Jamaica - urban and rural shelter improvement

PES covers the period 8/79-6/81 and is based on document review and interviews with project implementors. Increasing economic deterioration and political unrest during elections, and associated Ministry of Construction Sites and Services Division staffing and operations inefficiencies have precluded optimum achievement of development initiatives. The ambitious urban tenement upgrading subproject was discontinued in 1980; no facilities had been constructed. Only $200,000 (of a total $10 million) had been disbursed; remaining funds were reallocated, allowing the squatter settlement improvement (SSI) subproject to be expanded from 3 to 12 sites. Given the production, financial, and labor difficulties during the political crisis, resulting in implementation delays, losses, and stoppages, progress of the SSI, only 2 months behind schedule, has been satisfactory. Insufficient staff and the sudden forced departure of the USAID/J housing officer and an advisor handicapped technical assistance (TA) efforts. The new government is redefining the financial and management roles of the subproject implementor, the Jamaican Mortgage Bank (JMB). Other impediments to smooth progress have included escalating site costs, complex land acquisition/tenure processes, and inefficient construction operations due to uneven contractor performance and inadequate supervision. The home improvement subproject has disbursed funds through credit unions for 4,000 (vs. 3,000 targeted) loans, most less than $1,000; full disbursement is expected by 12/81. Except during the absence of the housing officer, TA in credit union promotion, analysis, and evaluation has been timely and effective. The Jamaica Cooperative Credit Union League disbursement activities have been satisfactory, but new interest spreads are necessary as are a review of criteria for individual credit union participation and a redefinition of median income. Numerous recommendations address the above problems, as well as lessons learned during attempted implementation of the urban upgrading subproject.