Evaluation study : Barangay water project. Volume II

Evaluation, which consists of part two of a special evaluation (for part one, PD-AAI-290-A1), analyzes the project"s approach, systems, and procedures. Areas to be improved are as follows: (1) More community participation is needed regarding type of recipient organization, level of service, and construction inspection. Training linkages with experienced agencies should be established, as well as mechanisms for loan repayment to the national government and for collecting amortization payments from Barangay Water System Cooperatives (BWSC) to provincial governments. (2) Water information collection should be reduced and local government units required to develop integrated water implementation plans. (3) On-the-job training should be given; a trainers" training course and a plan for Project Management Staff (PMS) staff development prepared; vacant PMS positions filled; and a trainers" manual including a more experiential and open approach and an evaluation scheme developed. (4) BWSC"s accounting plan should be simplified and budgeting, operations, and information systems manuals designed for BWSC use. (5) The bond for construction contractors should be lowered and construction more closely supervised. Standardizing design criteria for all service levels is advised. (6) Prompt submission by provincial governments of project status reports and establishment of a management information system are recommended. (7) PMS should supervise all technical assistance. Architecture and Engineering (A&E) assistance -- whose functions should perhaps be combined with USAID"s engineering staff -- needs improvement as to site surveys, detailed estimates, and consultant selection. (8) Creating a provincial planning committee representive of a wide spectrum of agencies should be considered. The authority to approve BWSC organization should be delegated to Ministry of Local Government and Community Development"s regional director. (9) A provincial financial program is needed to determine the maximum level of fund infusion.