• Florian Buberwa Bombo

This study examines the persistent challenges affecting the implementation of government-funded water sector projects in Tanzania over ten years, from 2014/15 to 2023/24 financial years. Drawing primarily on audit evidence from the Controller and Auditor General’s Reports on Central Government audit, the research identifies recurring implementation issues such as prolonged project delays, incomplete and non-functional infrastructure, cost overruns, and deviations from approved plans and contractual terms. These issues were categorized and analyzed using a qualitative documentary analysis approach within a practical project performance framework. The findings reveal that, despite establishing specialized agencies like RUWASA and adopting policy reforms, systemic weaknesses in planning, supervision, contractual management, and institutional coordination continue to undermine value-for-money and service delivery in the water sector. The study concludes that sustainable improvement requires a shift toward adaptive project governance, strengthened oversight mechanisms, and integrated monitoring systems. It recommends strategic actions including design validation, role clarity among institutions, real-time tracking of project progress, and enforcement of audit recommendations. These measures are critical for achieving water access targets and enhancing public trust in government infrastructure programs.

Water sector project, Project Implementation challenges, Scope Deviations, Project Management

"Delays, Deficiencies, and Deviations: A Decadal Audit of Project Implementation Challenges in Tanzania’s Water Sector", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no.b266-b276, July-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507132.pdf

"Delays, Deficiencies, and Deviations: A Decadal Audit of Project Implementation Challenges in Tanzania’s Water Sector", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no. ppb266-b276, July-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507132.pdf