Interim evaluation of Alexandria wastewater system expansion project, USAID contract no. 263-0100

Interim evaluation covers the period 8/79-4/91. Construction is far behind schedule. Two main factors caused the delays: unforeseen and challenging soil and groundwater conditions, which necessitated major design adjustments, and the failure of the Alexandria Organization for Sanitary Drainage (AGOSD) to take timely action regarding effluent discharge, sludge disposal, and contracting management. Nevertheless, given revised targets, construction activities have progressed well and the quality of work is high. USAID has funded 6 subprojects, 3 of which are complete, and 3 of which are expected to be completed by the project"s 1993 end. AGOSD has funded 30 construction tasks, but the status of these is unclear due to AGOSD"s failure to respond to requests for information. In terms of its social, and particularly health, impacts, the project has been successful. Laterals and collectors have been installed in over 90% of previously unsewered portions of the project area, nearly eliminating sewage flooding/ponding in the streets, which in turn has reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases. Impacts on water quality along the coastal Mediterranean and in Lake Maryout were difficult to quantify, for the following reasons: domestic sewage flows are not yet being processed by the two primary treatment plants, which are still under construction; the project does not provide for treatment of industrial wastes, which continue to be discharged without pretreatment; and the impacts of discharging effluent have not been monitored. Project sustainability is a major issue. The operations and maintenance (O&M) program is less than a third complete, and faces considerable obstacles. To transform AGOSD into a viable, sustainable organization, it will be necessary to train and motivate its O&M staff, promote changes in financial and management structure, reduce staff levels, and expand its authority to levy and collect wastewater tariffs. USAID should continue with O&M assistance for a year after the planned 1993 completion date for construction contracts. It is also recommended that a preventive maintenance program be continued and expanded to protect completed project equipment until full operation begins.