The Impact of Flooding on Road Infrastructure Construction in Rwanda: A Case of Huye-Kibeho Road Construction

Flooding risks pose significant challenges to road infrastructure construction globally, causing delays, cost overruns, and reduced durability. In Rwanda, these challenges are particularly evident due to high rainfall intensity, frequent floods, and inadequate drainage systems, which exacerbate road damage and soil erosion. The Huye-Kibeho road construction project in Southern Rwanda has faced substantial delays and cost increases as a result of these flooding risks. This study examines the impact of flooding risks on road infrastructure construction, with a focus on the Huye-Kibeho road project. The research employs a descriptive survey design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. The structured questionnaires, incorporating both closed-ended and Likert scale questions, will capture quantitative data, while interviews will provide deeper insights into the flooding-related challenges faced during construction. The analysis will include descriptive statistics (e.g., means, frequencies, and percentages) to summarize the findings, and inferential statistics, specifically correlation and regression analysis, was used to assess the relationship between flooding risk factors and road infrastructure performance. The regression analysis indicates a significant relationship between flooding factors and road construction, with flooding factors explaining 62.5% of the variance in construction delays and cost overruns (R² = 0.625, F (6, 137) = 378.171, p < 0.001). Qualitative data from interviews was analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns related to the impact of flooding risks. The combination of these methods provides a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The study confirms that flooding risks have a substantial impact on road infrastructure construction, specifically on the Huye-Kibeho road project. The findings highlight significant delays and cost overruns linked to flooding factors, including high rainfall intensity, flood frequency, floodwater depth, soil erosion, drainage system inefficiencies, and the region’s topography. These challenges not only hinder the construction progress but also jeopardize the long-term durability and lifespan of the road. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Huye-Kibeho road construction project implement enhanced flood mitigation measures, including the development of a robust drainage system, flood barriers, and soil stabilization techniques, to effectively manage the flooding risks and minimize the impact on construction delays, cost overruns, and long-term road durability.