Public information dissemination and its impact on force account implementation in Kalambo district council, Tanzania

Abstract

The study assessed the dissemination of public information and its impact on the implementation of force accounts in Kalambo District Council in Tanzania. A cross-sectional design was employed in collecting data at one point in time with a mixed approach which was used in an attempt to gain detailed information. A total of 145 participants which included ward development committees, construction committees and community members were involved whereby 46 key informants were selected purposely based on their positions while a simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 99 respondents from the community. The survey, interview, focus group discussion and documentary review method were used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis whereas qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study findings revealed that information is not easily accessible to the public and a few shared information are not clear due to confidentiality and technical language. The findings also indicate that the public is unaware of the progress force account due to ineffective dissemination of information which leads to untimely completion of works and misuse of resources. The study concludes that there is inadequate information in the implementation of force account projects, thus resulting in poor support, acceleration of low value for money and lack of accountability due to poor public scrutiny. The study recommends that government institutions should emphasise the use of authorised social and religious gathering in an attempt to raise awareness. Moreover, the selected committee must engage the public in decision-making in order to improve transparency in the implementation of projects.