Transport sector I (road maintenance)

PES covers the period 9/81-1/83 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with A.I.D. staff members and GOB officials. The project"s purpose and end of project status and goal conditions have been achieved. A modernized road maintenance fleet is largely in place, the Road Department Maintenance Branch (RDMB) is efficiently carrying out a nationwide maintenance program, and four RDMB technical officers and four Central Transport Organization (CTO) mechanics have returned from U.S. training (against respective targets of 7 and 6). Project maintenance work has linked the undeveloped central interior and western regions with the economically developed eastern portion of the country. Road traffic has increased, and Botswana is less dependent on transport through South Africa. Management outputs are being met, although a 1-year extension of the technical assistance (TA) contract is recommended to institutionalize the planned Cost Accounting System (CAS). Some adjustments in A.I.D. inputs have been needed; TA and participant training requirements were underestimated, and U.S.-made pick-up trucks seem unsuited to off-road conditions and incompatible with locally available spare parts. Some GOB contributions - provision by the CTO of seconded mechanics for routine maintenance and the construction of new depots for the RDMB districts - have been only partially fulfilled, and while the GOB is meeting its obligation to provide spare parts for A.I.D.-funded equipment, its delivery system needs considerable improvement. GOB budgetary shortfalls have not seriously affected the project so far, but may if they delay the replacement of a substantial amount of equipment scheduled for 1985. Recommendations are to: extend the contract of one Mechanic Trainer by 6 months; use the remaining A.I.D. spare parts funds to purchase U.S. source parts for Ford and possibly Caterpillar equipment; have the GOB establish a spare parts procurement and/or stocking system adequate for A.I.D.-funded equipment; and have the RDMB formalize field input and monthly or quarterly output reporting for the CAS and report to USAID/B on the seconded mechanic support situation in the Southern District.