Togo low-income shelter

Evaluation, based on an attached annual report (XD-AAJ-494-A) and special evaluation (XD-AAJ-494-B), covers the period 5/80-4/81. While financial conditions in Togo currently prevent the undertaking of new shelter initiatives, several developments (e.g., land acquisition, funding of AGETU, and pre-financing of technical studies) suggest that the Government of Togo (GOT) is allocating greater resources to address the plight of the urban poor. To date, AGETU has made preliminary plans for upgrading sites at Lama-Kara and Be; begun land acquisition studies for the Agvenyive sites; hired additional staff (although trained engineers are in short supply); and established links with other shelter institutions (e.g., the Togolese Development Bank [BTD], Caisse d"Epargne, and the Housing Authority) to facilitate resolution of issues which have arisen regarding additional service sites at Baguida and land acquisition at Lama-Kara. Nonetheless, the lack of funds has been a major constraint. The unavailability of IIPUP (Integrated Improvement Program for the Urban Poor) funding from A.I.D. prevented implementation of the 1980 emergency small loan fund proposal, forcing the GOT to initiate in its place a pilot small loan program with Caisse d"Epargne. Although AGETU is continuing technical preparations until subprojects are ready for bidding, high U.S. interest rates have kept the GOT from negotiating with U.S. investors, further slowing project development. Since it is clear that AGETU will require assistance to prepare final plans and cost estimates, solicit bids and select construction contractors, and promote community organizations, it is recommended that the engineering construction advisor"s stay be extended 18 months to 7/83 and that the socioeconomic advisor"s stay be extended 10 months to 12/1982. It is also recommended that regular discussions continue with U.S. investors and that means be developed to hasten preliminary technical preparations.