This thesis is critically studying the participatory process within an infrastructure upgrading program in Tanzania. Development industry has in recent years brought notions of ‘community participation’ and ‘empowerment of the poor’ into its vocabulary. By a conducted case study done in Tambuka Reli in Dar es Salaam, the thesis found that overall; ‘community’ has participated at a low level. In general, the knowledge of the program is low and participation is hindered because of this lack of knowledge and information. The thesis further argues and discuss that the low level of community participation may contribute negatively towards the long-term sustainability of the program, since there are issues in operation and maintenance of the provided infrastructure that does not function properly. This thesis brings together the findings with general theories on communicative planning, power relations and importance of ownership within the field of development studies. Thus, good intentions does not necessarily produce good results – and in the strive towards making better-fitted programs, it is important to critically analyze these kinds of program – to raise knowledge on both the good, as well as more problematic aspects that is connected to participatory approaches.

Key concepts: community, community participation, maintenance, sustainability