Contractors’ Management Skills and the Performance of Road Construction Projects in Kivu South – Democratic Republic of Congo

This study examines how contractors’ management skills affect the performance of road construction project in Kivu south – Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the sector's economic importance, issues such as poor governance, insufficient funding, and lack technical capacity continue to jeopardize project success. Based on Contract Management Theory, the study highlights the importance of organized contract administration, risk management, and stakeholder coordination in improving project efficiency and accountability. The study's target population is 480 respondents, with a sample size of 214 computed using Krechjie and Morgan's Table 1970.A descriptive survey design was used to target key stakeholders such as contractors, consultants, and project owners. Cronbach's Alpha (0.770) was used to confirm the reliability of data acquired via questionnaires and interviews. SPSS was used to apply both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, such as Pearson correlation and regression analysis. The study found a strong and statistically significant association between capacity building and project performance (r = 0.715, p < 0.05), as well as between contractors' technical skills and performance (r = 0.632, p < 0.05). Respondents rated contractor competencies well, particularly in planning and execution, despite ongoing issues such as insufficient resources, a scarcity of trained workers, and poor project sustainability. The study suggests that capacity building and technical skill are important predictors of successful road construction. While better skills increase efficiency, quality, and sustainability, systemic constraints continue to impede peak performance. The findings are consistent with current literature, emphasizing the necessity of professional competence in infrastructure delivery, as well as the need for context-specific interventions in conflict-prone locations such as Kivu South. To improve project outcomes and long-term infrastructure sustainability, the study suggests increasing investment in staff development, strengthening policy frameworks, and allocating resources more effectively. Keywords: Technical skills, Performance of Roads, Construction of project, Management skills, contractor performance