| dc.description.abstract | This study examined the factors that affect maintenance of markets under MATIP I while
considering Mbale Central Market as a case of study. The study was guided by study objectives
which included identifying the causes of the poor maintenance of Mbale Central Market, the
effect of poor facility maintenance at Mbale Central Market and strategies that can be adopted to
improve maintenance of MATIP Markets in Uganda. The study used a descriptive research design
and considered quantitative research approach. The study targeted a sample size of 361
respondents but 346 managed to respond back representing a response rate of 96%. Data from the
field was collected using a questionnaire survey. The study findings causes stemming from misuse
of the facility by the market occupants and users, inadequate funds for maintaining the market,
use of poor quality materials during construction, the market overburdened due to high user
volumes, ignorance of users and occupants, corruption and embezzlement of funds, poor planning
on market maintenance by the market management, lack of prioritization, poor maintenance
culture and harsh environmental conditions lead to poor maintenance of the market. It was
revealed that disease outbreak, workflow disruptions lead to inefficiencies operations equipment
malfunction and eventually collapsing of the facility. These issues escalate the costs for repairing
the market on top of reduced incomes of the vendors which erodes the reputation of the market
management and creates negative impression about the government. It was revealed that there was
need critical importance of proactive measures, including carrying out awareness campaigns for
market users about proper use of the market, installing visible signage reminding users of their
responsibilities in maintaining the market, establishing strict financial oversight and carry out
regular audits to prevent corruption and embezzlement of funds, hiring skilled personnel,
improving communication of guidelines on use of market facility and establishing a dedicated
team responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and repairing the market. It was also revealed that
the local government needs to allocate sufficient funds for critical maintenance needs, preparing
operation and maintenance plans, government getting into monitoring and inspecting the market
maintenance and entering into Public-Private Partnerships to raise more funds for maintaining
market. It was recommended that there is need for the central government to increase the fund
allocated to districts, putting in place strong internal controls to safe guard and detect any fraud or
embezzlement of funds, markets and districts to need to enter into public private partnerships to
raise more funds to finance the market maintenance and there is need for the markets under
MATIP to develop maintenance & repair plans and frameworks to guide maintenance and repair
of market facilities. | en_US |
