Avoiding Delays: Timely Procurement of Building Materials in Kampala

The Impact of Material Shortages

Project delays in Kampala construction are frequently caused by the untimely procurement of materials, leading to idle labor and increased overall project costs. Effective logistics management is key to maintaining the construction schedule.

Procurement Strategies to Maintain Flow

• **Phase-Based Ordering:** Order materials based on the construction phases (foundation, superstructure, finishing) and order *just* ahead of the need. Overstocking invites theft; understocking causes delays.
• **Bulk Item Strategy:** Items with long lead times (e.g., specialized steel, large window/door frames, imported tiles) must be ordered in full at the very beginning of the project to ensure they are available when the structure is ready.
• **Quality Verification on Delivery:** Do not accept material deliveries blindly. Assign a site supervisor or clerk to verify the quantity and quality of cement, aggregates, and steel *immediately* upon arrival, preventing substandard materials from being incorporated into the structure.
• **Leverage Kampala’s Central Market:** While markets offer variety, establish a core relationship with one or two main suppliers for consistent pricing and reliable delivery to your site.

A well-managed procurement process ensures that materials are on-site when needed, keeping labor productive and the project on track.