Construction Monitoring & Evaluation Program: Monthly Progress Report # 33 (December 2015)

The road spans approximately 46 kilometers and is a critical transportation artery for trade and commerce between the two countries. The road's construction is being undertaken by the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) in collaboration with the National Engineering Services of Pakistan (NESPAK) under the supervision of the Construction Monitoring and Evaluation Program. The project's scope of work includes the construction of flexible and rigid pavements, bridges, and culverts, as well as the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. The project is being implemented in several phases, with each phase comprising a specific section of the road. The project's physical progress is being monitored and evaluated by the Construction Monitoring and Evaluation Program, which is responsible for ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. As of December 2015, the project has achieved significant physical progress, with 45.5 kilometers of the road substantially completed and open for traffic. The total physical progress is 96%, with accruals of US$ 80,767,125 out of US$ 84,364,699. The project's financial progress is also satisfactory, with the total amount certified by the end of the month being US$ 69,466,707. The project's progress is being monitored on a monthly basis, with the Construction Monitoring and Evaluation Program conducting regular field inspections, monitoring construction activities, and evaluating the project's environmental and security compliance. The program also conducts laboratory tests to ensure that the materials used in the project meet the required specifications. The project's implementation is being overseen by the FWO, with the new commanding officer, Lt Col Kaiser Khan, taking over the charge in December 2015. The CO has assured the Construction Monitoring and Evaluation Program that he will take drastic actions to improve the quality of work and address some of the concerns of USAID and AGES. However, some issues still need to be addressed, including the constitution of remaining PILs, the quality of stone masonry, and the materials used in the rigid pavement. The project's environmental compliance is also being monitored, with the Construction Monitoring and Evaluation Program conducting regular environmental monitoring reports. The project's security situation is also being closely monitored, with the Construction Monitoring and Evaluation Program conducting regular security reports. The project's implementation is being funded by the USAID, with a total obligation of US$ 87,000,000. The project's completion is expected to have a significant impact on the region's economy, with improved transportation infrastructure facilitating trade and commerce between Pakistan and Afghanistan.