Examining the Consequences of Inadequate Performance on Quality Control in TARURA Roads Construction Projects

Abstract

The Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2025 has recognized and multifaceted a profound and an integrated infrastructure network as a main driver for the economic development, with roads occupying over 75% of goods and 90% of passengers. The Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) is among the government institutions pivotal in realizing this vision by constructing and maintaining roads to enhance a circulatory system and economic growth. An Efficient road networks has been identified to lessen the transportation costs and time, and thus enhancing the cheaper and more competitive products, both domestically and internationally. However, the achievement of the construction projects is essentially dependent on effective Quality Control (QC), an area where a substantial deficiency has been acknowledged. This study examines the consequences of inadequate QC performance in TARURA road construction projects.

A quantitative research approach was employed, employing a structured questionnaire disseminated to 159 experienced professionals in Mwanza region. Data were analysed using the descriptive and inferential statistics techniques, comprising the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank critical factors. The findings identified eight critical factors leading to inadequate QC, with inadequate planning and QC initiatives (RII=0.773), insufficient financial and human resources (RII=0.751), and the limited capacity of local contractors (RII=0.742) being the most significant. Further, the study develops a logical model representing that inadequate QC triggers a cascading effect: primary technical consequences (including poor materials, incorrect techniques) leading to secondary consequences (including cost overruns, safety hazards, legal disputes).

The two has culminated in tertiary strategic consequences, comprising project failure, eroded public trust, and a long-term drain on national resources. The study findings conclude that imposing rigorous QC is not only a technical necessity but a fundamental prerequisite for TARURA's fiscal obligation, public safety, and the achievement of its national.