‘Public engagements in project execution still a challenge’
PUBLIC engagements in the execution of various government funded education projects still remain a challenge in bringing about intended results.
This has been identified in the mid-term findings of the Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM) project being implemented through the financing from the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS).
The project which is coordinated by Tanzania Education Network (TEN-MET) through the engagement of various non-government organisation in ten regions discovered that majority of the people in those areas lacked enough knowledge on the implemented projects.
Such regions include Dodoma (Chamwino), Morogoro (Morogoro District Council), Coast Region (Kibiti), Tanga (Pangani) and Mtwara (Tandahimba).
Among others are Lindi (Nachingwea), Rukwa (Kalambo), Katavi (Mpanda), Njombe (Wanging’ombe) and Iranga (Kilolo).
The Programme Coordinator of Green Leaf Organisation, Mr Anold Lumbi from Katavi revealed that lack of public knowledge was to a large extent hindering the project’s smooth implementation.
“This is making it difficult for people to inquire about the project’s development while ensuring quality and value for money,” said Mr Lumbi.
On the other hand, the Project Coordinator at Tambani Rural Community Development, Mr Shaibu Lipwata indicated the objective of carrying out the project was to improve learning and teaching environment for the children.
In the course of implementing the project, he noted that they coordinated the process of establishing social accountability monitoring committees at the wards level in Kibiti District.
According to him, the committees will foresee the implementation of the various public funded projects within the education sector.
Elaborating on the SAM project, TEN-MET Head of Programmes, Ms Martha Makala pointed out that the project was rolled out on September last year and will be implemented in one year.
She outlined some of the achievements including formation of SAM committees, gaining public ownership of the projects and support.
By so doing, she said, it will contribute to accountability, quality and timely execution of the projects.
“We have heard that the project has led to raising awareness of what was happening and members of the public taking part through the contribution of resource and manpower,” she said.
Ms Makala indicated that the move will in turn help in creating conducive learning environment.
