Annual report for 1975 procurement services for the Rahad irrigation project presented to the National Planning Commission, Democratic Republic of Sudan, Khartoum, Sudan

Project consists of AID financed procurement of equipment to support the development of about 300,000 acres of irrigated land on the East Bank of the Rahad River. Consultant assisted the Democratic Republic of Sudan (DRS) with initial devel, procurement, & start-up services. Evaluation written by contractor. Extensive amounts of equipment were ordered, most of which has been received by DRS. The equipment is being used by DRS"s Mechanical Irrigation Dept to construct major and minor irrigation canals, and to support supply & technical service vehicles, agricultural maintenance vehicles, and groundnut harvesting and processing equipment. Faster delivery & lower prices were achieved by splitting the equipment & tool Central Repair Shop between two companies. Numerous damage claims were filled on items either missing or broken on equipment which was received. Arrangements were made with the Educational Center Fiat-Allis Corp, an excellent facility for both classroom work & technical trng, to enable both mechanical engineers and master mechanics to train in 7 areas of heavy equipment mechanics/maintenance. The 2 proposed training courses will provide both training activities and safety procedures for 5 irrigation and 3 mechanical Rahad students. Other training Centers either have been or will be utilized. Arrangements are being made with Cummins Engine Training Center for Assistance. WABCO Corp, the manufacturer of some of the supplies purchased by DRS, is presently training 9 students at their Peoria, Ill hdqtrs and will train 5 more irrigation students in heavy equipment use. Five men have attended the Ford training Program. Contractors recommend that procedures be established to expedite approval for extensions, amendments, and establishment of Letters of Credit; and that Rahad Corporation and other American Corporatns provide facilities, structures, electrical power, and housing and food per diem at the peanut shelling equipment site.