PERSONNEL COMPETENCY AND PROJECT SUCCESS: INSIGHTS INTO RUWASA INITIATIVES IN THE IRINGA REGION, TANZANIA

This study examines the critical role of personnel competency in the performance of water projects implemented by the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) in the Iringa Region, Tanzania. Despite RUWASA’s progress in increasing water access to 78% in rural areas, persistent inefficiencies suggest systemic challenges beyond financial and infrastructural constraints. While existing literature emphasises material and technical barriers, this research highlights the overlooked influence of human capital on project success. Guided by Henri Fayol’s Management Theory, the study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys (n=120) with qualitative interviews to analyse competency-performance linkages. Results demonstrate significant positive correlations between personnel competency and project outcomes (r = .453, p < 0.05), with technical skills in project design showing the strongest association (r = .438). Qualitative findings reveal that competent staff mitigate implementation challenges through effective planning and local context adaptation although financial constraints remain an independent limiting factor. This study bridges critical gaps in understanding public-sector water project dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating that 1) sector-specific competencies (hydrology, sanitation standards) differ from generic construction skills, 2) bureaucratic environments require adapted management approaches, and 3) RUWASA's decentralised operations demand context-specific solutions. Recommendations emphasise continuous professional development, enhanced monitoring systems, and integrated planning that combines technical expertise with local knowledge. These findings provide evidence-based insights for improving the implementation of rural water projects in Tanzania and similar developing contexts.