RURAL ACCESS ROADS

A minimum of 1200 kilometers of all weather access roads is expected to be completed, linking an estimated 15,000 small farm families to market centers on a year round basis. In addition, the SNC will develop the capacity- through creation of a rural access roads division- to continue an effective rural access roads program within target area. Applications have been received from 36 communities for eligible roads in four target areas indicating some 600 kilometers of access roads for which improvement to project standards is sought. The National Community Development Service and the SNC economist are working to obtain data on the first target section of these roads. Progress has been made in the senior areas and is continuing on structuring and staffing the new SNC division responsible for rural roads. A technical advisor in administration was employed 10/77 and efforts are underway to employ technical advisor on heavy equipment. Procurement of heavy equipment is well advanced with the major portion due for shipment in March 1978. Procurement of hand tools, explosives and drainage culverts is similarly well advanced and synchronous with construction schedule. Project is 6 months behind schedule due to procrement problems of GOB and AID. Problems have largely been resolved. There has also been difficulty finding candidates for technical advisors to the SNC and utilizing them within the SNC hierarchy. The CPI network for loan will be updated as soon as delivery dates on project components is confirmed. Lessons learned suggests that extra attention be provided in the design of such a project to the possible delays originated by bureaucratic problems; that the Supreme Decree authorizing a project include a blanket clause authorizing the duty free importation of all the equipment and materials purchased with project funds; and that before preparing the budget for technical assistance, the market should be surveyed to determine the availability of technicians.