Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Project Success in Anambra State Ministry of Works

Monitoring and evaluation systems are fundamental tools for tracking project implementation, ensuring accountability, and enhancing the likelihood of successful project completion in public sector organisations. This study examines the relationship between monitoring and evaluation systems and project success in the Anambra State Ministry of Works, with focus on road construction and rehabilitation projects executed within the past five years. The study is anchored on the Results-Based Management Theory, which holds that systematic measurement of inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts is essential for learning, accountability, and adaptive management in public project delivery. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised Ministry of Works engineers, project supervisors, contractor representatives, and community liaison officers, from which 240 respondents were selected through stratified random and purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires supplemented by documentary review of project progress reports. Responses were analysed using regression analysis and descriptive statistics. Findings indicate that projects with structured monitoring schedules and field inspection regimes recorded higher completion rates and quality scores. Conversely, projects with irregular monitoring suffered cost overruns, timeline extensions, and sub-standard deliveries. The study concludes that functional monitoring and evaluation systems are a significant predictor of road project success in the Ministry. It is recommended that the Ministry deploy digital project tracking software and mandate independent third-party evaluation at key milestones for all capital projects above a defined threshold.

Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Success, Public Works, Results-Based Management, Anambra State