Southern access road (650-0036)

The project was funded by A.I.D., the European Economic Community, and NORAD, the Norwegian Agency for International Development. The project purpose was not met because the amount of money necessary to upgrade the road was underestimated. Also, plans to support Government of Sudan gravelling units were unsuccessful because road gravelling equipment in southern Sudan was in much worse condition than was believed. The project therefore stressed construction by private contractors. Nonetheless, the project did make progress toward a future achievement of its purpose. Roads in both Kenya and Sudan were improved through the placement of structures in drainage channels and rivers where high water previously had blocked traffic. Although there are still delays at some stream crossings during the heavy rainy season, the project has provided a higher-percentage all-weather road for four-wheel drive vehicles. The project's efforts have also stimulated other donors to fund or consider funding sections of the road. Thus, the project's purpose may eventually be met. Lessons learned: (1) Multi-donor projects can be implemented even if individual donor regulations have to be combined. (2) Parallel or component financing is simpler than co-mingling. (3) Financing of project design and supervision by donors other than A.I.D. on A.I.D.-financed projects is possible but leads to less than total control. Projects spread over two countries are extremely complex. (4) An underfunded project can be salvaged only if project inputs are redefined. Other donors cannot be counted on to fill a funding gap. (5) A.I.D. should beware awarding construction contracts to lowest bidders, who may subsequently rely on claims to more than make up for the lowness of the bid.