An evaluation of performance-based maintenance contracts (PBMC) in Uganda’s road maintenance sector. A case study of the Kampala Entebbe expressway operation and maintenance project

Abstract

The study aimed at analyzing the factors contributing to successful implementation of Performance Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) projects in road operation and maintenance in Uganda with a major focus on Kampala Entebbe Expressway. Specifically, to evaluate the effectiveness of project with a PBMC in delivering quality services in road Operation and maintenance and to analyze the key factors that contribute to the successful implementation of PBMC projects in Uganda. The study used the stratified random sampling from a total population of 104 Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) officials and contractors of Kampala Entebbe Expressway (KEE) and used the STATA to analyze results. On the first objective, the study findings indicated that PBMC is largely effective in delivering quality of services in road operation and maintenance projects exhibited in achievement of desired road operation and maintenance targets, cost reduction, dependability, timely fixing of road damages, quality-based cost for selecting contractors, reduction on number of traffic accidents, traffic and safety and transparency for road users. However, to a smaller extent, PBMC is ineffective in meeting customer satisfaction, user satisfaction and reliability. On the second objective, the study revealed that successful implementation of PBMC projects has been affected by contract duration/continuity, awarding to improper contractors, inability and expertise of road agencies’ staff, evaluation criteria, internal and external barriers. It is concluded that PBMC is effective in delivering quality road operations and maintenance if there is proper contract duration/continuity, awarding to proper contractors, ability and expertise of road agencies’ staff, evaluation criteria, internal and external capacity. It was recommended that there is a need to ensure that more time is apportioned to the contractor to undertake a given project as well as offering timely and continuous funding; secondly, there is a need to ensure that proper contractors are awarded contracts; thirdly, there is a need to ensure that road agencies’ staff have the capacity and expertise to evaluate road operation and maintenance projects; fourthly, there is a need to adopt appropriate evaluation criteria as it is important in successful implementation of PBMC in road operations and maintenance projects and lastly, it is important for contracting industry like MOWT to develop internal capacity to undertake road operations and maintenance projects. This can be done by ensuring that road agencies’ staff are trained to have required awareness of the potential benefits of PBMC, induce their level commitment to the implementation of PBMC, political will be improved in implementation of PBMC, undertake required control/audit, mobilize required financing and develop robust legal and x regulatory framework for PBMC. In addition, adequate capacity in the contracting and consulting industries be developed.