Stakeholder perspectives on site clearance delays in Vietnam's ODA-funded infrastructure projects for salinity intrusion mitigation

Purpose While prior research has examined various causes of construction delays, limited attention has been paid to site clearance delays (SCDs). In Official Development Assistance (ODA)-funded infrastructure projects aimed at salinity intrusion mitigation, SCDs have a significant negative impact on the effectiveness of project implementation. This study aims to identify the causes of these delays and evaluate the level of consensus among project stakeholders in recognizing them. Design/methodology/approach The research employed a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations to identify 22 key factors contributing to SCDs. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, yielding 140 valid responses. Analytical methods included descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, mean ranking, ANOVA, and Spearman's rank correlation. Findings The analysis identified five top-ranking SCD factors in ODA-funded infrastructure projects: financial constraints during the clearance process, unsatisfactory compensation levels, inadequacies in support policies, delays in the approval of clearance plans, and limited availability of resettlement land. Additionally, the results revealed a low level of consensus and notable differences in how project stakeholders evaluated the issues related to SCDs. Research limitations/implications The study provides a foundation for further research to develop effective policies for site clearance. Practical implications Despite certain limitations, the study delivers valuable, evidence-based insights that can assist policymakers, project managers, and relevant stakeholders in formulating site clearance policies and strategies. Originality/value This research makes a novel contribution by identifying project stakeholders' perceptions and consensus in recognizing key causes of SCDs in ODA-funded public infrastructure projects for salinity intrusion mitigation.