Togo low income shelter technical assistance; second annual evaluation

Annual evaluation covers the period 4/80-4/81; no methodology is given. While lacking a comprehensive shelter policy, the Government of Togo (GOT) has shown a commitment to improving shelter conditions. To date, AGETU has completed engineering plans for sub-projects in Lama-Kara and Be; hired additional staff, including a second economist; and is actively recruiting an engineer and a draftsman in order to strengthen its design capability. Nonetheless, without an updated project schedule, the average number of families annually served will drop below the targeted 2,500, and if further delays in contracting technical studies and construction are encountered, it is likely that the project will require a 1-2 year extension past 1984. In 2/81, the Development Bank of Togo (BTD), the official borrower, agreed to discuss loan terms with potential U.S. investors. However, high U.S., long-term interest rates have been a major obstacle. Two local loan programs -- a pilot home-improvement loan program with Caisse d'Epargne for the Be area and a small enterprise loan with the BTD -- have been initiated. In addition, a GOT delegation attended A.I.D.'s Conference on Housing in Africa in 3/81 and returned with a clearer understanding of how to implement projects for low-income groups. To test the demand for and the applicability of minimum standard techniques and practices to shelter delivery, a demonstration house and service site will be prepared at Baguida. As plan approval and consultant firm selection procedures are often long and involved, it is recommended that the capacity of AGETU's Direction Technique to conduct technical studies be upgraded. In the short term, however, continued USAID/T technical assistance will be required to execute forthcoming studies and supervise construction.