Roles of Procurement Committees in Promoting Construction of Quality Infrastructure in Public Primary Schools in Moshi Municipal Council, Tanzania

Abstract

The study investigated the Roles of Procurement Committees in Promoting Construction of Quality Infrastructure in Public Primary Schools in Moshi Municipal Council, Tanzania. The study anchored on Resource Dependence Theory, whereas convergent design under a mixed methods research approach was employed. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques (simple random, stratified random and purposive sampling) were used to sample 113 participants from 6 public primary schools and Municipal heads of departments. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data. Validity of the instruments was established through three experts from the Department of educational planning and Administration at Mwenge Catholic University, whereas reliability of the instruments was established through the Cronbach's Alpha technique (reliability coefficient = 0.8). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Hypothesis was tested at a significant level of 0.05. Qualitative data from the interview guides were analysed thematically by transcribing the information, coding and generating themes according to the research questions that were presented in verbatim quotations. The study revealed that public primary schools' procurement committee members and experts worked hard to ensure construction and renovation materials and services were acquired in accordance with Force Account Method and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority regulations. The study also found out that primary schools' committee members were not certain about their procurement roles in planning and purchasing because they were not involved by the head teachers in the procurement process. This tendency compromised the quality of infrastructure being constructed and renovated in public primary schools in Moshi Municipality. The study concluded that the procurement committee had a significant role in constructing public primary school buildings in Moshi Municipality. The study recommended that the Ministry of PO RALG should create awareness among head teachers on the roles of procurement committee members and experts.