Communication Management Strategies and Performance of Water Supply Projects

Abstract

Effective communication is critical for project success, but challenges such as unclear goals, inadequate audience identification, poorly designed communication channels, and insufficient documentation have hindered project outcomes. Drawing from global and regional perspectives, this study emphasizes the role of communication in enhancing transparency, stakeholder alignment, and project sustainability. This study examines the influence of communication strategies of goals, audience identification, channels and documentation on performance of water supply projects in Musanze District, Rwanda. This study uses the theories of Communication and Diffusion of Innovations Theory. The study employs a descriptive survey and correlational research design with a target population of 416 respondents, resulting in a sample size of 204 respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation review. A pilot study was conducted with 20 respondents and the instruments' validity was confirmed with a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.76, while reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.79. Findings for four hypotheses reveal that; Communication Goals (P=0.000 < 0.05); Audience Identification (P=0.000 < 0.05); communication channels (P=0.000 < 0.05) and; Communication Documentation (P=0.000 < 0.05) does not significantly influence project performance were rejected, this confirm that Communication Documentation has a significant positive influence on project performance. Means that communication goals, audience identification, communication channels, and documentation all significantly contribute to the success of water supply projects. The study identifies key areas for improvement, including clearer communication goals, more inclusive stakeholder engagement, better accessibility of communication channels, and more systematic documentation practices. Based on these findings, recommendations are made for better budget planning, stakeholder engagement, and enhanced communication practices to improve the sustainability and success of future water supply projects in Musanze District and similar contexts. Further research should explore sustainable maintenance models, the impact of capacity-building programs, and the role of communication in budget management to improve stakeholder collaboration and long-term project viability