Book Description

OBJECTIVES: Design and implement an effective labour-based rural roads rehabilitation and maintenance programme, serving as training and demonstration for the systems developed under the Rural Roads Unit (RRU). Develop strategy in collaboration with the RRU and the labour-based component of the Provincial Development Programme (LNPDP) for longer term sustainability of rural roads rehabilitation and maintenance projects nationwide using labour-based technology. FINDINGS: Initial target of 100 km of rural roads improved and maintained was reduced to 50 km because of budget limitations. The project recruited the workforce through village committees which selected villagers and introduced a routine maintenance system based on village contracts. The committees decided on how the workers would be paid. Provincial and district staff were trained on-the-job and in short training courses and study tours. RECOMMENDS: One-year extension with priority being given to strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Construction (MCTPC) to coordinate and evaluate labour-based works. More emphasis also on transferring planning and management skills and on producing strategy document in consultation with the MCTPC. LESSONS LEARNED: Experience has shown that particular attention has to be given to the working conditions and procedures for recruiting and paying the casual workforce who are rarely aware of their rights under national labour laws and are vulnerable to exploitation. In order to avoid accusations of corruption or favouritism, it is important that the selection process is transparent and perceived as fair. Apart from human and workers' rights, there are also economic arguments for the fair treatment of workers. If they are treated fairly they are more likely to be motivated and productive. Secondly, the fact that only 50 per cent of the planned output was achieved highlights the importance of ensuring that objectives are realistic given the budget and time limitations.