Final evaluation of the Bolivian savings and loan system water and sanitation project

The evaluation covers the period 1983-3/89. The project provided about $1.2 million in loans to fund 5 subprojects (SP"s) which are supplying water services to about 16,500 families in 5 of Bolivia"s 9 departments. The SP"s, in whose design and implementation 12 different public and private entities participated, range from simple water connections to more complex systems serving large populations. The project model is replicable and can be afforded by households. In addition, participating communities have demonstrated their capacity to manage water supply systems and solve technical, financial, and operational problems. Despite these achievements, improvements need to be made in several areas. (1) Compliance with national standards for water systems needs to be ensured. (2) Water supply and sanitation should be coordinated so that wastewater is properly disposed of. (3) "As-built" drawings should be produced for the SP"s so operators have accurate information on SP construction. (4) SP"s should be planned for easy maintenance that can be carried out without interrupting service. (5) In areas without sewers, beneficiaries should be educated in proper methods of wastewater disposal. (6) Planning and control functions also need to be strengthened within the Caja Central de Ahorro y Prestamo para la Vivienda (CACEN), which channeled loan resources to the individual savings and loans. It is recommended that the deadline for repayment of the loan be extended for at least 10 years to allow other SP"s to be implemented. Recommendations to help CACEN improve its planning and control functions are also provided.