Objectives. The objectives of this task order are to develop and implement a performance-based contracting program for the execution of operations and maintenance (O&M) activities for the 1,500 kilometers (km) of roads built under the USAID-funded Rehabilitation of Economic Facilities and Services (REFS) program, and to develop a sustainable road management entity for Afghanistan. Project objectives also include developing the capacity of a new Inter-Ministerial Commission (TIMC) Group and maintenance and reconstruction of nine bridges.

Background. Between 2003 and early 2007, approximately 1,500 km of roads in Afghanistan were either constructed or rehabilitated with funding from USAID. Some of these roads have been recently completed; however, others were finished over two years ago and have had no maintenance performed on them since that time.

Most of the roads constructed under the REFS program were built by foreign companies, as Afghan firms lacked the equipment and expertise to undertake major road-building operations.

Status.
Roads Operation and Maintenance: Currently, local contractors hold subcontracts to perform routine and urgent maintenance on 1,522 km of primary and provincial roads throughout Afghanistan. O&M of an additional 1,940 km of road were recently approved which will also be subcontracted to Afghan contractors. While insurgents continue to bomb the country’s road infrastructure – including culverts, bridges, and road surfaces – this project is working to provide O&M services on these roads. Over 4,500 Afghan workers, on average, are employed on this project. The performance-based contracting model, proven effective at the national level, is being expanded into the provinces. Paktya and Parwan provinces will be the first to see benefits of this program.

Capacity Building: USAID’s Infrastructure and Rehabilitation Program has instituted a capacity building program to teach road construction and maintenance techniques to its own local staff, to their counterparts at the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), and to private road maintenance contractors. IRP conducts one seminar and workshop per month, as well as numerous study tours and courses that focus on specific areas, such as road planning. The project has completed numerous manuals and assessments, including the Road Maintenance Unit Administrative Procedures Manual, the Performance Monitoring Manual for USAID, the Road Inventory and Conditions Assessment, a Training Manual, a report on Annual Maintenance Program Planning and Budgeting, and Contracts and Contracting Manuals.

Anticipated Impact. The combination of intensive and extensive training and capacity building, plus hands-on experience, is developing a strong and technically capable road maintenance organization which, under the administration of the Ministry of Public Works’ Road and Maintenance Unit, can be relied on to plan and perform periodic and preventive maintenance, rehabilitation, and improvements for specific roads and for the entire Afghan road network.

News:

Presentation Explains the Success of Performance-based Contracting in Afghanistan

Engineering a Better Future

Interns Graduate with Practical Skills in Road Construction

Project Controls Save Time and Money

Afghan Fulbright Scholars See Bright Future for Their Country

Afghan Capacity to Operate and Maintain National Highway System Gains Momentum

Internship Program Passes 100 Mark

Ministry of Public Works Improves Its English Skills

Ministry of Public Works Inaugurates Roads Maintenance Unit Office

Ministry of Public Works Endorses Workshops

Pre-Bid Conference Held in Kabul Draws a Large Turnout

O&M Subcontractor Performs Emergency Repairs to Bridge near Qalat Following Insurgent Attacks

Unexploded Mine Discovered and Abated on Sheberghan to Sar-e-Pul Road

A Second Round of Internships Begins at IRP

Seminars Aim at Improving Skills of Potential O&M Contractors

Interns from Kabul University Complete their Training with IRP

Local Staff Receives Training on the IRP Electronic Filing System

First O&M Subcontract is Signed in Formal Ceremony

Training Provides Enhanced Employment Opportunities for IRP Interns

USAID Provides Capacity Building Activities for Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) Staff

IRP Provides Hands-On Training for 10 Kabul University Students

IRP Hosts the Afghan Road Builders Conference in Kabul