Progress Report III December 2006 53336 Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 18 months of the Multi Donor Fund for Aceh and Nias w w w.m u lt i do n o r f u n d. o rg Over 18,000 houses will be rebuild or repaired in Aceh and Nias. 18 months of the Multi Donor Fund Implementing Projects, Achieving Results F ollowing the unprecedented worldwide support for the victims of the tsunami and earthquakes, the Indonesian Government and the international community established the Multi Donor Fund for Aceh and Nias to assist in the coordination of funds made available for post-disaster reconstruction. The Fund now pools approximately $650 million of pledges from 15 bilateral and multi-lateral donors (European Commission, Netherlands, United Kingdom, World Bank, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Canada, Asian Development Bank, United States, Germany, Belgium, Finland, New Zealand and Ireland) and has established itself as a trusted partner for the Government of Indonesia in the recovery process. Eighteen months after its formation, the Multi Donor Fund is firmly focussed on project implementation and achieving strong results quickly. The Fund currently manages a portfolio of 17 projects valued at $713 million with $482 million from the Multi Donor Fund and another $231 million from the Government's Coordinating Agency for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Aceh and Nias (BRR). Almost 90% of the Fund's initial contributions have been allocated. As of December 2006, the Fund has received $364 million from donors and has already disbursed $214 million to its projects. In recognition of the Fund's success in quickly mobilizing resources to meet critical gaps, four donors (the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany) have pledged an additional $110 million to the Multi Donor Fund. Key Achievements from the first eighteen months include Over 6,000 houses built or under construction and over 8,400 houses under repair using the community-driven approach developed by the Multi Donor Fund Housing and Settlements project. In recognition of this project's success, the Government of Indonesia has established this approach as the model for all housing reconstruction following the Yogyakarta and Central Java earthquakes and tsunami. Establishment of a network of 13,000 facilitators for Multi Donor Fund projects that reach all villages in Aceh and Nias. This network facilitated a democratic decision-making process for communities to plan and prioritize needs in their area. Through this process, communities have built over 1,900 km of roads, 740 bridges, 240 school buildings, 1,143 irrigation and drainage units, 570 water units, and 632 sanitation units, 40 health posts and have granted scholarships to 7,082 recipients and micro-credits to 3,685 recipients. The facilitators are now also assisting the Aceh Reintegration Agency (BRA) to distriubted $ 61.75 million of post-conflict village reconstruction funds. Over 10 million days of labor generated through Multi Donor Fund projects, making the Multi Donor Fund the largest non-governmental employer in Aceh and Nias. 1 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Over one million cubic meters of tsunami waste cleared, almost 100,000 cubic meters of municipal waste collected and 620 hectares of rice fields cleared through the Fund's waste management project. This initiative has introduced municipal waste collection systems in 6 districts and re- established destroyed collection systems in 2 districts in Aceh and Nias. Communities have agreed on land ownership of over 138,000 land parcels facilitated by NGOs and the National Land Agency in the most devastated areas of Aceh, following a standardized process. Community agreement on land ownership is an important step for the reconstruction of communities on a sound basis and towards the issuance of official land titles. The first 18 months of the Multi Donor Fund have been characterized by community development and empowerment. In the next twelve months, the Fund's portfolio will also be focussing on building key infrastructure, such as roads, ports, drainage facilities and other remaining priority needs, both at district and provincial levels. "The European Commission is pleased that the Multi Donor Fund has achieved great results after 18 months of operations. We are however, also aware of the challenges ahead and the need to focus on quality implementation of projects in the field. A lot of work remains to be done and we are committed to continue working together with the BRR and the local governments to support the overall objective of `building back better'". Ambassador Jean Breteche, Head of Delegation of the European Commission The Multi Donor Fund gives a grant to the BRR for the Infrastructure Reconstruction Enabling Project. Clockwise: Scott Guggenheim (representing the World Bank), Ambassador Jean Breteche - Head of Delegation of the European Commission, and Pak Bima Haria Wibisana of the BRR. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 2 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 An Effective Partner "In the context of the Aceh reconstruction effort, we can identify the MDF as the fastest disburser of re- covery funds in their projects, the quality of the current projects is high and they are set up in response to the needs of the people, with a strong focus on community-driven development projects. Further we feel the MDF is currently the best forum for government and recovery dialogue and we appreciate that even non-members of the MDF join the dialogue, leading to a better coordination overall among donors and the government in the reconstruction of Aceh and Nias." BRR Deputy for Finance and Planning, Bapak Amin Subekti, at the Aid Effectiveness Forum held in Manila, Philippines, in October 2006. The above quote from the Aid Effectiveness Forum reflects the conference's overall conclusion that the Multi Donor Fund was a good working mechanism and that the close working relationship between the BRR and the Fund is the base of its success to date. The Fund pursued this close relationship from the out- set when it integrated its operations within the structures of the Indonesian Government. There were two aspects of this integration. Firstly, the Fund preferred to finance programs that channel funds through the Government's budget (called "on-budget projects"). Secondly, the Fund implemented a policy of only considering projects that have already been screened and submitted by the BRR. The strong partnership was reinforced when the BRR decided to contribute almost $300 million of its own funds to co-finance three projects with the Fund and to extend the Multi Donor Fund-financed Kecama- tan Development Project until 2009. The three co-chairs of the Multi Donor Fund from left to right: Andrew Steer ( Country Director, World Bank), Bapak Kuntoro Mangkusubroto ( Director of BRR), Pierre Philippe (Head of Operations, Delegation of European Commission Indonesia) 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 3 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Donor Coordination And Policy Dialogue The Fund is governed by a Steering Committee co-chaired by the Head of the BRR, the Head of Delegation for the European Commission (as the largest donor) and the Country Director of the World Bank (as Trustee). The Steering Committee includes representatives from the Fund's key stakeholders including national and local government agencies, donors, civil society, the UN system and international NGOs. The broad composition of reconstruction stakeholders has allowed it to act as a forum for donor coordination and policy dialogue. At regular Steering Committee meetings, the BRR and the recovery community provide updates on the progress of the recovery process. The meetings have also been used to discuss policy issues such as the impact of inflation, government budgeting delays, the integration of gender and environmental concerns and the strategy for sustainable economic development. In November 2006, the Multi Donor Fund hosted a specific forum to discuss about the environmental sector and was attended by representatives of local government, central government, NGOs and several international organizations. The BRR will follow up on the results of this meeting. Replenishment In recognition of the Multi Donor Fund's success, four donors have pledged over $100 million of additional funds including $73 million (EUR 58 million) from the Netherlands, $25 million (£13 million) from the United Kingdom, $9 million (SEK 70 million) from Sweden and $3.8 million (EUR 3 million) from Germany. With over 90% of the initial $540 million pledged already committed, this wave of replenishment allows the Multi Donor Fund to continue to fill crucial gaps in the recovery process, and build upon the success already achieved. Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation, Mrs. Agnes van Ardenne, visited a number of MDF-projects in Aceh, and concluded: "The MDF has proven to be both efficient and effective. I can announce today that I have decided to contribute an additional 73 million USD to this fund." In general, the Minister's findings were that MDF is functioning well, and, in very difficult circumstances, manages to realize good results in the field. Furthermore, it has the support of the Indonesian government and local authorities. Mrs. Agnes van Ardenne, Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation, gives land titles to beneficiaries. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 4 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Communication to Beneficiaries Ensuring that beneficiaries receive information on the recovery process and have ready access to a feedback mechanism is fundamental to all programs in Aceh and Nias. The Multi Donor Fund achieves this in three ways: A comprehensive local media campaign informs beneficiaries about Multi Donor Fund projects operating in their districts, their entitlements and provides them with a contact point to ask questions, convey complaints and report alleged corruption cases. The Multi Donor Fund Ombudsperson receives beneficiary comments and refers them to the relevant project Task Managers or to the BRR. The Ombudsperson regularly tracks the resolution process of each complaint and alleged corruption case and gives feedback to the complainant. The Ombudsperson also makes regular field visits to personally discuss with communities their concerns on the relevant Multi Donor Fund projects. The Multi Donor Fund Ombudsperson gives communities information and receives feedback on projects. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 5 This boat, funded by KDP, provides a link between two villages. The Multi Donor Fund Portfolio T he Multi Donor Fund portfolio consists of 17 projects valued at $713 million ($482 from the Fund; $231 million from the BRR). These projects are spread across four sectors: Recovery of communities (52%); Infrastructure and Transport (32%); Capacity building and governance (11%); and Sustainable management of the environment (5%). The following sections describe in more detail the results achieved in each sector by Multi Donor Fund projects. Community Recovery The Multi Donor Fund supports an integrated approach to community recovery through a package of five projects valued at $222 million that re-establish property rights, build houses, empower community decision-making and improve neighbourhood infrastructure. Through assistance from a network of over 13,000 facilitators reaching all urban and rural villages in Aceh and Nias, village communities assess their own needs, plan activities, make decisions democratically and implement their projects, with full control of finances and a strong accountability mechanism. Important results delivered through community- based mechanisms, to date, are: Preparation of more than 138,000 land titles to enable communities to rebuild homes, business and public facilities. Over 6,000 houses rebuilt or under construction and over 8,400 houses repaired or under repair Reconstruction of 1,915 km of village roads and 710 bridges. Financing of key local facilities, including 1,143 irrigation and drainage units, 688 clean water and reservoir projects, 632 sanitation facilities, 240 schools, 40 health posts and 118 community centres. Provision of 7,082 scholarships and micro-credits valued at $341,000 to 3,685 individuals and 340 groups. Generation of over 10 million person-days of employment. Multi Donor BRR Total Recovery of Communities $ million $ million $ million Reconstruction of Aceh Land Administration 28.50 28.50 System Project (RALAS) Kecamatan Development Project (KDP) 64.70 64.70 Urban Poverty Program (UPP) 17.96 17.96 Community-based Settlement Rehabilitation and 85.00 85.00 Reconstruction Project (REKOMPAK) Nias Kecamatan-Based Recovery and Planning 12.88 12.88 25.75 Project (KRRP) Total Recovery of Communities 209.04 12.88 221.91 7 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 "This school is the first elementary school ever in our village. This school was built through KDP at the request of the community and the village head." Ibu Mariati is a volunteer teacher at SD Swasta Paya Dua, Idi Rayeuk, Aceh Timur. The elementary school has 50 students, 25 girls and 25 boys. A village in Aceh Tengah, used their KDP grant to build a primary school Infrastructure and Transport The Multi Donor Fund's portfolio has addressed critical gaps in infrastructure and transport through support to emergency needs and long-term reconstruction. Assistance to the BRR's Immediate Action Program has helped ease several bottlenecks in the reconstruction process: A Multi Donor Fund-financed shipping service has delivered 88,000 metric tonnes of construction goods to Aceh and Nias in the absence of commercial carriers. The design of three port facilities on the west coast of Aceh has been completed and one other is near completion. Completed designs are submitted to the BRR for financing, and the construction of ports may start in 2007. Installed 11 flood valves and completed designs for another 105 flood valves and three pumping stations to protect vulnerable areas of Banda Aceh from flooding. Keeping open a 52km stretch of road from Lamno to Calang by conducting emergency road and maintenance works while the permanent road is under construction. The Multi Donor Fund and the BRR have developed a comprehensive approach to the reconstruction of infrastructure by combining a $42 million technical assistance package with a $291 million infrastructure financing facility. The technical assistance component provides support to the BRR and local governments in their planning, identification of priority infrastructure, design of the infrastructure and management of the implementation of these projects at village, district and provincial levels. These projects will be financed by the infrastructure financing facility, for which BRR will provide 70 % of the funds. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 8 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Multi Donor BRR Total Infrastructure and Transport $ million $ million $ million Sea Delivery and Logistics Project 24.70 24.70 Tsunami Recovery Ports Redevelopment Program 3.58 3.58 Flood Mitigation Program for Banda Aceh 4.50 4.50 Infrastructure Reconstruction Enabling Program - (IREP) 42.00 42.00 Infrastructure Reconstruction Financing Facility - (IRFF) 100.00 191.00 291.00 Lamno-Calang Road Maintenance Project 1.00 1.00 Total Infrastructure and Transport 175.78 191.00 366.78 "When I heard about IREP, I immediately thought that it would further improve the working relationship between the current BRR regional office and the local government as they will work closely together." Bapak Basri Emka, acting District Head of Aceh Jaya The Lamno-Calang road needs urgent repairs, so transport of reconstruction materials can continue. Building Capacities The Multi Donor Fund supports building capacities of many stakeholders of the reconstruction, including central and local governments, civil society organizations, community-based organizations and private contractors. Through a $14.7 million grant to the BRR, the Fund has strengthened the agency's planning, coordination and implementation capacities. Results include financing BRR's IT, legal and HR functions; a quality assurance team that operated to oversee the BRR's portfolio, including the development of a monitoring database for 860 government projects; and supporting 40 technical experts to assist the BRR in policy development and implementation support for instance in education, governance, project management, health, infrastructure and gender empowerment. To build local government capacity, the Support for Poor and Disadvantaged Areas project provides support to all district governments in Aceh and Nias to promote participatory planning and effective financial management and monitoring of their activities, particularly in health and education. Several district sanitation departments have also received waste management support through on the job training, development of upgraded dumpsites and provision of heavy equipment for waste collection and treatment. This has resulted in rehabilitation of land, clearing of tsunami waste and collection of municipal waste. Local government staff has also received training in the management of the rehabilitation and maintenance of district roads, including contract management, procurement and financial management. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 9 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 This has resulted in the awarding of contracts to 21 local entities to rehabilitate roads in Aceh Besar, Pidie, Bireuen and Nias. Local entities potentially bidding for road repair contracts have also been trained in contract pricing, the competitive bidding process and using a labor-intensive road rehabilitation method to repair up to 150km of roads in Aceh and Nias. Initial costing of the first 18km indicates that this method is cost-effective compared to alternative approaches. The Multi Donor Fund has also provided a $6 million grant to enhance the capacities of civil society organizations and community-based organizations in project management, community development, leadership building, gender-related issues and monitoring and evaluation techniques. Multi Donor BRR Total Capacity Building and Governance $ million $ million $ million Support for Poor and Disadvantaged Areas 25.00 14.60 39.60 Nias Kecamatan-Based Recovery and Planning Project 12.88 12.88 25.75 Technical Support for the BRR 14.74 14.74 Labor-based Rural Road Rehabilitation 6.42 6.42 Support to Strengthen the Role and Capacity of CSOs 6.00 6.00 Total Capacity Building and Governance 65.03 27.48 92.50 "Our people have been isolated because of bad roads, so I'm very happy that the Multi Donor Fund and the International Labour Organization can build roads to provide for this urgent need and train local contractors and public works staff." Bapak Binahati , District Head of Nias district 150 km of roads are being rebuilt using labor-intensive methods. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 10 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Sustaining the Environment The Multi Donor Fund is one of the largest financiers of initiatives promoting the sustainable management of the environment. This sector is currently the largest under-funded sector in the reconstruction. A waste management initiative cleared over one million cubic meters of debris, collected more than 88,000 m3 of municipal waste in eight districts, rehabilitated 627 hectares of rice paddies and recycled over 17,000 m3 of tsunami wood used for construction and carpentry. The Multi Donor Fund also supports a forest and environment project that protects the Leuser and Ulu Masen forest ecosystems, covering a 3.3 million hectare area. This project protects key environmental services including water supply, biodiversity and erosion control and will result in the largest ecological corridor in South East Asia. Through forging a strong alliance with the provincial government, the BRR and local NGOs, the project has already setup a Timber Information Centre for reconstruction agencies, conducted regular forest monitoring, introduced conservation concerns into the ongoing spatial planning process in Aceh and involved traditional leaders and communities in the development of agro-foresty activities and planting of tens of thousands of seedlings. Sustainable Management for the Multi Donor Environment $ million Tsunami Recovery Waste 14.43 Management Program Aceh Forest and Environment 17.53 Project Total Sustainable Management of 31.96 the Environment Tsunami wood is sorted, recycled and re-used in the tsunami waste management project. Supporting Livelihoods The Multi Donor Fund supports livelihoods by integrating employment creation and wealth generation in specific projects. This includes cash-for-work, full-time employment, village- stipends, micro-credit, training on waste management, contract preparation and bidding, road rehabilitation, and creation of alternative incomes in agriculture and recycling. In combination, these investments have already created the equivalent of 48,000 full-time jobs, making the Multi Donor Fund the largest non-governmental employer in the recovery process. The challenge in the future is to support initiatives that promote the economies of Aceh and Nias in the long- term, such as improving the area's investment climate and promoting agricultural and industrial development. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 11 New houses under construction in Blang Oi ­ Banda Aceh. A family plays with their new generation in the house they built with a Multi Donor Fund housing grant. Opportunities and Challenges Supporting Long Term Development Increasingly the overarching challenge for the recovery process in Aceh and Nias is to anticipate the transition from reconstruction to long-term development. The BRR and Bappeda (local government planning agency) have set up an economic task force to jointly identify and develop sectoral strategies, which can then be integrated into the regional development framework. Ahead of the task force completing its work, a challenge for the Multi Donor Fund is to ensure that its projects are synchronized with local and regional development goals. One way to pursue this is to foster appropriate levels of local government involvement in projects. As well as promoting continuity once the reconstruction phase concludes, such local government involvement can also build their capacity in the development sector. Filling the Gaps The $160 million still available in the Multi Donor Fund gives it the opportunity to support long-term development, as well as continuing to fill critical gaps in the recovery process. However there is an urgent need for trustworthy information that provides 1) an accurate picture of the region's economic environment; and 2) an overall assessment of the progress of the recovery process including a recovery portfolio identifying what has been built and what gaps remain. The BRR with support from other partners are currently working towards collecting this information. The Fund will need to make its decision on allocation of remaining resources soon, both to ensure speedy delivery of results to beneficiaries, and that projects can be completed before the Multi Donor Fund's mandate ends on the 30 June 2010. Operational Challenges At an operational level, Multi Donor Fund activities also face budgetary and staffing challenges in maintaining the smooth operations of its existing projects. Where funds are channelled through the national budget, the Government must ensure a smooth transition from the 2006 national budget into the 2007 budget to prevent disruption of its "on-budget" projects. The competitive labor market makes recruitment of national project staff for operations and implementation increasingly difficult, and can slow down projects during the start-up phase. In responding to these opportunities and challenges, the Multi Donor Fund must also maintain an ongoing information flow to beneficiaries, some of whom will become increasingly impatient with the recovery process. The Fund will continue to communicate to beneficiaries and encourage them to provide feedback. 13 A village in Tamiang, Kecamatan Manyak Payed, repaired their damaged bridge. Finances Pledges The Multi Donor Fund has a total of $ 655 million pledges from 15 different donors. Table 1 shows the different sources of pledges. Table 1: Sources of Pledges Source Total of Pledges $ % Total of Pledges European Commission* 253.6 39% Government of the Netherlands 173.5 26% Government of the United Kingdom* 72.4 11% World Bank 25.0 4% Government of Sweden 20.0 3.1% Government of Denmark 18.0 2.8% Government of Norway 18.0 2.8% Government of Germany 13.8 1.5% Government of Canada 11.0 1.7% Government of Belgium* 10.1 1.6% Government of Finland* 10.1 1.6% Asian Development Bank 10.0 1.5% Government of the United States 10.0 1.5% Government of New Zealand 8.8 1.4% Government of Ireland 1.2 0.2% Total Contributions 655.5 * Exchange rate as at 31 October 2006, Source World Bank 15 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Cash Available As of 30 November 2006, over 78% (or $506 million) of pledges have been formalized through contribution agreements. The majority of the pledges not yet committed are the new funds from the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany. The Fund expects to sign agreements for all outstanding pledges by early 2007. Of the $506 million, the Multi Donor Fund has already received $371 million for its operations. This includes $364 million from donors and $7 million from investment income. Cash projections are monitored on a regular basis to ensure that the Multi Donor Fund always has sufficient funds to continue operations. Graph 1 Allocations Allocation of MDF funds by Sector The Multi Donor Fund has allocated $482 million to 17 projects in four Sustainable sectors: recovery of communities, Management of the infrastructure and transport, capacity Environment 7% building and governance and sustainable Capacity Building and management of the environment. The Governance 13% BRR has contributed $231 million of its Recovery of Communities own funds to co-finance three of the 17 43% projects. Graph 1 shows the breakdown of the portfolio according to the sectors. Infrastructure and Transport 37% Disbursements As of 30 November 2006, the Multi Donor Fund has disbursed $214 million to projects. The majority of these disbursements have been to the Government of Indonesia. This is because approximately 87% of the Multi Donor Fund's portfolio is "on-budget" projects. Two United Nations agencies ­ the World Food Programme and the United Nations Development Programme ­ have also received $55.7 million, while three NGOs have received $2.5 million. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 16 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Outlook Graph 2 Graph 2 shows the expected timing for allocations and disbursements during the Allocations and Disbursements lifetime of the Fund. Since the mandate of 700 the Multi Donor Fund ends in June 2010, the 600 remaining $160 million should be allocated 500 by 2007. For new investments, the Fund may choose to further diversify its operations 400 $ million through the addition of new projects, or 300 extend the scope or duration of proven 200 performers within its current portfolio. 100 Project activities should peak in 2007 and 2008. By the end of 2009, the Multi Donor 0 Fund should have disbursed all monies to 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 project accounts. Allocations Disbursements For more information log on to www.multidonorfund.org 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 17 Schoolchildren enjoy running over the new bridge, financed by the Multi Donor Fund. Project Fact Sheets The following pages give a short overview of each project in the Multi Donor Fund portfolio, highlighting their objectives and achievements so far. Project Portfolio of the Multi Donor Fund for Aceh and Nias Multi Donor Fund Projects Grant Amount $ million Reconstruction of Aceh Land Administration System Project 28.50 Community Recovery through the Kecamatan Development Project (KDP) 64.70 Community Recovery through the Urban Poverty Program (UPP) 17.96 Community-Based Settlement Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project 85.00 for NAD and Nias Technical Support for Badan Rehabilitasi Rekonstruksi (BRR) NAD-Nias 14.74 Tsunami Recovery Waste Management Program 14.43 Support to Strengthen the Role and Capacity of CSOs in the Recovery of 6.00 Aceh Labor-based Rural Road Rehabilitation in Aceh 6.42 WFP Shipping Service 24.70 Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Ports 3.58 Aceh Forest and Environment Project 17.53 Flood Mitigation Program for Banda Aceh 4.50 Infrastructure Reconstruction Financing Program 42.00 Nias Kecamatan-Based Recovery and Planning Project 25.75 Support for Poor and Disadvantaged Areas 25.00 Infrastructure Reconstruction Enabling Financing Facility 100.00 Road and Bridge Repair Lamno-Calang 1.25 Total Projects 482.06 19 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Kecamatan Development Project Implementation Grant Amount: $ 64.7 million Planned Implementation September 2005 ­ June 2007 Period: Partner Agency: World Bank Implementing Ministry of Home Affairs Agency: Disbursements: $ 60.60 million The Kecamatan Development Project (KDP) provides block grants directly to villages to use for community-led reconstruction. This will support restoration of community infrastructure in up to 6000 villages in Aceh and Nias. The community-driven development structures established by KDP guide communities to decide on priority needs in terms of tertiary infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, sanitation, schools etc, and support for economic activities or socially vulnerable groups. Under the Multi Donor Fund, KDP was extended to achieve area-wide village coverage in Aceh and Nias. The largest part of the funds ($49m) is directly transferred to sub-districts as block grants. KDP has a solid multi-layered control mechanism to prevent corruption throughout planning and implementation of village projects. Achievements to date To date, all allocated block grants have been disbursed to sub-district accounts, and all villages have either completed their activities or are in the final stages of construction. More than 90% of the funds were used for infrastructure. All sub-projects are expected to be completed by March 2007. Results Planned Achievements Roads repaired/constructed (km) 1,988 1,914 Bridges repaired/constructed (unit) 945 710 Irrigation and drainage (units) 1,274 1,143 Clean water projects (units) 384 360 Water storage reservoirs (units) 118 118 Sanitation units 738 499 Markets 10 8 School buildings 267 221 Health clinics/posts 33 30 Value of scholarships and US$ 379,000 US$ 318,027 number of recipients 6,052 6,022 Amount for loans US$ 403,380 US$ 340,989 · number of recipients · 4,045 · 3,685 · number of businesses/groups · 345 · 340 Persons employed through sub- NA 93,738 projects Workdays generated NA 3,293,175 Emergency relief funds US$ 3,056,599 US$ 2,970,034 In Nias, the community provided a loan to set-up this small shop. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 20 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Urban Poverty Program Implementation Grant Amount: $ 18 million Planned Implementation September 2005 ­ December 2009 Period: Partner Agency: World Bank Implementing Ministry of Home Affairs Agency: Disbursements: $ 15.60 million The Urban Poverty Program (UPP) provides block grants directly to urban neighborhoods to rehabilitate and develop community infrastructure in 402 urban neighborhoods in Aceh that were affected by the tsunami while the remaining communities are being covered by the national Urban Poverty Program. The Urban Poverty Program promotes a bottom-up participatory planning approach to identify core needs for the reconstruction and the resumption of economic activities in urban neighborhoods. It builds on democratically-elected neighborhood committees and the involvement of volunteers to conduct damage assessments, develop draft community development plans, and prioritize activities to be funded through the project. Community participation and empowerment are crucial to the success of the project. Achievements to date To date, the project has expanded to cover all 402 target communities. All of these have received initial funds and are implementing their jointly planned activities. They are targeted to be completed in March 2007. Results Planned* Achievements Roads repaired/reconstructed in km 555 121 Reconstruction of bridges in m 4,721 586 Drainage (in km) 68 91 Clean water projects (units) 5,538 92 Sanitation units 2,981 133 School buildings 119 19 Students receiving scholarships 8,449 1,060 Health clinics/posts 75 10 Waste disposal facilities 5,168 242 Building of town/village hall 528 118 Work days generated 315,00 Social Aid funds 25,577 3,125 A new clean water system was needed and built. * These figures represent all community-level needs that have been identified through the UPP process. They cannot be funded out of project means, but show the scope of need on community level. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 21 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Community-Based Settlement Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project Implementation Grant Amount: $ 85 million Planned Implementation September 2005 ­ August 2007 Period: Partner Agency: World Bank Implementing Ministry of Home Affairs Agency: Disbursements: $ 68.16 million The Community-Based Settlement Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project provides grants to 125 communities to rebuild and repair houses and rehabilitate their settlement infrastructure through a community-driven approach. Building on the community-driven development structures of UPP, communities jointly carry out mapping and damage assessment exercises to establish construction needs and to identify beneficiaries. The project mostly fills remaining gaps for housing in 125 communities. Grant recipients will rebuild about 6,000 houses and repair about 8,400 houses. The project also provides reconstruction grants that help fill gaps in the recovery of tertiary infrastructure. Housing facilitators ensure that the quality of all works is up to standard. The community-driven approach has proven to be efficient in rebuilding houses within the span of a few months and creates strong ownership with the beneficiaries and a sense of pride in their achievements. Achievements to date Results Targets Achievement Houses reconstructed 6,059 · Complete 1000 · Under construction 5,059 Houses rehabilitated 8,400* · Complete 1,100 · Under construction 1,500 Work - days generated 5,185,829 * Final needs for rehabilitation are still being established in the 125 villages. 2,100 houses are completed and 6,559 are under construction or repair. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 22 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Reconstruction of Aceh Land Administration System Project Implementation Planned Grant Amount: $ 28.5 million Implementation August 2005 ­ June 2008 Period: Partner Agency: World Bank Implementing National Land Administration Agency Agency: (BPN) Disbursements: $ 11.70 million The Reconstruction of Aceh Land Administration System Project identifies land ownership and issues land titles through a community land inventory, recovery of land records, and establishment of a land database. Over three years, an estimated 600,000 landowners in Aceh and Nias will receive legal title documents which will provide them with a solid foundation for restarting their lives. All land ownership is restored through a multi-tiered process. Facilitated by NGOs or Land Administration Agency (BPN), communities conduct a land inventory process that is the first step to enable them to rebuilding their communities. This is done in accordance with the guidelines of BPN. After that, BPN adjudicates the results by measuring the parcels and validating community agreements on ownership and boundary demarcation. These results are also checked against pre-tsunami documents. Eventually, BPN publicizes adjudication results for four weeks, followed by registration and issuance of the land titles. All services are free of charge. The project also establishes a modern land administration data base to prevent the loss of documentation caused by a tsunami in the future. Achievements to date The project has made strong progress on supporting the community inventory process for more than 138,000 parcels, nearly reaching the intermediate target of 150,000 land parcels in those areas that were hit hardest by the tsunami. This is a crucial step for communities to start the recovery of their settlements. More than 27,000 titles have been registered in the land book, ultimately securing property rights Results Achievements Land titles distributed 7,703 Land titles already signed but not 9,687 yet distributed to owners Land parcels out for public 82,946 notification Land parcels adjudicated 104,490 Land parcels officially surveyed 134,291 by BPN Community land mapping 138,722 Land titles give landowners legal security and a solid foundation for restarting their lives. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 23 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Technical Support for Badan Rehabilitasi dan Rekonstruksi (BRR) NAD-Nias Implementation Grant Amount: $ 14. 8 million Planned Implementation July 2005 ­ June 2007 Period: Partner Agency: United Nations Development Programme Implementing BRR Agency: Disbursements: $ 11.00 million The Technical Assistance to BRR Project supports the recovery agency to efficiently implement its mandate in planning, implementing, supervision and coordination of the recovery process through provision of technical support and key services. This project enables BRR to recruit consultants and firms with the best skills and expertise available from national and international markets. Project support consists of (i) recruitment of individual consultants, (ii) the procurement of key services for BRR operations, and (iii) and enhancing transparency in decision making and strengthened participation of all stakeholders. Achievements to date To date, the project has hired 40 technical experts to assist various departments within BRR in the effective implementation of their tasks. Examples of services are development of guidelines and policies, support to tendering processes, and quality assessment for BRR-implemented projects. Also, operational services such as legal support, support to human resource management, installation and management of IT have been contracted through external companies. Further, the BRR Anti-Corruption Unit and the Relocation Unit ­ both addressing critical issues of the reconstruction process ­ were set up through this funding. Technical experts do field visits to assess the quality of BRR-implemented projects. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 24 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Tsunami Recovery Waste Management Programme Grant Amount: $ 14.5 million Implementation Planned Implementation Banda Aceh, Aceh Barat/ Nagan Raya, Period: Pidie, Aceh Jaya, Nias, Nias Selatan, Aceh Besar Partner Agency: United Nations Development Programme Implementing United Nations Development Agency: Programme in cooperation with local governments Disbursements: $ 11.0 million The Tsunami Recovery Waste Management Programme builds government capacity in waste management, creates immediate employment and longer-term livelihoods in waste management and provides benefits to the environment through collection, recovery and recycling of waste materials. The project provides a coordinated response to the public health concerns and environmental impacts of tsunami and earthquake waste, and municipal solid waste. Much of the disaster waste is recycled, with potential for use in rehabilitation and reconstruction. The project also aims to create employment through "cash for work" and sustainable livelihoods in recycling related activities, paying special attention to vulnerable groups such as women and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Achievements to date The project has made strong progress on removing tsunami generated waste, clearing 627ha of rice paddies alone. Municipal waste services in eight districts have resumed, supported through setting up or upgrading of interim land fills. While three carpentry workshops have already been set up to recycle tsunami wood into furniture, further sustainable livelihood creation programs are currently under development. Results Oct `06 Tsunami generated waste cleared (m3) 1,060,307 Municipal waste collected (m3) 88,308 Size of upgraded dump sites (waste cells in ha) 1635 Rice paddies/fish ponds/private property 669 recovered Tsunami wood stockpiled (m3) 17,442 Wood processed for recycling (m3) 1,398 Roads built with recycled rubble (km) 52 Temporary workers employed in waste 1,451 collection/ treatment (average number in October) 69% % of IDPs 38% % of women Workers employed in carpentry workshops 219 (average persons per day in October) Tsunami wood is recycled into new furniture. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 25 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Strengthening Civil Society Organizations in Community Recovery in Aceh and Nias Implementation Grant Amount: $ 6 million Planned Implementation December 2005­ December 2009 Period: Partner Agency: United Nations Development Programme Implementing United Nations Development Agency: Programme Disbursements: $ 3 million This project will provide up to 80 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and over 200 Community- Based Organizations (CBOs) with training in organizational and project management, community development, leadership building, gender-related issues and monitoring and evaluation techniques. NGOs and their networks will be strengthened to monitor the progress of the reconstruction and provide feedback to the Government and reconstruction agencies. CBOs will be enabled to support communities with sustainable measures that contribute to community empowerment, livelihoods creation and poverty reduction. Organizations participating in training will be eligible for community development grants to support initiatives such as building basic social services and income generating activities, or grants for conducting community-based reconstruction monitoring. This will enable NGOs and communities to increasingly contribute to the reconstruction process, based on strong community involvement. Achievements to date This project was designed with strong involvement of local NGOs and the local government and maintains intensive communication with NGOs as beneficiaries. By the end of the year, a strategic review of civil society organizations in Aceh will have been completed. 40 small grants will have been disbursed to support income generating activities as a pilot activity, while training of CSOs will have started in parallel. An NGO Resources Center is under preparation. Civil society training 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 26 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Local Resource-Based Road Works in Aceh and Nias Implementation Grant Amount: $ 6.5 million Planned Implementation January 2006­ February 2008 Period: Partner Agency: United Nations Development Programme Implementing International Labour Organization Agency: Disbursements: $ 2.42 million This project builds capacities of local governments and contractors to reconstruct and maintain roads with low-tech methods. It will rehabilitate district level roads in five districts in Aceh and Nias, drawing on local resources, creating short-term and long-term employment opportunities. This project trains local governments to effectively manage reconstruction and maintenance of district level roads and small contractors to build roads with cost-effective local resource-based methods. Using local work force and a low-tech approach will enable contractors to compete for road construction and maintenance works in the recovery process and beyond. The project provides short-term employment opportunities in the rehabilitation of roads and longer-term opportunities in maintenance of roads. It pursues strong stakeholder involvement, including community involvement as an important part of the planning and implementation processes on the ground. Achievements to date The project has started training 21 local contractors and 22 government officials. It further awarded first contracts for the rehabilitation of 18 km of road in the districts of Nias, Aceh Besar, Pidie and Bireuen. Labor intensive road works by local contractors create employment. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 27 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Sea Delivery and Logistics Program Implementation Grant Amount: $ 24.7 million Planned Implementation March 2006 ­ December 2006 Period: Partner Agency: World Food Programme Implementing World Food Programme Agency: Disbursements: $ 24.7 million This project provides shipping services and logistics support to all reconstruction agencies in Aceh and Nias through the establishment of a sea freight service along the north and west coasts of Aceh and the islands of Simeulue and Nias. The Sea Delivery and Logistics Program has also provided emergency rehabilitation measures to selected ports and heavy equipment to increase the accessibility of various landing sites for larger vessels. Through operation of landing vessels along the coasts of Aceh, Nias and Simeulue the project enabled transportation to destinations that are otherwise difficult to reach. Achievements to date Over the last 12 months the project transported 88,000 metric tons of relief and reconstruction goods for 80 users to over 25 landing ports. Major discharging ports for the transported goods to date have been Gunung Sitoli on Nias, Sinabang on Simeulue, Calang and Pulo Aceh, three of which are island destinations. It served International Red Cross Agencies (51%), UN Agencies (25%), other NGOs and reconstruction agencies (20%) and the government (4%). Special vessels are used to off-load reconstruction materials on difficult landing sites like this beach. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 28 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Tsunami Recovery Port Redevelopment Programme Implementation Grant Amount: $ 3.58 million Planned Implementation December 2005 - December 2006 Period: Partner Agency: United Nations Development Programme Implementing United Nations Development Agency: Programme Disbursements: $ 3.58 million This project provides physical designs for the reconstruction of three major sea ports in Aceh and Nias. It contributes to the transportation of reconstruction goods and economic recovery in the longer term. The project prepares detailed designs for port reconstruction in Calang, Sinabang (on Simeulue) and Gunung Sitoli (in Nias) as well as for a river port in Lamno. The project also improves the functionality of several ports through minor rehabilitation works and the construction of temporary wharves. All activities have been coordinated with the BRR, the Agency for Transport, and the Department of Sea Communications and complements work done in other ports of Aceh. They are also based on close consultation with local governments, communities and representatives of local fishermen and other sea related stakeholders. Achievements to date This project has nearly completed the redesign of sea ports in Calang, Sinabang and a river port in Lamno. In Gunung Sitoli the project reviews a previous design. Temporary wharves and other works are either completed or close to completion. In a next step these designs will be funded through BRR. This wharf in Gunung Sitoli, Nias, is under reconstruction. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 29 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Aceh Forest and Environment Project Implementation Grant Amount: $ 17.5 million Planned Implementation February 2006 ­ June 2009 Period: Partner Agency: World Bank Implementing Leuser International Foundation; Fauna Agency: and Flora International Disbursements: $ 2.04 million The project will protect the Leuser and Ulu Masen forest ecosystems from illegal logging. The 3.3 million hectare area is the largest contiguous forested area in South East Asia with the richest biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, rhinos and orangutans. Sound protection of these forests will ensure continuous provision of water supply to 60% of the Acehnese population, flood prevention and mitigation of erosion. The project responds to current challenges of timber supply and demand in reconstruction. It seeks an appropriate balance between protecting forests and providing economic benefits and livelihood opportunities to local communities. Protection is based on a multi-stakeholder governance framework, forest monitoring and protection systems, and sustainable forest management, including capacity building for government forest and park management agencies. Environmental sustainability of the reconstruction in Aceh will further be promoted through support to spatial planning, environmental awareness campaigns, and community-based rehabilitation activities. Achievements to date Through forging a strong alliance with the provincial government, the BRR and local NGOs, the project is working to involve all relevant stakeholders in its agenda. It has already set up a Timber Information Centre for reconstruction agencies, conducts regular forest monitoring activities, and started training forest monitors hailing from forest bordering communities. It also works with local governments to introduce conservation concerns into the ongoing spatial planning process in Aceh. Finally, in close cooperation with traditional leaders and communities, development of agro-forestry activities and planting of tens of thousands of seedlings is ongoing. A small peanut-cultivation initiative provides alternative income to the community. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 30 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Flood Mitigation Program for Banda Aceh Implementation Planned Grant Amount: $ 4.5 million Implementation January 2006 ­ December 2007 Period: Partner Agency: World Bank Implementing Muslim Aid Agency: Disbursements: $ 0.48 million The Flood Mitigation Program for Banda Aceh will protect the most vulnerable communities of Banda Aceh against flooding through the installation of more than 100 flood check valves and reconstruction of three pumping stations in areas that are prone to regular flooding through rainfall and river and tidal flooding. The destruction of flood gates as well as pumping stations has resulted in periodic flooding of the low- lying areas of Banda Aceh. Without flood protection, reconstructed public and private goods are prone to new damage. The project tackles this problem through installation of state-of-the-art rubber flood valves and the partial restoration of the pumping system, and smaller drainage rehabilitation works. It closely coordinates with the overall drainage and flood prevention reconstruction plan of Japanese government. The project closely cooperates with the Municipal Government to ensure maintenance and sustainability of the installed hardware, and will continue to provide technical support after completion of the construction phase. Achievements to date Earlier in 2006, the project installed 11 flood valves to prevent tidal flooding and drain the surrounding areas in one of the most flood prone areas of Banda Aceh. This activity has also served as pilot to test technical and maintenance aspects of the newly introduced rubber flood valves. Further, design plans were completed for the reconstruction of three out of ten pumping stations, and for the rehabilitation of 105 sluice and flap gates in Banda Aceh to be replaced with the aforementioned flood valves. The main works are expected to start early 2007 and finish in late 2007. Newly installed flood valves reduce the risk of flooding in Banda Aceh. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 31 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Infrastructure Reconstruction Enabling Program Implementation Planned Grant Amount: $42 million Implementation July 2006 ­ September 2009 Period: Partner Agency: World Bank Implementing BRR Agency: The Infrastructure Reconstruction Enabling Project (IREP) enables a coordinated reconstruction of infrastructure in Aceh and Nias. It provides physical infrastructure designs and implementation support for heavily impacted areas at the Acehnese west coast and Nias. Additional resources will support the BRR in planning and coordinating infrastructure reconstruction through state-of-the-art international services. IREP provides technical assistance at two levels. An Infrastructure Program Management Team, under the supervision of the BRR, will assist in strategic planning and coordination of all infrastructure activities. Concurrently, district-based technical teams develop detailed infrastructure designs and provide implementation support for the west coast of Aceh, Nias, and selected provincial and national level infrastructure projects. These designs will be funded through the Infrastructure Reconstruction Funding Facility, co-financed by the Multi Donor Fund and the BRR. All local stakeholders are closely involved in the project. Local governments in particular, are important partners of the project to strengthen their capacities in strategic planning, project design, implementation and supervision, and are thus put in charge of the region's future development. IREP will focus on ensuring that investments are sustainable, and that local governments are prepared for the post-BRR setting. Achievements to date The project has started preparing initial infrastructure construction contracts to be executed in 2007. At the same time, procurement of the substantive consultant packages to manage the overall program and to prepare designs, and conduct implementation and supervision is underway. It is expected that all IREP consultants are mobilized at the end of March 2007. IREP designs still unmet key infrastructure needs, like this road, and may get funded under IRFF. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 32 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Infrastructure Reconstruction Enabling Financing Facility Implementation Planned Grant Amount: $300 million (incl. $191 million BRR co- financing) Implementation July 2006 ­ December 2009 Period: Partner Agency: World Bank Implementing BRR Agency: The Infrastructure Reconstruction Financing Facility (IRFF) is a BRR co-financed project providing funds for key infrastructure projects identified through the Infrastructure Reconstruction Enabling Program. IRFF will increase the flexibility of BRR to fund infrastructure activities, allowing projects to be funded as soon as they are ready. The project targets district and province infrastructure needs identified through the Infrastructure Reconstruction Enabling Project (IREP) framework. Like IREP, it strongly emphasizes capacity building for local and provincial governments by jointly deciding on the source of funding for the identified infrastructure projects. Together, both projects strive to contribute to the BRR's exit strategy of progressively involving local governments and eventually handing over decision-making and implementation responsibilities to them. Achievements to date Project preparation has been completed and it is expected that funds will be available early 2007. Meanwhile the preparation of reconstruction projects to be financed is going on to ensure that works can be started in a timely manner. Many villages like this one, still need key infrastructure, IRFF provides funding as local governments decide on priority needs. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 33 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Kecamatan Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Planning Project for Nias Grant Amount: $ 51.5 million (incl. $25.75 million BRR Implementation co-financing) Planned Implementation June 2006 ­ June 2009 Period: Partner Agency: World Bank Executing Agency: BRR Implementing Ministry of Home Affairs Agency: ­ Implemented by the Directorate General for Communities and villages The Kecamatan Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Planning Project for Nias (KRRP) provides block grants for the reconstruction of 5,000 houses, 100 schools and other public infrastructure in Nias. KRRP builds on the KDP participatory planning process and strives to enhance sectoral planning of district governments. Reconstruction in Nias is difficult due to the remoteness of many areas, overall poverty, and the generally poor quality of the island's infrastructure. Local government capacities were low even before the tsunami, and the cultural diversity of the island requires local solutions that respect community norms and values. The project contributes to the rehabilitation of two priority areas in the reconstruction of Nias: housing and education. It will construct some 5,000 houses, following the approach of the Multi Donor Fund Housing and Settlement Project in Aceh. It will also reconstruct 100 schools and 100 sub-district/village assembly halls. KRRP has a window for the promotion of cultural heritage. The project also strengthens local governments' ability to facilitate community-led planning in the future. Achievements to date The project has recruited project management consultants. Training of these consultants and of additional housing facilitators to support the KDP Nias facilitators on the ground is planned to commence in December 2006. The project cycle for community planning and implementation of activities is scheduled to start in January 2007. It is expected that block grants will be made available before end of March 2007. Nias will receive grants for 5,000 houses and 100 schools and other infrastructure. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 34 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Support for Poor and Disadvantaged Areas Project Implementation Project Amount $39.6 million (incl. $14.6 million BRR Planned co-financing) Implementation July 2006 ­ June 2009 Period Partner Agency World Bank Executing Agency BRR Implementing Ministry of Home Affairs Agency The Support for Poor and Disadvantaged Areas Project (SPADA) strengthens district government capacities to promote the longer-term development of the province. It links the participatory sub- district planning process of KDP to district government decision-making, and provides block grants to improve public services and the recovery of economic infrastructure. District government capacities to provide adequate public services are low. It is important to strengthen their capacities ensuring that they will be able to provide sustainable, long-term development. This project provides block grants to all districts in Aceh and Nias to fund larger, technically demanding projects that emerge from sub-district planning within the KDP mechanism. Projects are selected by district development committees. Thirty percent of grants are reserved for health and education. The project will promote the improvement of the economic environment through infrastructure investments. To strengthen the capacities of local governments, a combination of training, practical exercises, and technical support will be offered throughout the project. Achievements to date The project has taken up its activities in all 19 districts of Aceh and Nias. Special education and health consultants are working on their initial task of health/ education district needs survey. Procurement and financial training for local government officials has started. The project will first introduce participatory district planning in January 2007, followed by disbursement of block grants in the first quarter of the year. This group prepares for the SPADA project, involving local government officials. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 35 PROGRESS REPORT III DECEMBER 2006 Lamno-Calang Road Maintenance Project Implementation Planned Grant amount: $ 1.2 million Implementation October 2006 ­ May 2007 period: Partner Agency: United Nations Development Programme Implementing United Nations Development Agency: Programme The Lamno-Calang Road Maintenance Project is intended to maintain the road from Lamno to Calang for a period of eight months, while permanent rehabilitation works are put in place. The purpose of the project is to ensure uninterrupted overland access to tsunami-affected communities on the west coast of Aceh to facilitate the reconstruction process and to promote the social and economic recovery in Aceh. Development along the road stretch between Lamno-Calang continues to lag behind in terms of investment because the road condition remains problematic and is sometimes impassable to traffic. Truck overloading and poor maintenance results in very poor travel conditions especially during the rainy season. This project provides urgently needed continuous maintenance services to keep the road passable for a period of eight months. After this, it is expected that more permanent road works will be conducted through USAID for those parts of the road that align with the USAID design; while it is planned that the remaining parts of the road will be upgraded to a district level road by a separate project. Achievements to date Priority emergency repairs are being undertaken to ensure that the road remains passable. Contracting of a construction company that will conduct the works throughout the project is close to completion. The maintenance of this road is crucial for transportation of reconstruction goods along the west coast. 18 Months of the Multi Donor Fund. Implementing Projects, Achieving Results 36 Republic of Indonesia BRR European Commission Netherlands United Kingdom World Bank Norway Denmark Canada Sweden ADB Germany United States of America Belgium Finland New Zealand Ireland www.multidonorfund.org Contact the Multi Donor Fund Secretariat Jakarta Office Jakarta Stock Exchange Building Tower 2, 13th Floor | Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Jakarta 12190 Indonesia | Phone: +62 21 5299 3000 Aceh Office World Bank Office Aceh | Jl. Peurada Utama No. 11A, Gampong Peurada, Kec. Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23115, Indonesia | Phone: +62 651 755 1176 Front cover: Turning recycled tsunami wood into new furniture.