Final report : rural roads II project (695-0112)

Although road improvement goals were met, the objective to institutionalize labor-intensive construction was not achieved. The DGR relied exclusively on expatriate TA and made no effort to create a separate labor-intensive brigade for road construction. Quantitatively, the training component proved to be very successful, providing varying levels of on-the-job and formalized training for approximately 2,200 skilled and unskilled workers. However, the project goal of establishing a road construction labor pool for subsequent projects was unattainable because, in general, the roadworkers would not likely have the opportunity to relocate to search for employment. The improved road has had a positive impact on the socioeconomic welfare of the surrounding population by increasing the availability and use of manufactured goods and staples, reducing mass transportation fares, and contributing to more positive attitudes concerning schooling, extension services, and events occurring ouside the region. Project impact on agriculture was more difficult to assess due to a lack of consistent baseline data. Nonetheless, there are indications that the upgraded road facilitated the introduction of new seed varieties and allowed greater involvement in seed multiplication, reforestation, and palm oil manufacturing projects in nearby areas. The DGR responded effectively to interim evaluation recommendations regarding maintenance, dynamiting, and equipment inventory.