CRS housing repairs

Final PES covers the period 8/78-4/80 and is based on site visits and data from beneficiaries. Cash grants averaging $800 or 19% of repair costs enabled 1,062 homeowners, identified with the help of village committees, to repair their homes. The figure was proportionately higher than the target of 1,107 due to a $150,000 budget reduction. However, the $800 was lower than the projected $975 as nearly 200 owners received minimum $600 grants for repainting and minor repairs. A decision to disburse most monies in two rather than three installments accelerated grant activity. A population increase of 37% in the 17 project villages (13 were targeted) only partially renewed socioeconomic stability, and the assumption that refugee resettlement -- which became more unrealistic as time went on -- would increase economic activity proved false. Continued civil and religious strife proved major obstacles to project implementation, forcing a 6-month project extension and, finally, cancellation of the program in Tarchiche, scheduled to be a major repair site. Also, a parallel Government of Lebanon loan program discouraged participation in the project. Grants were generally awarded on the basis of severity of home damage, with no special provisions made for the indigent. Thus, a very poor family with a badly damaged home was unlikely to recoup their losses even with a maximum grant of $1,300. The project taught the need for close project monitoring, particularly at key sites, and for a flexible strategy allowing for contingency site selection and organized involvement of counterpart agencies. It is recommended that community development and income-generating projects be undertaken to aid the increased village populations and to encourage returned refugees to remain. Urban rehabilitation and reconstruction should also be a priority.