Oman water resources development project (272-0104) : midterm assessment

Interim evaluation covers the period 1986-1991. Start-up was delayed nearly 3 years due to the project's complexity and shifting responsibilities for water sector management within the Government of Oman. The Project Paper has been frequently amended: Salalah, in the South, has replaced the North as a project focus, and a new Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) was created and has become another subproject focus. However, the project seems to finally be on track, with a good mix of TA, training, and construction. At this early stage, it appears that the most successful elements are the 3 master planning activities and support to the MWR. Technical assistance and training are performing well. Project momentum has picked up in recent months, with several construction contracts either already or soon to be awarded. The Omanis have just begun to experience the considerable capability of U.S. consulting and training institutions; these experiences will have to continue for several more years if technology transfer is to have its full impact. Only then should the water sector be dropped from the Omani-American Joint Commission portfolio. Some key recommendations are as follows. (1) Following completion of the preliminary master plans and training needs assessments, the PACD should be extended and remaining funds programmed accordingly. (2) The project's future focus should emphasize its strengths in the areas of TA and training, especially for the support of policy and institutional objectives and technology transfer. (3) Construction activities, if continued under the FAR (fixed amount reimbursement) method, should focus on short-term discrete projects and consider U.S. procurement interests where appropriate. An important lesson learned is that institutional arrangements should be settled in the design stage, and the Government of Oman should be in full agreement.