Final evaluation : Zambia railways project (project no. 690-0231)

Targets for locomotive availability (75%), wagon availability (90%), and wagon productivity (300,000 net tonne per km per wagon per year) were met over the 15 month period from 1/91 to 3/92. Moreover, comparison of USAID-rehabilitated units with the total ZR fleet showed that availability was 25% higher for rehabilitated units, and the number of kms run between failures was 46% higher. On the other hand, the locomotive utilization target of 105,000 km per year was not met: USAID-rehabilitated locomotives ran an average of 270 km per day, resulting in 75,555 km per year. The project's successes are not likely to be sustained. USAID should have exerted more control over the process of rehabilitation. For example, decisions regarding the locomotives selected for rehabilitation and the extent of rehabilitation for each locomotive were not made in a consistent manner. Also, used or rehabilitated parts were often applied where replacement with new components was necessary. The results of these practices were locomotive failures soon after rehabilitation. In fact, several locomotives experienced repeated failures. These problems were caused by decisions made at the ZR shop; they could have been avoided if a USAID-sponsored technical specialist had been stationed on site. In addition, there are serious shortcomings in ZR maintenance and overhaul procedures. Inspections are done only when there is a problem with performance and not as a matter of course, and there are also indications of inadequate running repairs. Recommendations are to: strictly follow periodic maintenance procedures; and eliminate the ZR practice of excessive idling of locomotives, which causes engine damage. (Author abstract, modified)