Report of engineering review landslide and soil stabilization project, Far Western Hills roads

Engineering evaluation covers the period 1979-1982 and was conducted with reference to previous reviews by Kojan (1978) and Mathur (1979). Quality construction has been conducted along the road due to both the expertise of Department of Roads (DR) staff and Nepali contractors and their sensitivity to local conditions. The engineering works suggested by Kojan and Mathur have been built as designed and have performed to or beyond requirements in all cases. While there is no surviving record of any systematic monitoring of pilot slope stabilization works, the project's overall success suggests any results would have been positive. Surveys were conducted to evaluate alternative construction locations suggested by Kojan, but it was concluded that the cost was not likely to be justified and none of the relocations were built; events seem to support this decision. Kojan and Mathur were unrealistic in specifying items such as rock bolts, plastic membranes, horizontally drilled drains, and sophisticated blasting techniques which are not readily available in Nepal. Logistics and procurement have been deficient as regards equipment. The list of equipment on inventory includes 106 pieces of various kinds built by at least 30 different makers in six nations. Of these, only 32 are in working order; 50 are awaiting repair parts, 23 are beyond repair, and one is idle for lack of work. Most pieces are more than 10 years old, cannabalized, and at the end of their economical service life. While there is a substantial supply of parts and these appear to be well-organized and catalogued, 33% of the parts are for equipment no longer located at the main storage yard in Godavari. Most serious, there is no orderly system for planning equipment purchases or for paying for them other than by line item in the current budget. Given the time needed for delivery of a major item, the lack of budget carryover beyond the end of the fiscal year is a major handicap. Overall, the DR has intelligently administered the project. The amount of plan preparation and review done is exceptional. However, the DR has been reluctant to acquire unfamiliar technology, even that which is not excessively expensive and which has a very high probable benefit. Also the DR still lacks a maintenance ethic; much improvement is needed in this area (including changes in government policies) if the road is to be a useful, all-weather facility. Maintenance is now being done to an extent, particularly during the monsoon season, but not as regularly and systematically as should be. (Adapted from ANE Executive Summary, PD-AAT-669, pp. 65-67.)