Assessing the factors affecting maintenance of markets under Matip I: a case of Mbale central market

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.