Effect of Project Environment on Success of Peat Power Plant Projects in Rwanda

Eric Hakizimana & Ronald Kwena
University of Kigali
Email: hakizieric@gmail.com

Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of the project environment on the success of peat power plant projects in Rwanda, with a particular focus on the role of project governance policies. The study employed a descriptive research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The target population consisted of 267 professionals directly involved in the projects, including project managers, agronomists, engineers, environmentalists, and government officials. A total of 245 questionnaires were distributed, and 22 key informants were interviewed. Of the 245 distributed questionnaires, 186 were returned. Inferential analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 21. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between project governance policies and project success, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.765, indicating a strong positive relationship. Regression analysis further supported this, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.717, demonstrating that project governance policies are a major predictor of project success. This result underscores the significant impact of governance policies on the likelihood of successful project outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing the enforcement of governance policies, providing ongoing training for project staff, and aligning governance policies with Rwanda’s political and socio-economic context. These measures are expected to strengthen the effectiveness of governance policies and contribute to more successful project implementation.