issues such as weak project oversight, communication gaps, and limited institutional capacity. Respondents underscored the need for clear contractual terms, early risk identification, and stronger stakeholder coordination. The study recommends the implementation of construction-specific policies to streamline procurement, permitting, and accountability mechanisms—grounded in real project experiences and supported by capacity-building initiatives. These findings contribute to informed policy-making and institutional reform aimed at improving infrastructure delivery and reducing inefficiencies in BARMM.