Performance-based maintenance and management of roads in Mwanza region, Tanzania.

Mtemi Msafiri Simeon

MEM. (Project Management)
University of Dar es Salaam, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering,
2012
Road transportation has high priority in Tanzania’s national strategy for economic growth
(Mkukuta). Performance-based Road Maintenance and Management (PMMR) study sought to
provide information related to roles, hindrances of PMMR maintenance and suggest the way to
improve it. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study
was expected to inform practitioners and stakeholders on correct actions required in order to
improve the road maintenance delivery. It was concluded that maintenance cost was reduced as
one of predominant role of PMMR. Unrealistic data for the roads and vandalism are the keys
element hinders the PMMR. Avoiding embezzlement among road maintenance personnel and
other stake holders will assist to achieve the desired maintenance standards. The motivation to
the Contractors by setting out the achievable and flexible performance criteria will improve and
enhancing PMMR. In another vein, the study recommends that the Road Agency (TANROADS)
should improve the road data collection, storing and update them timely before tendering so as to
institute maintenance and management aspects of the same for ensuring realistic offer from
Contractors (bidders) in pertinent undertakings. Furthermore, local community members should
be encouraged to feel ownership of road infrastructure as stakeholders hence vandalism can be
eliminated. Since the study was confined to two geographical locations, East and West zones in
Mwanza Region, a similar study should be conducted in other regions of Tanzania in order to
broadly examine piloted performance-based maintenance and management of roads in Tanzania.