17th Quarterly Progress Report: October - December 2018

The center submitted a modification note to USAID requesting changes in the Cooperative Agreement, including modifications related to the number of exchanges, definition of the leveraging amount, number of students graduating during the project period, and purchase of research infrastructure equipment for laboratories. The center commissioned a market needs assessment study to Ipsos, a consulting firm, and received the report for review. The center intends to implement the recommendations of the report during year-5 of the project. As of the reporting period, the center had awarded 30 research projects, exceeding the target of 28. Additionally, the center won 15 donor-funded projects from outside the project funding, with some projects already completed and others to be completed by November 2019. The center has a total of 251 students from five batches who have continued with the program. Out of the total students enrolled, 34 have already been awarded degrees, and 38 more have completed their degree requirements and are set to receive their degrees in January 2019. Except for the fall 2018 batch, all students are expected to graduate during the project period, which ends in December 2019. The fall 2018 batch students, however, will graduate eight months after the project period, in August 2020. The center organized several events during the reporting period, including a seminar on the evolution of water institutions in the Indus River Basin, a dialogue on water SDG-6, and a focus group meeting with Korangi Association Trade and Industry (KATI). The center also conducted a workshop on social science research, a training on satellite altimetry, and an exchange and scholarship program. Furthermore, the center awarded research grants, conducted donor-funded projects, and published research papers. The center's performance management plan update indicates progress against indicators and milestones. The center has made significant strides in implementing its activities, including the awarding of research projects, winning donor-funded projects, and organizing events. The center's focus on sustainability and its commitment to achieving its targets are evident in its efforts to implement the recommendations of the market needs assessment study and to complete all projects by November 2019. The center's quarterly financial analysis for the period of October to December 2018 indicates a satisfactory financial performance. The center's revenue and expenditure are in line with the budget, and the center has made significant progress in achieving its financial targets. The center's financial performance is a testament to its effective management and its commitment to achieving its objectives. The center's activities and timelines for the 18th quarter (January to March 2019) indicate a continued focus on implementing its activities and achieving its targets. The center has planned several events and activities, including a seminar on industrial wastewater management, a workshop on sediment transport, and a diploma course on sediment transport. The center's focus on sustainability and its commitment to achieving its targets are evident in its efforts to implement the recommendations of the market needs assessment study and to complete all projects by November 2019.