CHALLENGES OF MANAGING CLIMATE-RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT IN KP

Abstract

Climate change poses significant risks to infrastructure systems, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. This study examined the challenges associated with managing climate-resilient infrastructure projects in the province by focusing on key factors, including climate risk integration, institutional capacity, financial constraints, technical capacity, and governance effectiveness. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 250 professionals involved in infrastructure development using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including regression analysis.

The findings revealed that financial constraints were the most critical barrier, exerting a significant negative impact on project management effectiveness. In contrast, governance effectiveness, climate risk integration, institutional capacity, and technical capacity demonstrated significant positive relationships with the successful management of climate-resilient infrastructure projects. The results further indicated that inadequate incorporation of climate risk assessments and weak institutional coordination significantly undermine infrastructure resilience in KP. The study concludes that achieving climate-resilient infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach that integrates financial investment, institutional strengthening, technical capacity building, and effective governance mechanisms. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and development stakeholders to enhance the planning and implementation of resilient infrastructure in climate-vulnerable regions.