Development of performance improvement framework for construction projects in Tanzania: a case study of local government authorities

Attempts to reverse poor performance of construction projects in developing countries including Tanzania have not yet found solutions especially at local government level to which an increasing amount of resources is being directed. This study attempted to identify factors causing poor performance of construction projects in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania, and proposed measures of improving the projects performance based on the findings of the study. The study was limited to construction projects in LGAs in Tanzania mainland implemented in the last five years. Three principal methods of data collection namely; questionnaire, interviews, and documentation reviews were used in the data collection. One hundred and five individual stakeholders of LGAs were involved. The study established that there were 34 factors that contribute to poor performance of construction projects in LGAs. These were grouped as those responsible for projects time overrun, projects cost overrun and projects not achieving scope/quality targets. These factors were caused by poor capacities of LGAs and in terms of human resources and facilities; poor capacities of contractors, inadequate funds for carrying out project planning processes and supervision; political interference; bureaucratic nature of LGAs clients; poor linkage between LGAs technical staff and technical ministries; and the government policies on development programmers. As a result, various measures to improve the ref Torrance of construction projects in LGAs have been suggested. The priority recommended measures include: improve capacities of LGAs in terms of human resources, facilities and funding of construction projects; improve capacities of local contractors and prepare attractive contracts. The performance improvement framework has been developed based on findings.