Safety and Health

Challenges of Construction Industries in Developing Countries: Lessons from Various Countries
G OFORI Department of Building, National University of Singapore 4 Architecture Drive, SINGAPORE 117566 [e-mail]

Abstract
The construction industry everywhere faces problems and challenges. However, in the developing countries, these difficulties and challenges are present alongside a general situation of socio-economic stress, chronic resource shortages, institutional weaknesses and a general inability to deal with the key issues. There is also evidence that the problems have become greater in extent and severity in recent years. This paper considers some of the challenges facing the construction industries in developing countries. The main issues addressed are: construction industry development; globalisation; culture; and the environment. In each case, the issue is analysed from the perspective of the developing countries, and the main implications and present challenges highlighted. Lessons are then drawn mainly from the recent experience of other countries al all levels of development, especially Singapore, to highlight possible ways by which progress can be made in the developing countries. A research agenda is presented and the important role of researchers in the drive to improve the performance of the construction industries of the developing countries in the light of their resource constraints and administrative weaknesses, is outlined. Keywords: construction industry development; globalisation; culture; the environment; research agenda

INTRODUCTION
Many topical issues which have implications for the construction industry have, so far, only been discussed to a significant extent in the context of the industrialised countries. It is often considered that these matters do not (or not yet) concern the developing countries. This paper addresses some of these issues and analyses them from the perspective of the developing countries. It starts with

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