Monthly Progress Report No. 20: Architect-Engineer Independent Quality Assurance and Milestone Certification Services for USAID’s FATA Infrastructure Program and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Reconstruction Program

The program is implemented by CDM International Inc. in association with National Development Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd. and UNICON Consulting Services (Pvt.) Ltd. (UNICON). The program's primary objective is to enhance the quality of infrastructure in FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a focus on the building, road, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) sectors. The initiative involves the provision of architect-engineer independent quality assurance and milestone certification services to ensure that infrastructure projects meet international standards. As of November 2021, the program has made significant progress in various sectors. In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Reconstruction Program, 14 out of 17 milestones have been achieved, with a total expenditure of $13.4 million. The program has also conducted 24 field visits, with a total of 1,200 observations recorded. The field visits have revealed several key issues, including delays in project implementation, inadequate stakeholder coordination, and insufficient testing of materials. In the FATA Infrastructure Program, the program has achieved 12 out of 17 milestones, with a total expenditure of $10.3 million. The program has conducted 20 field visits, with a total of 1,500 observations recorded. The field visits have revealed several key issues, including delays in project implementation, inadequate stakeholder coordination, and insufficient testing of materials. The program has also made significant progress in environmental compliance reporting. A review of the Environmental Due Diligence (EDD) and Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) has been conducted, and field visit data has been collected. The program has identified several issues and considerations, including the need for improved stakeholder coordination and enhanced environmental monitoring. In terms of gender reporting, the program has made significant progress in promoting gender equality. Field visit data has been collected, and observations have been recorded. The program has identified several key issues, including the need for improved stakeholder coordination and enhanced gender mainstreaming. Overall, the FATA Infrastructure Program and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Reconstruction Program has made significant progress in various sectors, with a focus on improving infrastructure quality, enhancing environmental compliance, and promoting gender equality. The program continues to face several challenges, including delays in project implementation, inadequate stakeholder coordination, and insufficient testing of materials.