Construction industry development in Tanzania

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the most important sectors of the Tanzanian economy, with great potential of providing the country with infrastructure and housing needs and alleviating poverty through creation of employment. The construction industry in Tanzania, like in many other countries, contributes significantly to national growth through gross domestic product (GDP), gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), creation of employment and industrial productivity. The construction process in Tanzania was inherited from the British system of construction, which involves a number of phases that are distinct or may overlap, depending on the nature of the construction and the procurement methods. In Tanzania, key performance indicators (KPIs) commonly used are the “iron triangle”, that is, cost, quality and time. Consequently, health and safety aspects are a topical issue in the construction industry, and therefore freedom from accidents and stakeholder involvement are part of the performance indicators.