Project assistance completion report : Dominica rural electrification project, project no. 538-0130

Under the generation component, the General Engineering Company of St. Croix installed 2,750 KW units and ancillary equipment in 5/85 for $876,000, considerably less than the budgeted amount. EBASCO Services, which had identified the technical requirements, periodically inspected the units until they were commissioned in 4/86. Between 8/85 and 8/86, Sadelmi N.Y. Inc. constructed a 23.5-mile high-voltage transmission line from Trafalgra to Rosalie on the east coast and thence north to Castle Bruce and south to Delices. The contract amount of $2.405 million included a claim of $44,000 for extended overhead costs resulting from delays in processing access permits. Materials for the low-voltage distribution network were delivered by 4/86; the contract amount was $646,000. DOMLEC transported the materials to warehouses on the east coast and installed the network itself. After all objectives had been met, DOMLEC requested that the $500,000 in grant funds remaining be used to (1) procure additional materials needed to extend the distribution network from Delices to Stowe in the south and from Castle Bruce to Marigot in the north and (2) conduct the training recommended in the institutional analysis section of the Project Paper. USAID/D endorsed these requests and extended the PACD from 6/87 to 2/88 accordingly. procured under a $380,000 contract. DOMLEC is installing the materials itself and has agreed to continue provide bimonthly progress reports until the work is completed. Training was carried out by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), which developed individually tailored technical and management training programs, lasting 1-10 weeks, for 12 DOMLEC staff. The total cost of this component was $120,000. Project funds were also used for a public information program ($30,000) and project management services ($95,000). All objectives were met by the PACD. DOMLEC was institutionally strengthened by the training program and by the installation of a comprehensive computer network. Over 1,000 house connections have already been made on the east coast; additional domestic, commercial, and industrial connections are expected. The entire network is due for completion by the end of 1988. DOMLEC's financial contribution to the project will far exceed that envisioned in the project budget. Implementation was facilitated considerably by prequalifying construction contractors. Advertising major contracts during the design stage made it possible to award contracts and begin work shortly after execution of the Pro-Ag.