Telecommunications I, II, III

Mid-term PES covers the period 6/78-6/84 and is based on an attached special evaluation (XD-AAQ-521-A). The project is well managed and is producing its intended results at a reasonable cost. While there are continuing problems due to the complexity of the construction program, these problems are being addressed and solutions are forthcoming. Achievement of the project"s purpose will depend on ARENTO"s institutional capacity; to this end, an ARENTO planning management unit is functioning, new training programs are in place, and improved accounting, financial, and personnel systems are being developed. Although ARENTO"s financial position is poor, this is expected to improve as services are strengthened. The project"s major impact will be an upgraded public telephone service. The telephone switching equipment procured is of high quality, requires little maintenance, and is reasonable in cost. Other inputs have also generally been sufficient in quantity and quality. Contracts have been signed for all eight switching systems; five are operating and the rest should be operating by 6/85. Significant progress is being made on construction of the outside plant network. It was learned that: a capable, aggressive project manager and team continuity are important to a project"s success; equipment needs to have proven in-service reliability; as few organizations as possible should be involved in providing communications services; institutional changes must be continually re-introduced to overcome bureaucratic inertia; and the project"s relatively short and low-cost implementation schedules for switching and outside plant relief could be used as a standard for similar projects. Several detailed recommendations for improving project implementation and for follow-on activities are made. A key action decision is to identify activities which ARENTO can undertake with its own resources or as part of a follow-on project to continue its institutional development. (Near East Evaluation Abstract, modified)