ES3R Quarterly Report – September 2015

The project's primary objective is to provide infrastructure investment in the rehabilitation of rural farm-to-market roads to support the Feed the Future (FTF) initiative. This initiative aims to address the root causes of global hunger by sustainably increasing agricultural productivity. The ES3R project has three main objectives. Objective 1 involves providing construction oversight for the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba counties. Objective 2 focuses on producing engineering designs and construction documents for the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in Bong, Lofa, Nimba, and Grand Bassa counties. Objective 3 involves training and pre-qualifying local architect-engineer firms capable of providing oversight for road rehabilitation activities. During the fourth quarter of Year 2, the project team made significant progress in achieving its objectives. The team submitted weekly updates to USAID Liberia, conducted site inspections and progress meetings in the counties, and inaugurated Bong County road links in Phase I. The team also approved Contract Modification 4, which included a change in the original scope of work and the addition of 75 kilometers of construction oversight. The project team also made progress in capacity development, completing a workshop for the principals of the five pre-qualified firms and the on-the-job training for five junior engineers. The team also commenced road, bridge, and culvert design in Voinjama, Banga, and Ganta, and started a workshop on business development for the five A&E firms' principals and managers. In addition, the project team conducted meetings with USAID COR, MPW Deputy Minister, and other stakeholders to discuss project progress and challenges. The team also received a courtesy visit from the new USAID Mission Director to Liberia, Dr. Anthony Chan. The ES3R project has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, and the team continues to work towards completing the remaining project activities. The project's success will contribute to the improvement of rural infrastructure in Liberia, supporting the FTF initiative and promoting sustainable agricultural productivity. The project's geographic focus is on rural areas in Liberia, with a specific emphasis on Bong, Lofa, Nimba, and Grand Bassa counties. The project's timeframes are from 2013 to 2018, with the current reporting period covering the fourth quarter of Year 2. The ES3R project has implemented several key interventions to achieve its objectives. These include construction oversight, engineering design and construction documents, and capacity development of local architect-engineer firms. The project has also established partnerships with key stakeholders, including USAID, MPW, and local A&E firms. The project's implementation details are outlined in the project's work plan, which includes the execution of remaining project activities for the three components through completion of the project. The project's financial report is also included in the quarterly report, providing an update on the project's financial status. The ES3R project has faced several challenges, including the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) crisis in Liberia, which impacted project activities. However, the project team has worked to mitigate these challenges and continue making progress towards achieving the project's objectives. The project's performance management plan includes the use of performance indicator results sheets (PIRS) to track progress and identify areas for improvement. The project team has also established a system for monitoring and evaluating project progress, which includes regular site inspections and progress meetings.