Project completion report : Cape Verde Sal desalination and power project 655-0005

Due to higher than anticipated costs, the project was substantially reduced in scope by eliminating the sewage removal system and other elements. All major components of the redesigned project were accomplished, but with varying degrees of success. The desalination/power plant and water/power distribution systems were installed and operational by 4/83. The availability of potable water was increased for all Sal residents from 5-6 to 22-23 liters per person per day. Water and power connections have been provided to, respectively, 573 and 905 households, 43 and 57 government facilities, and 39 and 48 industry and commerce units. Commercial, industrial, and tourist activity has been stimulated by these accomplishments -- secondary benefits have included expansion of a lobster plant and of the Sal airport and construction of a hotel and a seaport. The desalination plant was designed to allow easy expansion, so that the supply of water and power can be increased with relatively small additional capital investment. Training provided to operational and administrative staff of the desalination/power plant was excellent. The professional and senior administrative staff participated in U.S. training courses of 3-5 weeks, and on-the-job training was provided for 7 months after plant construction. On the negative side, the desalination plant was plagued with problems from the start, and has never operated properly in its 5 years of operation. Problems have occurred in each of the 3 major areas - intake, pre-treatment, and reverse osmosis - resulting in periods of poor water quality and quantity and frequent plant shutdowns. The problems are attributed to: design deficiencies; poor plant maintenance due to inadequate funding by the Government of Cape Verde (GOCV); and installation of inadequate materials, parts, and fittings. It was recommended that A.I.D. assist the GOCV in filing a legal claim against the equipment and parts supplier, should they refuse to replace defective parts. Procurement specifications should be clear and well-defined, and performance warranties of up to 2 years should be considered for plants involving sensitive equipment and relatively high technology. Two years of periodic inspection and advice by an A.I.D. consultant would also help intercept problems, as would an onsite technical project manager. Finally, A.I.D. should beware of such cost-efficiency efforts as eliminating key components or reducing below minimum standards.