Summary

Findings and recommendations of a mid-term review of the Vanuatu Transport Sector Support Program, highlighting program achievements, issues and problems that delayed and limited implementation progress.

Description

Achievements half-way through Phase 1 included: technical documents and references to guide Public Works Department road surveys, specifications, tenders and contract management; testing of construction materials and issue of quarry permits; system established for the Public Works Department to purchase labour and materials through their island offices; and a framework to guide management of cross-cutting development issues including environment, HIV/AIDS, gender and fraud risk. Constraints included: Public Works Department staff shortages; overly complex reports that partner staff could not understand; insufficient management and leadership by the managing contractor; a high risk of implementation delays linked to procurement and construction problems; and shortage of Public Works Department staff to manage national bidding for road contracts. The review recommended more attention to dealing with constraints and risks, better managing cross-cutting issues, and improving collaboration among stakeholders. It recommended more effort on completing the civil works, and less on capacity building.

Vanuatu Transport Sector Support Program Mid-term Review [PDF 2.62mb]