Monitoring and evaluation as an infrastructure enhancement strategy in Vhembe District Municipality of South Africa

Abstract

This study investigated Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) as an infrastructure enhancement strategy at Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), South Africa. This District consists of four local municipalities which are Collins Chabane, Makhado, Musina and Thulamela. The introduction of Monitoring and Evaluation system is essential in promoting the functionality, transparency and accountability of municipalities and other government departments. That can eventually lead to better quality infrastructure delivery if effectively implemented. Theory of Change and logical framework model have been used as central theories since they both speak to best practices for efficiency in government. A mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approach was used in this study. The selection of participants was done by means of purposive sampling method. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. Thematic analysis and International Business Machinery-Statistical Product and Service Solutions (IBM-SPSS) were done for analysation. Secondary data was obtained from government publications, research publication, books, journals legislation, print media conference papers and internet. The findings revealed that there is an evident existence of poor monitoring and evaluation of infrastructure development projects due to: lack of capacity for implementation; no specific budget for funding the activities and resources; non- existence of policy to provide specific guidelines; lack of enough staff for implementation; poor political and management willingness; and lack of support from the province. It is found that the above challenges need to be attended to for effective implementation of the system by the municipalities. Based on that, for effective monitoring and evaluation in the municipality, it is recommended that: municipality should provide training for staff as a form of capacity building; have specific budget for funding activities and resources; have own specific policy to provide guidelines; there should be active participation of beneficiary community in the whole process; use data gathered through the process for improvement of future projects by municipalities; have political and management willingness for implementation and use of data gathered for decision making; follow logical framework (i.e. from inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts of projects); dissemination of findings to all main stakeholders including general public to improve transparency and accountability; province should provide support to the municipalities; and the establishment of District and Local municipalities’ forums.