Cairo sewerage II West Bank (USAID no. 263-0173) : Cairo wastewater program -- 1991 interim evaluation summary report

The interim evaluation, which covers the period 9/84-9/91, was delayed nearly a year due to the Gulf War. The project is moving ahead in an appropriate manner. Design and construction was found to be of high quality, and while delays have been encountered, implementation has been good overall, especially given the magnitude and complexity of the program. While significant problems and constraints were identified, these issues were in large measure already being addressed by the responsible agencies. As of 9/91, construction of West Bank facilities was approximately 70% complete, and construction of all major facilities except the Western Desert Sludge Disposal Facility should be completed by the 9/94 PACD. The Zenein Treatment Plant was completed in 1990 and is now operating at its full capacity of 330,000 cubic meters daily (cmd), with excess flows (estimated at 400,000 cmd) being bypassed after receiving only preliminary treatment. The Zenein plant and completed screw pump stations are currently under maintenance contracts with U.S. firms. Construction of major collectors for the West Bank system, as well as of many minor collectors and relief sewers, has also been completed. Due to the unavailability of treatment and effluent disposal facilities on the East Bank, the East Bank relief system has not been put into operation and raw sewage is being diverted to the Zenein Treatment Plant, at an estimated rate of 292,000 cmd. This situation is expected to continue until early 1993. Although the completion of the new Abu Rawash facility will greatly increase sewage treatment capacity, the expansion of the collection systems and urbanization and population growth in the areas it will serve will necessitate full utilization of capacity by 1995, within 2 years of the date of full operation. This issue, and others, are addressed in recommendations.