GAMBIA RURAL ROADS MAINTENANCE PROJECT

The Public Works Department (PWD) will implement the project. A new 40-50,000 square meter Central Workshop (CW) will be built in Kanefing, an industrial area near Banjul (the capital) on a 24 acre GOTG-owned site needing little preparation. The new CW will accomodate all PWD vehicles, have easier rural access and improved security, and be of sturdy steel frame construction. Eventually, all PWD operations will be relocated to this area. The GOTG will provide an access road and utility connections. An Architectural and Engineering Workshop Design Study will finalize specifications to assure efficient operation and workflow at the new facility. The CW will be furnished with hoisting, hydraulic, welding, and other machine shop equipment needed for vehicle overhauls and major repairs. The Eastern Regional Workshop in Mansakonko and sub-depots in Basse and Georgetown will be upgraded with new equipment (or with reconditioned old CW equipment if feasible) to handle limited overhauls and minor repairs. Ample spare parts will be provided for 10,000 hours of operation. To strengthen PWD"s institutional capacity, specialists in organizations/management, spare parts, and training will conduct an Equipment Maintenance Management Study; introduce more efficient, American-style management techniques to senior CW staff; and establish performance standards and procedures for skills certification. Technical assistance and the management study will be contracted to a U.S. firm which will collect baseline performance data and keep records. A full-time training officer will be hired and equipment for classroom and shop instruction will be purchased. All CW staff will receive on-the-job training; supervisors will hold weekly "shop talks"; manufacturer"s representatives will conduct eight short training courses on new equipment; and 20 trainees per year will be instructed in basic mechanics and accounting. Other donors include the IBRD and the European Economic Community.