An assessment on access to works by local building contractors in Tanzania.

The main objective of this study was to assess the accessibility to work for local building contractors in Tanzania. The aim of the study was to find out the extent to which local building contractors participate in the construction ventures, to find out the factors which limit accessibility for local building contractors in Tanzania and to find out challenges that the local building contractors face in the construction industry. This study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs. This study was carried out in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Mwanza. The sample size of 50 respondents was adopted for this study. It was made up of local and foreign building contractors, consultants, officials from Contractors Registration Board (CRB) as well as ordinary citizens. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, observation and document review. Collected data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study reveal that the accessibility to works for local building contractors in the market is highly challenging. Though there are weaknesses on the side of the local building contractors particularly related to their capacities, the government has been blamed for its reluctance from making deliberate efforts to support local building contractors in the country. In addition, several other factors were also revealed such financing and corruption which hinder local building contractors from accessing works. Therefore, it was concluded that the participation of local building contractors in construction ventures is very low despite the fact that there is a big number of local contractors registered by the Contractors Registration Board (CRB). Most of them acquire works with low values, making poor participation in the market share compared to their foreign counterparts. The study has recommended to the stakeholders and local building conductors to create better environment which will ensure positive improved participation of local building contractors in the market.