Cairo sewer I O&M training

Evaluation covers the period through 11/88. Major findings are as follows. (1) Operations and maintenance (O&M) training contributed to improved performance of pump stations and sewer cleaning which, along with several other factors, contributed to a 66% reduction in sewerage flooding. (2) Though inadequate numbers of staff (6-7%) were trained, the training was effective because it accounted for the educational backgrounds of attendees and was presented in Arabic by esteemed Egyptian staff. (3) A key element in improved station performance was the recognition by the Cairo General Organization for Sanitary Drainage"s (GOSD) O&M staff that their work was regularly observed and evaluated via performance monitoring checklists. (4) In the 18-month hiatus between the conclusion of the activity and implementation of Work Order 4A (which facilitated training activities under the follow-on project), performance monitoring and good O&M practices lapsed in all but one case due to lack of institutional support. (5) Institutionalization of O&M training is hampered by GOSD"s lack of management and budgetary autonomy, by uncertain supply of foreign exchange for purchase of spare parts, by GOSD"s inadequate but underspent O&M budget, by excess numbers of poorly paid workers, and by lack of incentives for good performance. (6) If applied on a consistent basis with adequate budgetary and other institutional support, this O&M training program could serve as a model for other Government of Egypt and USAID/E activities. Several lessons were learned. (1) In order for training to be effective, trainees must be motivated to use the newly acquired knowledge, the training must be regularly reinforced, and follow-up checks must be made. (2) A training scheme can be successful only if it is supported by management and fully integrated into the management systems of the organization. (Author abstract)