PARAGUAY : RURAL ROADS LOAN (INTERIM REPORT)

After an overview of Paraguay"s rural road network, GOP"s institutional framework within which roads are constructed and maintained is examined. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) is divided into two sub-organizations -- the Directorate of Roads (DR) and the General Directorate of Road Committees (GDRC), responsible for the national road system and rural roads, respectively. GDRC administers Regional Road Committees (RRC) which handle local and regional requests for road assistance; Local Road Committees (LRC) which coordinate road conscription and channeling requests for assistance in road work; and Road Promotion Committees which link the rural road system with target communities. Other entities involved in rural road activities include the Army Corps of Engineers, the Agrarian Reform Agency, municipalities, and private organizations. After discussing institutional functions necessary for implementing effective road construction programs, an institutional framework for program implementation, including organizational changes and expansion is proposed. A.I.D."s role in the project, the technical assistance that will be required, financial aspects, and the criteria for selecting roads to be upgraded or constructed are also set forth. Finally, a scheme for project development is proposed, including the specific consultants that will be required for specific project activities.