Evaluates project to reconstruct the principal 69 kv transmission line damaged by Hurricane David in the three Dominican Republic cities of San Cristobal, Valdesia, and Bani. This evaluation, which has a final evaluation attached to it PD-AAH-371-B1), covers the period 11/1/79-6/30/80 and was based on site visits by the contractor, the engineering firm of Charles T. Main.
This project was developed rapidly under trying conditions and implemented very effectively at slightly under budget expectations. The project is complete and now benefits 400,000 people. The main 69 kv transmission line between San Cristobal, Valdesia, and Bani was reconstructed within six months. Some minor delays in commodity shipments were experienced, otherwise all project inputs were provided in a timely manner.
Because of the excellent performance of the Puerto Rican Electric Power Authority, the project contractor, relations between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, as well as with the United States, were further strengthened. Excellent support was provided by AID/W throughout the project.
Various lessons were learned. (1) In a construction project of this sort, the responsibilities of the contractor and the implementing agency must be defined at the beginning of the project. (2) For effective, rapid project implementation, a substantial amount of Mission project management is required and should be expected. (3) Outside construction supervision and engineering services should be contracted early to assist in field work, voucher certification, and identification and solution of potential problems.
