Groundwater resources investigation

PES covers the period 9/80-9/84 and is based on document review and interviews with USAID/J, GOJ, and United States Geological Survey (USGS) officials. The project has made substantial progress despite delays which necessitated an initial 1-year extension. The WAJ has drilled 36 exploratory wells in the study area; a computer system has been installed and is operational; revised data collection forms are being used in the field to gather water resource data; and large amounts of data are being entered into the computer (95% of data entered have been from the study area, and 50% of the required data have been collected). Nine key WAJ staff members have received U.S. training in computer systems (3 more are planned) and have assisted USGS advisors in providing on the job training to other WAJ personnel; TA and training are behind schedule, however, and the GOJ is not ready to expand into other study areas without further assistance. The creation of the WAJ and the GOJ"s reorganization of water sector management in early 1984, while long advocated by A.I.D., have contributed to project delays and increased the responsibilities of WAJ staff. WAJ"s emphasis on drilling production wells has not always coincided with timely completion of the project"s research activities. A key need is to revise timetables for procuring additional equipment and TA, completing drilling in the study area, and participant training. Also, data collection, entry, and analysis should be intensified. Another project extension will probably be needed. The project also shows the need for careful estimates of input lead times and for intensive "hands on" management of R&D projects, by the host country or A.I.D. (Near East Evaluation Abstract, modified.)