Progress Report # 23: Monitoring & Evaluation Services Malakand: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Reconstruction Program

The program focuses on education, health, water and sanitation, and road infrastructure. In the education sector, a total of 79 schools have been tendered for rehabilitation and reconstruction in Swat District. Work orders have been issued for 78 schools, with 62 schools currently under construction and 15 schools already completed. However, work has been delayed on several schools due to slow progress, and one school has been rescinded due to poor performance. In Dir Lower District, 20 schools have been tendered, with work orders issued for 19 schools. Thirteen schools are currently under construction, and six schools have been completed and handed over to the Education Department. In Dir Upper District, five schools have been tendered, with work orders issued for one school. However, the work on this school has been delayed due to the need to dismantle the existing damaged building. The program also focuses on water and sanitation (WatSan) schemes, with 38 pumping units functional in TMA Swat. However, 14 electric transformers need to be upgraded to 100KVA, and 29 voltage regulators are required to supply smooth drinking water to the community. Survey works for five DWSS have been completed, and seven water supply schemes have been jointly identified. In the health sector, work on three Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Swat has been initiated. However, the construction of one BHU in Swat has been delayed due to the need to conduct soil bearing capacity tests. In Buner District, the dismantling of the old building has been completed, and excavation has started. The program also includes road and bridge infrastructure projects, with structure and earth work underway on the Kot Barang Road and Selai Patti Bridge. However, work on the bridge has not yet started, with a total progress of about 6% achieved. In addition to USAID-funded projects, the program also includes sub-projects funded by other donors and the Government of Pakistan (GOP). These projects include schools funded by NGOs such as UN Habitat, Qatar Charity, and IDEA, as well as a judicial complex at Kabal Swat. The overall progress of the program is mixed, with some projects making good progress while others are facing delays and challenges. The program will continue to face challenges in the coming months, including the need to address slow progress, poor workmanship, and delays in the completion of projects.