Emerging Issues on the Performance of Ward Executive Officers in Tanzania

Abstract

For effective and speedy service delivery the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act, 1982 established the ward system in urban areas. Wards Executive Officers (WEO) supervise all government activities and Ward Development Programs at the ward level. Despite the efforts made by the Government of Tanzania to ensure that the communities in the wards have access to quality services, wards still experience poor service delivery. This study aimed to investigate emerging issues affecting the performance of Ward Executive Officers in delivering services in the wards. The study was conducted at Morogoro Municipal Council and employed the qualitative technique. The data collection methods were in-depth interviews and documentary reviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Data were collected from 29 wards of Morogoro Municipal Council. Findings from the study indicated that inadequate human resources, financial resources, lack of career development, lack of training, and a poor working environment mostly influenced the performance of Ward Executive officers. The study recommends strengthening the availability of resources and a conducive environment for the effective performance of Ward Executive Officers.