The sale of government residential houses and its effects on public servants: A case of TBA - Shinyanga Region

Abstract

This paper aimed to assess the process of selling the government residential houses implemented by the government to its employees  on loan basis and its effects to public servants. The study was carried out at Tanzania Building Agency in Shinyanga Region. The study  attempted to address; the main factors/ reasons that lead to the selling decision, social, and economical effects faced by public servants  and recommend alternatives to curb accommodation problems to government employees. Data were collected from a total of 68 respondents through questionnaires, unstructured interviews, observation and documentary review. It was revealed that the selling  process did neither provide an equal opportunity for Tanzanians (the buyers) nor did it reflect the products’ market value. As a result, the  government employees are being faced by economical and social accommodation difficulties. It is recommended that the government  could use alternative strategies to avoid the higher maintenance costs, employees’ motivation and incentives. The government could  introduce house maintenance/repair allowances to public servants, make closer supervision, improve employees’ remuneration, non  financial incentives and provide loans accommodation to her employees.