Road maintenance and improvement

PES covers the period 1963-69 and is based on document review and interviews with project personnel and beneficiaries. The project was successful. An initial inventory of GON heavy equipment and spare parts used for road construction and maintenance led to development of a nationwide system of equipment and vehicle maintenance and repair facilities. A TA team was then provided to train Nigeriens and assist in the operation of the GON"s central garage. The team trained 163 drivers, 21 mechanics, and 3 spare parts and equipment managers; repaired or supervised the repair of 240 vehicles passing through the garage; prepared audiovisual training aids still in use today; revised a spare parts procurement system for U.S.-manufactured vehicles; and set up a spare parts supply and management system. Although those interviewed praised the project"s accomplishments, the impact of the project was somewhat reduced by the TA team"s inability to speak French and by its removal at departure of some of the heavy repair equipment it had brought with it. Also, the presence of German and French TA teams shows that the garage still requires considerable TA. A considerable number of project trainees have left public sector employment.