Progress Reports for Active Project Preparation and Capacity Building Grant Africa Region – Grant Progress Reports Angola Second Social Action Fund Project $674,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives The funds are used to finance technical support, workshops, information-education-communication campaigns and study tours required to prepare the Second Social Action Fund Project. The technical support focuses on: (i) Client Consultation; (ii) Targeting; (iii) Community Empowerment; (iv) Governance; and (v) Institutional Development. Status Project is expected to become effective at the end of October, 2000. Impact Consultant services were extremely beneficial to Project preparation. Burkina Faso Quality Circle Component (Component Of Sal) $700,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives Improvement of the private sector capacity by expanding QCC activities in the companies - Stabilization of effective & accountable Public Sector, with specific programs for civil servants - Capacity building of QCC Associations to achieve sustainability (support of ABCERQ Secretariat Costs and provision of training materials to improve training center functions) Status Active. Closing date: June 30, 2000. However, more activities are being contemplated after June 30, and a request for extending the Grant will be submitted. Example of planned activities: - Training of trainers in Africa and Asia; training for civil servants in Africa; provision of equipment for training institution; financing of Japanese specialists to participate in "Quality Meetings" end of July 2000. Impact ABCERQ now has 7 expert trainers who provide intensive training at the enterprise level; ABCERQ is also starting to train civil servants: Following introductory seminars on Quality Circle Management in the Public Administration, 5 Ministerial departments have been identified by the Government in Burkina Faso to undertake training by ABCERQ. As of May 31, 2000, there were 292 civil servants trained by ABCERQ's experts. The objective is to train 500 civil servants per year, in addition to staff at the enterprise level. Burkina Faso Structural Adjustment Credit II $556,100 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives The grant has one objective: funding consultants and studies carried out in the framework of the preparation of adjustment operations. Status Initially scheduled for completion on December 31, 1997, the grant was extended twice, each time for twelve months. in FY99, it was used to fund a major study on Burkina's reform experience and the long-term sources of growth. In the framework of the annual Public Expenditure Review exercise which is carried out on a regular basis by a government team, and the preparation of SAC III (adopted by the Bank Board in December 1999), the grant was also used to fund a series of studies. It will also be used to fund preparatory work for SAC IV, which will be presented to the Bank's Board in March 2001. Africa Region – Grant Progress Reports Impact The grant has enhanced the quality of the preparation of the Country assistance Strategy and the SAC III operation; the various studies undertaken in the framework of the PER and those under preparation will highlight some of the key issues in public finance and economic growth. Chad Decentralized Electricity Study $800,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives (a) Phase I: Carrying out of an assessment of: (i) developing country experience in the provision of decentralized electricity supply, with a special focus on solar electricity; (ii) market size for decentralized electrification in Chad; and (iii) specifications of equipment to be used in Chad for a decentralized electrification program under the Project, which is estimated to cost US$268,500 equivalent. (b) Phase II: Carrying out of: (i) a review of financing mechanisms in order to develop a suitable mechanism to facilitate decentralized electrification in Chad; and (ii) a study of the institutional and regulatory constraints and barriers that prevent decentralized electrification to take deeper root in Chad, which is estimated to cost US$176,200 equivalent. (c) Phase III: Organization of (i) full-fledged stakeholder consultations (including: organizing a seminar to create awareness among potential beneficiaries; creating awareness among potential beneficiaries in different ways; identifying the first beneficiaries for equipment financed under the PHRD grant; monitoring of beneficiaries); (ii) purchasing of equipment; and (iii) launching rural electrification service delivery, with the particular objective to establish the institutional and financial viability of the decentralized rural electrification options (the “pilot projects”) identified under Phases I & II (such as solar energy, etc.), which is estimated to cost US$ 355,300 equivalent of which $180,000 for the purchase of equipment. Status All Terms of Reference have been written and are approved; short lists for individual consultants/and or firms have been created. The studies and surveys under Phase I can start as soon as the Special Account is credited. The rural energy consumption survey can only start in September/October due to inaccessibility during the rainy season. The grant was approved 4/28/00; However, LOA has until now been unable to deposit the initial sum into the Special Account because of disbursement problems with an unrelated project in Chad. As long as this situation is not resolved, LOA will not transfer money into the Special Account. This is holding up the proper implementation of the Grant's activities. Impact N/A Cote d’Ivoire Regulatory Reform And Privatization $400,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives 1. Strategic Study of Past Privatization (incl. Utilities), 2. Demand Study on Telecom Services in Rural and Poor Areas, 3. Regulatory Study (Principles and Legal Aspects of Regulation), 4. Assessment Study of Regulatory Capacities. Status Due to political instability in Côte d'Ivoire since late 1999, the grant has not been made effective yet. However, the Government has appointed a Coordinator. A draft Letter Agreement has been prepared. Once the TF Administration clears the letter of agreement, this PHRD grant will be made effective and its components will be carried out as described in the approved proposal. Impact N/A Ethiopia Grassroots Women's Development Initiative Fund $270,000 Recipient Executed Africa Region – Grant Progress Reports Grant Objectives The purpose of the Grant is to assist the Government of Ethiopia in the preparation of the Grassroots Women's Development Initiatives Fund Project. The component activities for which the Grant is given are: (a) Grassroots Fund- Preparation of a menu of options for assisting women's groups to enhance and generate income and/or increase their Productivity - study the capacity of existing organizations to execute the project development of a financial management system for disbursing and tracking funds and monitoring projects - design appropriate and flexible mechanisms for appraising, selecting and financing micro-projects, preparation of a study on the training needs of women, implementation agencies, districts, and regional governments - organizing orientation workshops for key stakeholders - preparation of a management information system to monitor and evaluate the impact of project activities on beneficiaries and to assess the impact of the project at central and regional levels (b) Capacity Building - Identify training needs and prepare a training strategy for the project through surveys and workshops at the national to woreda levels as well as for providing ongoing demand-driven training to women's groups and implementing agencies (c) Information, Education, and Communication - Participatory preparation of an IEC program on women's legal rights; development and piloting of innovative IEC tools for key messages in selected districts; identify skill training needs of female prisoners and test through an IEC program; selection of non-governmental organizations to implement pilot IEC exercises and study tours to increase knowledge on designing and conducting IEC programs (d) Legal - Research on gender-sensitive legal issues, including research on women's family and succession laws; prepare in a participatory manner a strategy to increase women's legal literacy and acquisition of reference books, computer, fax machine and a printer for the Ministry of Justice.19. Status The implementation of the Grants has been proceeding in a satisfactory manner although the first year was marked by start-up implementation delays and, therefore, a low rate of disbursement. As of July 31, 2000 almost 70 percent of total funds have been disbursed. During the course of the previous year, manuals for grassroots fund organization and management, capacity building, fund promotion, financial management, and IEC have been prepared by local consultants and reviewed by the Bank. The operational manual and general promotion/IEC guidelines have been pre- tested with organized women's groups and selected communities. Pre-testing of IEC guidelines on HIV/AIDS, legal literacy, and harmful practices have also been conducted and comments and suggestions have been gathered from the field and are being used to improve the manuals. Training of three Women's Affairs Office (WAO) representatives on participatory community development planning in Ghana was also undertaken and this activity was useful in equipping participants with practical knowledge regarding grassroots organization planning, mobilization, and management. Purchase of computer equipment for the Family and Succession Law Revising Committee in the Ministry of Justice was also done. The revision of the family and succession laws was completed and approved by Parliament. Other key activities that have also been accomplished include consultations with all the WDIP pilot regions regarding identification of target zones/woredas and selection of intermediaries; completion of draft MIS manual based on pre- testing the project management information system (MIS) that also links with the project financial management system; purchase and installation of MIS equipment (one computer and software for MIS and financial management) for the Women's Affairs Office (this was based on a reallocation of funds saved from the MIS international consultant budget as per the request of the Government); legal sensitization workshops undertaken by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ); and revision and translation of some of the Grassroots WDIP manuals. Based on the Government's request, the Grant has been extended until December 31, 2000 to enable the Women's Affairs Office to effectively carry out the following remaining tasks in order to achieve the Grant's objectives: a) Finalize IEC pre-testing in the pilot regions on nutrition, family planning, and other gender issues and revision of related IEC manuals; b) Purchase of books by the MOJ; c) Finalizing the management information system (MIS) manual and system itself (which will also integrate the project financial management system). This will involve both manual and computerized data entry and reporting in the pilot regions; d) Continuation of revision and translation into local languages and publication of all WDIP manuals; e) Further technical assistance to the regional governments in identifying potential intermediaries for the grassroots fund Impact The Grant has been invaluable in supporting preparatory activities (technical assistance, preparation of various project manuals, development and pre-testing of IEC messages including identification of proper channels for communication and promotion of activities) for all the proposed components of the Grassroots Women's Development Initiatives Project. It has contributed to improving stakeholder awareness of various legal, health, and social issues, as well as in generating regional support for the project through information sharing and consultation workshops. Senegal Urban Mobility Improvement $380,000 Recipient Executed Africa Region – Grant Progress Reports Grant Components I Environmental Assessment: (i) identify measures for an urban Air Quality Management Strategy; (ii) assess the environmental impact of the identified measures; (iii) prepare an action plan to strengthen the local capacity; II Social Assessment: (i) undertake an impact assessment; (ii) identify target groups most affected by the urban mobility crisis; (iii) propose measures to improve access to certain urban areas; (iv) identify an improved network of urban transport services for the urban poor; III Evaluation of financial sustainability: (i) conduct analytical work, including cost effectiveness analyses; (ii) identify a new mechanism of potential financial intervention for mobility of the poorest portion of the urban population. Status The PHRD grant financed three studies: (i) environmental Assessment; (ii) social assessment; (iii) evaluation of financial sustainability; All three studies are completed and the final report has been received. Impact Safer, more efficient, affordable en environmentally friendly mobility in the metropolitan area of Dakar. East Asia and Pacific Region – Grant Progress Reports China Housing And Social Security $1,236,654 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives To support technical assistance for institutional development--establishment of regulatory frameworks, new institutions and their operating systems--for housing and social security systems reform. Status During FY2000, the focus of the TA was on arranging to evaluate the current status, rapid on-going changes in sector policy and frameworks, and results of the project so far. Social security TA financed under the project finally got under way in December 1999, allowing the start of substantial supplementary TA to be supported under the PHRD. Impact Survey and evaluation plans have been agreed with implementing agencies. Consultants also provided guidance to social security TA team on various China-specific issues, and to the implementing agencies on management of the TA; and assistance for housing management companies to upgrade their marketing, business plans, and accounting systems. China Liao River Basin $757,875 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives TA to provide design, review and advisory services to assist the provincial governments of Liaoning, Jilin and Inner Mongolia in formulating (a) strategies for undertaking feasibility, financial, management, engineering and other studies, and (b) designs of a sustainable investment program to effect pollution clean-up and to improve the overall management of water supply, waste, wastewater and storm-water treatment and air pollution control, urban renewal, and environmental management. Components are (1) initial prioritization and assessment; (2) detailed financial and engineering support; and (3) assessment of institutional training needs and formulation of training rograms/curriculum. Status Proceeding satisfactorily. Consultants procured and mobilized. Work on assignment well advanced. Impact Beneficial to proposed project. China Second Beijing Environment Project $639,300 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives To assist the Beijing Municipality in the preparation of a proposed Second Beijing Environment Project whose bjective is to improve environmental conditions in Beijing through air and water pollution abatement measures. The activities for which the Grant is given are as follows: (a) preparing the Project's investment and technical assistance components and implementation plans, including advice on alternatives and prototypes, review of feasibility studies and engineering designs and assistance in the preparation of bidding documents; (b) providing specialist assistance to carry out environmental modeling to evaluate the Project's environmental impacts and establish appropriate monitoring indicators; and (c) providing training to the Recipient's Beijing Municipality staff on cleaner fuel systems Technologies. Status Environmental modeling and environmental master plan updating (TA component b) have been completed. Of project preparation and design activities (component a), preparation of details of investment components to be implemented later and details of technical assistance components have been completed only to a small extent. Study tour of foreign East Asia and Pacific Region – Grant Progress Reports energy systems (component c) is yet to be carried out. About $300,000 remains to be disbursed. The detailed preparation is now proceeding. Impact The consultant assistance financed by the grant has made an essential contribution to preparation of the project components, evaluation of alternatives, and establishment of monitoring indicators. China Shanghai Environment $990,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives (1) Evaluation of strategic options for urban environmental improvements; development of a mix of policy and institutional reforms to facilitate participation of the non-state sector; development of an environmental strategy and management plan covering the Shanghai Metro Region; and development of a prioritized investment program for a 10- year horizon. Status Agreement due to be signed late October 2000. Shortlisting of consultants underway. Impact Assessment of impact will be made once implementation is complete. This is expected to be very positive. China Sustainable Forestry Development Project $600,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives Natural Forest Management Component and Plantations Establishment Component Status The deadline for the grant was extended to allow more time to produce quality products and for more meaningful consultations with stakeholders. The draft feasibility studies for the two components are to be completed by mid- August and finalized in mid-September prior to Appraisal of the project. Impact The grant enabled more meaningful participation of the project provinces and counties in the design of components and ensured adequate consultations with various stakeholders including project communities. It also built greater capacity within State Forestry Administration and the provincial Forestry Departments to manage consultants. China Tianjin Urban Development II $569,600 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives The purpose of the Grant is to assist Tianjin in the preparation of a proposed Second Tianjin Urban Development and Environment Project, by provision of advisory services to the Recipient for the development and review of a new framework for urban management of Tianjin. Status Long list of consultants has been compiled through the public EOI process. Due to the uncertainty of the project scope, however, it is not yet possible to define the final terms of reference. It was agreed, therefore, to defer the consultant recruitment. Impact None. East Asia and Pacific Region – Grant Progress Reports China Tianjin Urban Development II $187,200 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The purpose of the Grant is to assist Tianjin in the preparation of a proposed Second Tianjin Urban Development and Environment Project, by provision of advisory services to the Recipient for the development and review of a new framework for urban management of Tianjin. Status A small amount (about $28,000) has been spent so far, mainly for exploratory studies of components not yet fully identified, and background studies relating to components proposed by borrower. Impact The consultants helped identify important potentials and issues that had been overlooked by planners that prepared the initial proposal of the government. Indonesia Improving Quality And Responsiveness Of Community Oriented Health Care $612,360 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives 1. Component 1: Improving the quality of training for both general and specialist medical graduates. 2. Component 2: Strengthening the policy framework related to the quality of medical education. 3. Component 3. Estimation of the short-term (5-10 years) requirements for general and specialist graduates. Status There has been modest progress with the implementation of this grant mainly because project preparation has been pipelined for FY02 as per the country assistance strategy and current development priorities. On the other hand, however, an international consultant, Prof. Pierre Jean, has been recruited and already participated in the pre- identification mission in April 2000. Mission aide-memoire and consultant's report are on file. In addition, TORs have been prepared by GOI and reviewed by the Bank for background studies and technical assistance on all three components. A revised timetable will be prepared shortly on the basis of the WPA for Indonesia in general and for this project in particular which remains to be finalized. Key delivery milestone dates, including the Board date, will be revised accordingly. Impact Not applicable at this stage. Philippines City Development And Investment Project $500,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives (a) National Urban Strategy Development: facilitation of participatory workshops and related activities; (b) Institutional Strengthening: capacity development TA (i) for the League of LGUs as facilitators of CDS and (i) for pilot LGUs for CDS formulation and implementation; and (c) City Investment Package Formulation: feasibility study preparation of prioritized subprojects in pilot LGUs. The Recipient is executing component (c) Status The Grant Agreement was signed on October 7, 1999. No activities are initiated under this trust fund as the implementing agency is waiting for the outcome of the component (a) and (b) of the grant activities which are executed by the Bank under the same PHRD grant (split execution). East Asia and Pacific Region – Grant Progress Reports Impact PHRD TA had a significant impact on establishing city development strategy process as a viable institutional development process in the Philippines. Expansion of the coverage to other cities will be the next steps to prepare the investment projects. Philippines City Development And Investment Project $390,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives (a) National Urban Strategy Development: facilitation of participatory workshops and related activities; (b) Institutional Strengthening: capacity development TA (i) for the League of LGUs as facilitators of CDS and (i) for pilot LGUs for CDS formulation and implementation; and (c) City Investment Package Formulation: feasibility study preparation of prioritized subprojects in pilot LGUs. The Bank is executing components (a) and (b). Status The Grant Agreement was signed on October 7, 1999. The grant activity focused on component (b) of the proposal. City Development Strategy was successfully formulated for the seven pilot cities, and draft technical manual for CDS guidelines are formulated. The activity will continue to expand the coverage to next round of pilot cities, refinement of CDS guideline, and more specific technical assistance to the initial seven pilot cities. Knowledge sharing node using internet web-link will also be established. Impact PHRD TA had a significant impact on establishing city development strategy process as a viable institutional development process in the Philippines. Expansion of the coverage to other cities will be the next steps to prepare the investment projects. Philippines Judicial Reform $314,590 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives (a) assessment of training and judicial needs, including (i) complete the diagnostic study of the judicial system, including an analysis of the types of cases and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, a review of the first level courts, as well as a baseline survey; (ii) develop a framework, institutional structure and implementation plan for the training of justices, judges, court personnel and lawyers; (iii) develop curriculum, technical and training manuals for use by the Philippine Judicial Academy ("PHILJA"); (iv) identify training requirements for the faculty of the PHILJA and conduct training programs for the trainers, (b) identification and preparation of investment activities, including: (i) a review of the facilities of the courts, the Sandiganbayan, and the Court of Appeals, (ii) developing a plan for establishing Child and Family Courts in every province and city of the country; (iii) preparing an implementation program with the supporting institutional arrangements, and (c) preparation of strategies and a detailed implementation plan for the Judicial Reform Project, including feasibility studies of priority investment activities under the Project; and an action plan for phased institutional support activities in judicial reform, using a participatory approach involving consultations and workshops with the judiciary, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, members of the community, and other stakeholders to ensure that the Judicial Reform Project would respond to social needs as well as to the needs of the business community. Status Reports on five studies funded under the Grant have been issued: Center for Public Resource and Management, "Formulation of Administrative Reforms"; · Prof. M. Feliciano, Prof. A. Muyot, Judge Daway, State Prosecutor J. Zuno, Atty. V. Fernandez, "Review of Criminal Justice System"; National Center for State Courts, M. Crohn, M. Ostermeyer, M. Mattiv, Dean E. delos Angeles, A. Abaya, "Alternative Modes of Dispute Resolution" (co-financed by USAID); · The Gerry Roxas Foundation, "Study of the Barangay Justice System";.· Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication and SPAN Consultants, Inc., "Strengthening the Communication System of the Supreme Court" (co- financed by UNDP); Prof. M. Feliciano, "Review of Previous Judicial Reform Efforts"; Desarollo Internationale Consult, "Formulation of the Medium Term Investment Program" A workshop of judges, members of the Supreme Court, and other stakeholders was held on March 3, 2000 to determine priorities for judicial reform, and a donors meeting was held on March 7, 2000 to determine interest in possible cofinancing opportunities. The Supreme Court East Asia and Pacific Region – Grant Progress Reports has submitted a proposed Medium Term Investment Program to the National Economic Development Authority in order to obtain approval for foreign financing of certain components. A further donors meeting to consider this Medium Term Investment Program is being scheduled. As of June 30, 2000, $96,419,130 of the Grant has been disbursed Impact The studies financed under the Grant have been well received, and on-going activities are having a marked impact. President Wolfensohn met with the Chief Justice of the Philippines on March 4, 2000, and the Chief Justice expressed to Mr. Wolfensohn his appreciation for the Grant. Philippines Out-Of-School Youth Development $172,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The grant is intended to support the preparation of a project for Out of School Youth Development through the following studies/component development: Situation analysis; Databank; monitoring; and evaluation system design; Advocacy and networking; Technical education and skills development; youth employment; and youth participation; Financial and economic analysis; Basic education; Institutional analysis; Program operations manual preparation; Consortium building. Status CYFP, the consortium's secretariat, is in the final stages of packaging the Loan Proposal for submission to the Bank by September. Impact The draft project report prepared by the secretariat in consultation with the members of the consortium has already succeeded in obtaining funds from the ASEM trust fund for implementing the proposal on a pilot basis. The funding for consortium building has led to the institutionalization of the OSY consortium. The consortium has been quite successful in generating civil society and business support for OSYDP. Data and information generated by the grant are now being used to inform the process of targeting of participants and identification of pilot initiatives to be supported/scaled up. It will also be published as a report for information and advocacy purposes. Thailand Social Protection Project $400,000 Recipient Executed Grant Components (a) Employment Generation and Social Assistance: provision of technical assistance for (i) carrying out an assessment of the capacity of the Recipient’s implementing ministries to deliver required services; (ii) carrying out an assessment of the effectiveness of existing workfare programs, on going job training programs, and a review of the Recipient’s job market; (iii) carrying out a review of the Recipient’s job information, placement and counseling services; (iv) carrying out an assessment of the Recipient’s occupational health and safety standards; (v) review of the Recipient’s health insurance system; and (vi) expanding the scope of the socio-economic survey to improve data collection, and the monitoring and evaluation of social indicators, all of which is estimated to cost US$250,600 equivalent; (b) Micro- finance: provision of technical assistance for (i) carrying out an assessment of the demand for micro-finance and an evaluation of the existing government and non-governmental micro-finance programs; and (ii) carrying out a review of the legal and regulatory framework for micro-finance, all of which is estimated to cost US$69,200 equivalent; and (c) Civil Society Enabling Environment; provision of technical assistance and consultative workshops for the review of the existing regulatory framework governing civil society organizations, and subsequent development of an enhanced regulatory framework, all of which is estimated to cost US$80,200 equivalent. Status The Grant Agreement has not been signed yet. Some delays were caused by (1) the need to revise the Grant components to include additional areas of support and (2) the decision to change the executing agency from the Public Debt Management Office to the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. The revised Grant Agreement has been signed by the Thailand Country Director and forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for countersignature East Asia and Pacific Region – Grant Progress Reports Impact The Project is expected to improve the efficiency and coverage of selected social protection programs and instruments to foster effective risk management. Vietnam Primary Teacher Training Project $892,700 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives The objective of the PHRD is to provide technical assistance and related support to prepare and design a project to support the reform of primary teacher education and the transformation of primary teachers into an efficient professional teaching force. The PHRD support 6 studies: (1) surveys of primary teachers and the primary teacher training system; (2) fiscal impact of changes in the terms of service of primary teachers; (3) government strategies and policies to guide teacher education programs and the use of primary teachers; (4) distance education technology in teacher in-service and pre-service training; 5) teacher professional standards and profiles; and (6) study on budgeting and financing procedures for primary education. Status All six studies have been carried out and the Project Appraisal document has been prepared jointly by the Government of Vietnam and the World Bank, taking into account the results of these studies. Some work is being continued for the areas of: (i) refining primary teacher professional standards; (ii) elaboration of the quality assurance system; and (iii) designing technical requirement of good in-service teacher training modules. These tasks are expected to be carried out from now until the closing date of the Grant. Impact The PHRD Grant has been very effective in helping the Government of Vietnam in: (i) soliciting technical assistance in several areas that Vietnam does not have; (ii) providing training and capacity building in education research; and (iii) providing training and capacity building in project management through grant execution. South Asia Region – Grant Progress Reports Bangladesh National Nutrition Program $310,000 World Bank Executed Grant Components Project design, sector review, research/studies, seminars/workshops and support to Project Preparation Team. Status As per records, till June 2000, US$266,000 have been disbursed. Project preparation activities are completed. The project was approved by the World Bank Board on May 25 ,2000 and became effective from June 29, 2000. Impact The PHRD financing has been the key source for funding the preparation work of NNP-I. This phase is the first of a series of investments which will support the Government's 15 year vision to extend community nutrition services to the entire country. The fund has largely contributed towards developing the $124.46 million Project in a participatory manner. It funded a competent Project preparation team; contracted highly qualified and experienced local and international experts for preparing various reports and documents; and holding a series of workshops and seminars with highly regarded resource persons in the nutrition field. The Project was negotiated in April 2000, approved by the World Bank Board on May 25, 2000 and IDA credit of $ 92 million became effective from June 29, 2000. Bangladesh Post-Literacy & Continuing Education For Human Development $870,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The project will support the government's objective of increasing the functional application of literacy skills by providing post-literacy and continuing education to neo-literates through a more comprehensive and enhanced system of non-formal education. The project will support the delivery of quality programs by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, NGOs and other stakeholders. Status (i) Beneficiary Assessment: This study is being conducted; (ii) Project Implementation Plan: DNFE is preparing the plans with assistance from consultants in the field of project management, procurement and financial management; (iii) Training for key project staff will be completed; (iv) Work on project preparation, workshops and launching is proceeding; (v) Minor items of equipment, materials and printing will be procured. Impact Project preparation is being completed. Bangladesh Post-Primary Education - Female Secondary School Assistance $500,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The project will support the government's efforts to enhance women's participation in economic development by (a) supporting the girl's secondary school assistance program; (b) helping planners and educators design effective approaches to increase quality in secondary schools; and (c) supporting the identification of selected targeting mechanisms to assist poor students with academic potential. Status Currently assisting the GOB in the preparation of this project and have hired consultants to conduct project preparation studies. The technical assistance consists of; (a) preparation of baseline studies on students enrollment, learning, teacher performance, community and households factors critical for determining incentive strategies for female education, etc.; (b) analysis of school management and quality; (c) preparation of studies on capacity and South Asia Region – Grant Progress Reports implementation of programs in the sector; and (d) workshops and other activities and plans geared towards project design. Impact Ongoing studies will provide information and analysis towards project preparation by the GOB. Bangladesh Public Sector Modernization - Tax Component, Export Diversification, Legal & Judicial Capacity Building $700,000 (including supplemental grant) World Bank Executed Grant Objectives Initiated to help preparation of a single Private Support Services Project (or seventh TA project), the grant was designed with three components: (A) improving tax collection and administration, c. US$152,000 – supporting the preparation of what is currently expected to be a revenue administration component of a proposed Public Sector Modernization Project; (B) strengthening judicial and legal capacity, $293,000 + $150,000 supplement - supporting the preparation of the forthcoming Legal and Judicial Capacity Building Project; and (C) strengthening labor market institutions, $105,000 – subsequently refocused, reflecting the Government's changing priorities, to support the preparation of the matching grant component of the Export Diversification Project, especially labor training aspects. Status Improving tax collection and administration: Study by HIID was commissioned and completed by May 1999. Apart from a final payment to HIID, no further expenditure occurred in FY00. (B) Strengthening judicial and legal capacity: This activity continued through FY00 and, on the basis of a $150,000 increase in the Grant amount, is still being implemented in FY01. (C) Strengthening labor market institutions: Completed in FY99 (the Export Project was approved by IDA on 06/01/99) Impact The Grant has enabled far more thorough preparation of the three relevant IDA operations (especially Legal) than would otherwise have been possible, involving not only intensive analytical work and program planning but also broad consultations with stakeholders and training for change agents. Bangladesh Public Sector Modernization Project $160,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives The grant is designed to finance two components to assist preparation of the proposed Public Sector Modernization Project: (i) consultants’ services $140,000 and (ii) workshops and study tours $20,000; however the Government is considering allocating a larger share for consultants’ services. Its tentative plan for such services comprises: (a) Preparation of the Revenue Administration component of the Project: the National Board of Revenue intends to form a mixed group of international and national consultants and trainers to: (i) assist NBR to refine the Revenue Administration Modernization Programme (RAMP) and distinguish between the elements of it to be supported by the PSMP and other sources; (ii) provide technical support for the implementation of actions to be taken prior to project approval including: defining resources needed to redesign and simplify the Income Tax Law; defining a broad-based training plan and actions needed to establish a training academy; implementing several tasks needed to operationalize the large taxpayers unit (LTU) including high-priority training in audit and delinquent collection; and designing a computer system to support tax administration. (b) Preparation of the Information Technology component of the Project: a national expert is to prepare a review of experiences in the application of IT in the public sector -- i.e. a stocktaking of the present state and immediately pending developments in the use of IT for the above purposes; it will discuss the opportunities, including advantages and difficulties, for radically enhanced IT use in (i) public payroll and pensions management, and (ii) three or four other areas, which may be selected by the consultant but could include email communication, stores management, company registration, and others which could have a quick impact in terms of improved service to citizens; the findings and assessment will comprise both a report and a presentation for a proposed meeting, perhaps at Cabinet level. (c) Preparation of the Civil Service component of the Project: a national expert is to prepare a step-by-step plan of action for civil service reforms including the following aspects: (i) reorganization of GOB for rationalization, modernization and development; (ii) a pay policy; (iii) professional South Asia Region – Grant Progress Reports development of senior civil servants; (iv) improving various accountability mechanisms such as Ombudsman, Anti- Corruption Bureau, Parliament, Auditor-General, and mass media; (v) transparency in law, regulation and information; (vi) judicial separation; and (vii) local public service delivery. (d) Assistance to ERD in core project preparation, including of the implementation plan (PIP). Status TOR were prepared and all the consultants were identified by February 2000. However contract issuance has been delayed by internal procedures so work is yet to commence. Impact NA (no activities completed). India Third National Highway Project $2, 000, 000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives Road Maintenance and Corridor Management for National Highway System in India. The consultancy includes deriving strategy, procedures, work methodology etc. for the development of an effective, efficient and sustainable Maintenance and Corridor Management system for the National Highways. (ii) Institutional Development and Capacity Building of NHAI. This study includes formulation of proposals for sustainable institutional strengthening and capacity building for NHAI with its future activities in planning, financing, procurement and contract management. (iii) Private Sector Financing of Expressway. This study includes development of bid documents for the Durgapur Expressway after reviewing the existing framework for BOT projects. This will form a basis for other similar projects to be taken up by NHAI. Status The grant was signed on May 9, 1997. All three studies have commenced after some delays in procurement. In the case of the Corridor Management Study, the inception report has been submitted. The final report for the Institutional Strengthening Study is to be submitted at the end of August 1999. The Durgapur Expressway feasibility study is underway with the interim report completed. The draft final report is awaiting finalization. Impact The studies on Institutional Strengthening and Corridor Management have contributed substantially to the appraisal of the Third National Highway Project. The study for looking into the Private Sector Financing aspect of NH with specific focus on Durgapur Expressway is helpful for preparing and appraising the Fourth National Highway Project. The results of these studies are expected to: (a) Strengthen NHAI as an institution (b) Help NHAI create and manage its assets efficiently and effectively. (c) Streamline the procedures for BOT projects in Indian National Highways. India Urban Environment Management Project - Delhi Urban Environmental Infrastructure Improvement Project JPY 109,200,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives (a) Review the current status and limitations on the regulatory and policy framework for air pollution control, waste water treatment and disposal, and solid waste management; (b) Identify policy, institutional, and investment priorities based on a cost-effectiveness methodology, and prepare specific interventions for Bank and other cofinancing agencies for air pollution control and prevention, waste water treatment and disposal, and solid waste management; (c) Identify modalities and proposals for financing urban environment investments which directly impact slum dwellers; and (d) Prepare a program of in-country training (for center, state and municipal staff) and overseas visits to other urban environment projects assisted by the Bank. Status The progress has been satisfactory. The Government of India has hired Consultants albeit with delays, to prepare a long term strategic environmental and institutional policy reform plan for Delhi (Delhi-21) and feasibility reports for priority investments. The work is progressing according to schedule and will be completed in February 2001. South Asia Region – Grant Progress Reports Impact The ongoing work is critical because it started to unravel the complex institutional arrangements for providing environmental services in Delhi. It has attracted the attention of the top level policy makers required to formulate better arrangements for sustained development of the environmental services in Delhi. It is necessary to extend the current closing date of September 30, 2000 by six months to ensure that the envisaged study is completed to achieve the benefits. Sri Lanka Non-Plantation Sector Development $450,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives Land Markets; (2) Subsistence Agriculture; (3) Agriculture Markets and Non-Farm Rural Activities Status Land markets: $220,000 have been disbursed for project preparatory studies and technical assistance to GOSL agencies to lay the groundwork for land titling activities; the Land Titling and Related Services Project has been pre-appraised; the Project Implementation Plan has been updated; the PAD is being drafted following key organizational decisions taken by Government. (b) Subsistence Agriculture: $41,000 have been disbursed in connection with a study on the labor markets (June 1999) and the RD Assessment (June 2000). These studies are meant to lay the groundwork for the preparation of the Poverty/Rural Development Project. The labor market study dealt with the farm and non-farm labor markets; it evaluated the wage trends for different agricultural and non-agricultural activities both in the formal and informal sectors to establish the constraints to growth and poverty alleviation. To further underpin project preparation, the remainder of the funds (about $145,000) is earmarked for the analysis of the rural data of the Sri Lanka Integrated Survey (SLIS) as part of the continuation of the RD Assessment. (c) Agriculture Markets: since other donors have taken the lead in the area of agricultural trading (in particular ADB as part of its regional and municipality development projects), the Bank has decided not to keep the Food Marketing Project in the pipeline anymore. It is therefore proposed that the corresponding funds ($75,000) be reallocated to study of rural non-farm activities as part of the continuation of the RD assessment. Impact PHRD-funded activities have been key to preparing the Land Titling and Related Services Project which is the first stand alone Bank-financed land administration proposed in the South Asia Region. They have not only enhanced the quality of the project design but also permitted to get much better ownership from national stakeholders; the remainder of the funds will be used mostly for that purpose. The other PHRD-funded activities are laying the groundwork for the preparation of the Poverty Alleviation/Rural Development Project through the broad-based analysis of rural labor market, economic activities (agricultural and non-farm) and patterns of poverty. Europe and Central Asia Region – Grant Progress Reports Bulgaria Agriculture Sector Adjustment Loan II $470,100 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives 1. Trade Policy Review, 2. Regulatory and Institutional Analysis, 3. Agricultural Inputs, 4. Rural Finance, 5. Grain Markets, 6. Irrigation Policy, 7. ASAL II Policy Workshops. Status The grant agreement was recently signed on August 9, 2000 and just became effective. Consultant contracting will begin on a larger scale shortly. Impact Since the grant agreement was only recently signed, the grant had not yet had a chance to have much of an impact. In the interim between approval of the grant and signing of the agreement, bridge financing was secured. Under this financing a few initial consultants, listed below, were hired to begin work. This work has begun and has enabled the upcoming preparation mission. Latvia Local Government Management $538,750 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives Feasibility studies and municipal financial analysis for selected municipalities. Development of improved financial management manuals and approach. Status About two -thirds of the work of the PHRD Grant has been completed. The bank attended the workshop on September14 which presented the findings of the urban institute team on municipal financial management. Impact Good. The work of the Urban Institute has been of high quality. It focused on improving financial management for Latvian municipalities. Lithuania Municipal Development Project $488,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives Feasibilty studies and design and engineering as shown in the approved PHRD document. Status The revised PHRD closing date (October 31, 2000) should be met. Disbursements as of October 11, 2000 were $419,000. Impact Good. More than 15 subprojects have been studied and prepared under the PHRD. The coverage is nation-wide and the range of projects is from district heating to water/sewerage, solid waste management and street lighting. Some of these require state of the art knowledge (e.g. solid waste) and observation how things are being done in other countries. Social assessments (e.g. Panevezys Solid Waste) were carried out. Lithuania Europe and Central Asia Region – Grant Progress Reports Vilnius Water Reform Project: $600,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives Privatization strategy; Part A, part B. Status Component A; inactive component B: inactive. 20. Impact Not applicable. Russian Federation Enterprise Privatization And Restructuring Program $14,000,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives This Trust Fund is a portion of a US $36 million PHRD Grant provided by the Government of Japan to the Russian Federation (letter of December 9, 1993). The portion provided for the Enterprise Restructuring and Privatization Program supported implementation of the Privatization Implementation Assistance Loan (total of US $15 million) and was split into two Trust Funds: the country-executed TF025152 US $14 million) and Bank-executed TF025285 (US$1 million), both signed on May 2, 1995. The GOR executed portion of Enterprise Restructuring and Privatization Program supported four major areas: (i) Regional Surveys; (ii) Technical Assistance Centers (TACs); (iii) Regional Venture Funds (RVFs); and (iv) Assistance to the Russian Privatization Center (RPC). By the original closing date (December 31, 1998) the work under parts (i) - (iii) was completed: the regional surveys were carried out on time; Technical Assistance Centers, known as Local Privatization Centers (LPCs), were set up and were operating. However, due to the unforeseen economic conditions, they were not sustainable and were closed down during 1998. For the same reasons, the Regional Venture Funds component could not be implemented. The RPC component included assistance to the TACs, assistance to large enterprises, and miscellaneous administrative support. During the implementation of the grant, this component developed into a more specific program, which included: (i) in-depth restructuring assistance through RPC to selected large enterprises, (ii) public information campaign concerning the Privatization and Restructuring Program; and (iii) general post-privatization enterprise support and policy assistance. These resources were fully used and these programs fully implemented (continuation of the public information campaign sub- component was also financed under PIAL). Status Following a reassessment of the need for the restructuring and post-privatization support to enterprises in Russia, at the end of 1998 the Government requested the Bank to use the remaining balance of the Grant ($6.1 million) to support its privatization and restructuring program. The following specific activities were proposed by the Government and approved by the Bank:.(i) Case-by-case privatization by the Ministry of State Property in accordance with Government's reform under SAL3; (ii) Studies of one company towns by the Ministry of Economy to make an assessment of the problems of one company towns and develop a framework and strategy to address the restructuring of such companies in a few selected towns, in order to reduce the burden on government budgets; (iii) Study of the legal framework for SME development and entrepreneurship support by the Ministry of Antimonopoly Policy and Entrepreneurship Support; (iv) Study of antimonopoly regulation of natural monopolies in the transport sector (analysis of foreign experience and creation of appropriate regulatory framework) by the Ministry of Antimonopoly Policy and Support of Entrepreneurship. In June 1999 the Grant was extended until December 31, 1999 and the remaining balance of US$6.1 million was reallocated to the category general Post-Privatization Enterprise Support and Policy Assistance (Part E)' to support Government activities in each of the above areas. An additional extension until June 30, 2000 was requested by the GOR and granted by the Bank to allow Russian authorities adequate time to complete the on-going activities. By the June 30, 2000 closing date, all activities specified above were successfully completed. However almost US$2 million remained unallocated. On July 18, 2000, GOR asked the Bank to extend the closing date to December 31, 2002 so that the remaining funds could be used to support high priority activities related to the new Government's economic reform program. On August 21, 2000 the Bank indicated that it would consider an additional extension after reviewing the following items: i) future grant implementation arrangements; ii) the priority areas of the GOR's economic reform program for 2000-2001 that would be supported during the grant extension period; iii) the linkage between the additional studies funded during the grant extension period and the objectives specified in the original grant agreement; iv) an agreed list of additional studies and technical assistance that would be supported by the Europe and Central Asia Region – Grant Progress Reports proposed grant extension. On the assumption that the Bank will receive a satisfactory response to each of the four questions enumerated above, we would expect to support the request to extend the closing date. Furthermore, we expect to submit a complete package of information supporting the request to the Japanese authorities by November 15, 2000 Impact The broad definition of the Grant categories allowed for the Grant funds to meet the changing needs of the privatization process in Russia, including post-privatization restructuring. The Grant assisted the development of such new activities as enterprise restructuring and case-by-case privatization and supported a variety of other programs, including: (i) the restructuring of the Uralmash Plant; (ii) a comprehensive study of various approaches to post-privatization support of enterprises, including divestiture of social assets in the St. Petersburg region; (iv) a seminar on restructuring/ conversion to civil production for the management of defense industry enterprises; etc. During 1996-1998, a portion of the Grant was used to prepare the Enterprise Restructuring Services Project (ERSP, Project ID 46448 - which was allowed to lapse by the GOR as a result of August 1998 financial crisis) including i) preparation of the survey of the banks’ incentives to support enterprise restructuring; ii) the study on accounting arrangements for this credit line; iii) funding of consultant restructuring services for three Russian manufacturing enterprises. Studies supported under the Grant during 1999-2000 assisted the GOR in developing approaches to the various issues in the context of the Structural Adjustment Loan III (co-financed by JBIC) including development of privatization model for the sale of government owned shares of large natural monopolies; an analysis of complex set of problems with one company towns and town-forming enterprises; improvement of the policy and regulatory framework for SME development, and recommendations for the regulation of natural monopolies in the transport sector. Tajikistan Post Conflict Emergency Reconstruction Project $1,500,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives The grant provides financial assistance to the PCU in (a) preparation, procurement and supervision of works for the reconstruction and repair of roads, bridges, schools, health centers and to the community facilities, and elements of economic infrastructure of regional and local interest that were damaged by civil war; (b) accounting and financial control of implementation (including disbursement of the IDA credit); (c) coordination with other reconstruction programs which are expected to be carried out by the UN system, bilateral donors, and NGOs Status The Closing Date of the Grant has been extended to December 31, 2000 to support preparations to close the Project. The funds are almost fully disbursed. Impact The grant is a part of the Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project that is addressing the post-conflict reconstruction needs of the Center-East region of Tajikistan (Gharm-Karategin-Tavildara Valley area) whose reintegration into the national community represents a key political factor in securing a permanent peace and future political stability in the country. Tajikistan Rural Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project $250,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives 1) Rehabilitation of off-farm irrigation and drainage structures, 2) Rehabilitation of village electricity and water supplies through, community based approaches, 3) support to the project implementation unit, Status Satisfactory completion of the project preparation and the project was, presented to the Board and was approved. Impact Positive. Middle East and North Africa Region – Grant Progress Reports Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Tunisia, West Bank And Gaza Control Of Natural Resource Degradation (Desertification) $530,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The objective of the Grant is to assist in the preparation and initial stages of the "Regional Initiative for Dryland Management", which has the goal of managing natural resources in a sustainable manner in order to maintain productivity and improve the living standards of marginal populations in partner countries. Specifically the project supports feasibility studies and the design of activities related to: development of watersheds using water harvesting techniques and suitable plant resources for the benefit of local communities; treated wastewater and bio-solids management, reuse and preparation of guidelines; policy options for reversing natural resource degradation and reducing poverty. Status An external technical review of the Initiative was conducted and its findings and recommendations were presented to the Steering Committee in September 1999. These recommendations (the primary one being that the Initiative continue into a second phase) were accepted by the Committee. The partner countries subsequently prepared a detailed proposal for the second phase as well as work programs and budgets for the coming year, which were accepted by the Steering Committee at a meeting in June, 2000. An audit of the Initiative was conducted in Dec./Jan. 99/00 by the Bank's Internal Audit Department. The resulting agreed actions were also presented to the June 2000 Steering Committee Meeting and the implementing agency ICARDA will implement these actions in full by Dec. 2000. Impact The Grant has been useful in achieving the objectives of the Initiative through enhanced quality of project preparation and design. In particular, the grant has been able to bring different countries together to strengthen the national program's commitment to the Initiative. The Grant has also leveraged funding from other donors. The impact of the grant is apparent from the fact that Donors are appreciative of the project design and committed a total of US$ 7.3 million in the first phase. A further $5 million has been pledged for the second phase. Lebanon Fiscal Consolidation And Administrative Reform $564,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives (a) Revenue enhancement: tax administration, including revenue identification and collection; (b) public expenditure management: budgetary management, including expenditure control; (c) public sector management: civil service reform, including pension; and (d) privatization: institutional arrangements, financial restructuring, regulatory frameworks. Status A one-year extension of the closing date has been granted on June 30, 2000. The new closing date is now June 30, 2001. Grant progress has been slower than originally expected, largely due to the delay in project preparation. In particular, overall Lebanese administrative capacity has been severely strained during the grant period due to three strikes against Lebanese infrastructure and, most recently, in coordinating the national and international response to the withdrawal of occupied Lebanese territory: conducting immediate needs assessments, initiating emergency reconstruction, and coordinating longer term development of the South and integration with the rest of the national economy. Consequently the underlying project has been delayed until September 2001. Nevertheless, the Government remains committed to the program of fiscal consolidation and reform envisaged in the proposed operation, and for each of the grant's sub-components, terms of reference have been prepared and consultants identified or hired. 20. Impact The project is still under preparation and impact of the grant will need to be assessed at Board presentation. Tunisia Water Supply And Sewerage Project Middle East and North Africa Region – Grant Progress Reports JPY 49,600,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives Consultant services. Status Most studies have been completed but disbursements are still lagging. Impact Project will have positive impact on water services to the rural population. West Bank And Gaza Health System Development $294,500 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives 1. Health Infrastructure Planning 2. Health insurance and financing 3. Health Management Information System Masterplan 4. Public/private Contracting. Status The identification mission for the Second Health System Project will take place in August 2000, and the first team of consultants have been identified and recruited for this purpose. They include international consultants covering components 1, 3 and 4 (section 16 above). Impact Preliminary work on the Health MIS masterplan has already been initiated and the first workshop on Health MIS data standards will be convened in August, 2000. Other activities are just starting, and their impact will be assessed in the next supervision report. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Argentina Capacity Building On Gender Technical Assistance $335,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives The purpose of the Grant is to increase the capacity of government agencies in Argentina to respond to the differentiated needs of the male and female segments of the population. To this end, the grant has four components: (a) establish a roster of local gender experts; (b) fund technical assistance on gender to Bank-financed projects; (c) establish partnerships on gender with other international development agencies; and (d) design a program in the City of Buenos Aires to reduce negative female and male stereotypes in the media. Status Initially, the PHRD was Bank-executed. Due to excessive delays obtaining countersignature, and the requisite Presidential Decree (requested in April 2000), the grant has been revised, and a new letter of agreement for a Recipient-executed PHRD was submitted to the CD for signature on 9/14/00. At present, the Grant is operating with a US$50,000 Bank interim budget issued when the grant was Bank-executed. Impact Too early to be determined. Brazil Fortaleza Urban Transport Project $500,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives Consultant's services Status Concession study has started. Impact N/A Brazil Recife Infrastructure For The Poor $909,400 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives The purpose of the Grant is to assist the Government of the State of Pernambuco in the preparation of Recife Urban Upgrading Project. 19. Status After delays in Grant effectiveness, substantial progress has been made in the preparation of the project and the use of Grant funds to finance a number of initiatives, including workshops and engineering and planning studies/activities. Impact This project is considered a key priority of the Government of the State of Pernambuco. This urban project will benefit some of the poorest communities in the northeast of Brazil by providing basic infrastructure services which will have an immediate impact on improving the local environment and quality of life of the residents. The Grant funds have been critical the preparation of the project. It has allowed the recipient to finance a number of initiatives which otherwise would have been impossible. In addition, it has allowed the Recipient to build capacity in following Bank procurement guidelines and financial management procedures. This will be important during project implementation. Ecuador Institutional Strengthening Of Gender $257,000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The purpose of the grant is to assist in strengthening gender-related public policies, programs, and services in the territory of the Recipient in order to respond better to the differentiated needs of men and women, and to increase gender equity and equality. The grant has three main components: (a) strengthening the institutional framework on gender, including an institutional assessment, and recommendation for action and institutional strengthening activities; (b) providing technical assistance on gender to Bank-financed projects (PROGENIAL); and (c) evaluating the impact of the grant. Status Under component (a), the institutional assessment (Opciones y Recomendaciones para el Desarrollo Institucional en Genero) was completed and presented to governmental officials, civil society representative, and Bank staff in February 2000. Based on report recommendations and consultations, TORs are currently being finalized with CONAMU for the gender institutional strengthening activities which will be carried out under the grant. Under component (b), PROGENIAL, gender technical assistance (TA) activities are being carried (or are planned) with 19 Bank-financed projects. PHRD Coordinator Maria Arboleda (consultant) and Gender Specialist Gloria Comacho (consultant) are coordinating PROGENIAL activities. The participating projects are at various stages of the project cycle (design and preparation, implementation, expost evaluation) and examples of [planned] gender TA activities include: workshops and consultations; assistance with survey and project component design; social and gender assessments; assistance with drafting TORs; and impact studies. Under component (c), the gender indicators are currently being developed and will be monitored on a quarterly basis throughout the grant life cycle. During the final quarter of the grant, a final impact evaluation report will be compiled. Impact Observed impacts are currently being compiled. El Salvador Social Sector Reform Project $595,400 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives 1). Health Sector Reform Policies: a. Evaluation of recent sector's performance and reform proposals. b. Plans for reforming expenditure prioritization. c) MOH/Social Security Institute restructuring. 2). Delivery and Management of Social Protection Programs: a. Assessment of existing programs. b. Analysis of financing issues (both expenditures and revenues), c. Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of alternative delivery options, and d. Development of a social protection policy framework for adequate social risk management. 3). Reforms in upper secondary and higher education: a. Assessment of issues facing youth entering the labor market and employers finding skilled workers and design of options for the Government. b. Assessment of coverage, quality and relevance, and external efficiency of upper secondary and higher education (both public and private), including recommendations to the government. 4). On the capacity building program: a. Program design and implementation scheme. Status Initial steps for project preparation are starting to take place. Impact Too early to be determined. Guatemala Post-Conflict Reconstruction And Public $412,600 World Bank Executed Grant Components Support to reintegration activities Restructuring Public Employment Monitoring Implementation of peace accords Consensus Building Status The status of each component is: - Support to reintegration activities: The degree of progress is satisfactory. The grant has financed technical assistance to support reintegration of the army as well as the transition to the national police of some of its former members. Two seminars with the participation of worldwide expertise on this subject have been organized with the Authorities on topics reintegration program, micro-credit and severance payment packages for Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports demobilization. Restructuring public employment: Supported by the Grant, the government has undertook a comprehensive review of its civil service law required. Major public sector employment reduction programs have been carried out in several ministries, and technical studies have contributed to assess public sector employment trends, the cost of severance payments, wage trends and financing needs. - Monitoring implementation of peace accords: The grant has provided close technical advice to support Government and U.N. verification team on socioeconomic issues, in particular to those leading to an innovative national Fiscal Pact covering the financial aspects of peace programs implementation: tax and public expenditure constraints, consistence between peace and emergency needs associated to Hurricane Mitch, external cooperation trends and complementary; restructuring of social funds expenditure toward peace needs, and developing evaluation tools, like household survey data at the local level. - Consensus Building: The grant has financed five seminars, aimed to strengthen consensus building on: - Reintegration Programs for Guatemala.- Land Issues - New National Police - Post-Conflict needs and anti-corruption practices - National Fiscal Pact Impact The grant has provided very valuable support to post-conflict activities in Guatemala. Under an innovative national accord, the Fiscal Pact, promotes expenditure reform with very positive results on the social outcomes targeted by the accords. Most important is that increasing participation and consensus building. Supported by the grant, ensures sustainability of reforms developed in the medium term. Honduras Fifth Social Investment $370,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The objective of the Grant is assist the Government of Honduras to prepare a project in an effort to continue to support and strengthen the Fondo Hondureño de Inversión Social (FHIS), and to improve its social safety net, especially targeting mechanisms and poverty monitoring. The fund will accomplish the above mentioned by financing studies, technical assistance to FHIS' counterparts, and funding FHIS staff to visit similar on going experiences in the region. The grant would be used to finance the following components: 1. Poverty alleviation strategy, and role of FHIS w.r.t. line agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and other community groups. 2. Social sector investment needs and updating mapping. 3. FHIS institutional setup and procedures; including sub project monitoring and evaluation indicators. 4. Employment generation. 5. Sub project environmental assessment. 6. FHIS role in the Water and Sanitation sector. 7. Management Information System. 8. Local Institutional Strengthening. 9. Social Assistance program. 10. Local Productive Capacity Development/role of FHIS. 11. Impact evaluation, and project performance indicators. 12. Assistance to Indigenous groups. 19. Status Grant is under implementation. The Trust Fund has a balance of US$163,282.43 as of June 2000. The closing date for this PHRD Grant is December 2000. Delays experienced during late 1999 and early 2000 have been resolved with current FHIS administration. Key on going activities financed with the PHRD Fund includes: (i) definition/ strengthening of FHIS sub project monitoring and evaluation indicators, including the definition of water and sanitation operational instruments; (ii) assistance to counterpart officials in procurement process according to World Bank guidelines; (iii) MIS action plan follow up; and (iv) Project environmental assessment and action plan. Funding from the PHRD grant was essential for the work on the poverty alleviation strategy for Honduras. A poverty assessment was prepared collaboratively by a World Bank team working with short term consultants funded through the PHRD grant, and with collaboration from IFPRI and PRAF, a Honduras Government agency. The assessment was delivered to the Government in June 2000, and it already has had an impact on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper prepared by the Government for participation in the HIPC debt relief initiative. One of the five chapters of the poverty assessment deals with basic infrastructure services, and it has a detailed section on the FHIS, including new work on the impact of consultation on the contributions made by households to FHIS projects and the usage of FHIS facilities. Impact While it is too early to fully assess the grant's impact, it is worth noting that the technical assistance provided with the TF, has already enabled FHIS to complete the following activities: (i) definition of a MIS action plan helping the institution retake its operational procedures from post Hurricane Mitch emergency procedures to current normal status, and reflecting these changes in the institution project cycle and its data bases; (ii) definition of a community participation planning process, helping the institution formulate, design and implement community driven projects by testing and implement a participatory process amongst selected municipalities; and (iii) definition of a social assistance strategy, helping the institution attend the most vulnerable target groups no other ministry or sector agency will be attending; the strategy includes the implementation of a Social Assistance Fund in close coordination with sector agency and social assistance NGOs. Honduras Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Health Sector Reform $750,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives Technical Assistance on: - Health service demand- Health service provision - Health financing - Sector analysis including management practices, information systems - Facilitate workshops, seminars and (when relevant) study tours to other countries. Status Technical assistance has been successfully executed. At present an extension to December 2000 has been requested, in order to finish some of the studies related to evaluation of pilots involving innovative health financing and health service provision arrangements, to be financed by the Health Reform Program, and other studies related to the improvement of public health service provision. Impact Activities carried out to present date, have: - Helped to design a health reform strategy - Contributed to the definition of a Reform Plan for the Social Security Institute - Contributed to the calculation of National Health Accounts - Contributed to the design of management improvement plans for hospitals - Contributed to the design of instruments for the decentralization of financial management at the Ministry of Health - Expanded local capacity for National Health Accounts methodology application, health service delivery contracting, and health financing innovation. The Health Reform Program is expected to be approved by December 2000. Mexico Border Finance Initiative $199,100 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives Diagonal Urbana is doing a consultancy on Community participation, and (2) the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) is conducting a consultancy for two NGO's in the municipality of Ciudad Juarez. This consultancy is providing management consulting services to improve the operational procedures of the two micro- finance NGOs. Status The closing date was extended to December 31, 2000 in order for the two consultancies to be completed. Impact This grant was used primarily for poverty alleviation and capacity building in Ciudad Juarez. Mexico Gender Capacity-Building Program $283,500 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives I. Institutional Assessment 2. Seminar/Workshop Series Status The Institutional Assessment component has been completed. The Seminar Series will be completed in October 2000, when the final seminars (covering three different topics) are scheduled to take place. Impact The grant is expected to improve the capacity of the public sector in Mexico to respond to the differentiated needs of the male and female segments of the population. An evaluation report will be done at the conclusion of the project. Mexico Southern States Initiative Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports $1,000,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives i) Promoting productive activities * support for rural development * productive infrastructure ii) Public sector modernization and Institutional Development iii) Improving delivery of social services Status The grant was approved under the Spring 1996 tranche in the amount of $1,000,000 to support a special initiative launched by the two Presidents of Mexico and the Bank for the development of the southern states of Mexico. The grant was only signed in January 27, 1998, after that a request from the Mexican Government to restructure the grant proposal was approved by the Japanese authorities (Paula Donovan's Memo of January 5, 1998). Modifications reflects a shift from the originally predominant focus on infrastructure to a more balance focus between rural development, social services delivery and infrastructure. As for the scope, while the initiative was initially focused on thre States of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Guerrero, it was agreed that the geographical scope of the initiative would be expanded to more states according to the type of project to be prepared. In this respect it was agreed that the grant would support preparation of the following four projects: * The Basic Education Development. This project has been presented to the Board on June 4, 1998 for an amount of $115 million * The Agricultural Productivity project. This project has been presented to the Board on December 22, 1998 for an amount of $440 million. * The Rural Development in Marginal Areas program is preparing a third phase operation, for an amount of about $70 million. The project is planning to cover new areas in the southern states and is presently proceeding with the socio-economic, environmental and technical studies as described in the revised PHRD agreement. In the new proposal, the program includes as component: i) introducing sustainable agricultural production systems and diversifying production through improved services delivery; ii) applying improved natural resources management practices; iii) increasing the value of agricultural production through support for selected productive investments, storage, marketing; and iv) promoting an effective decentralized decision-making system and organizational capacity at the community level. To proceed with preparation of the above project components it was agreed with Mexican authorities that they would proceed, for each new marginal area to be included in the project, to socio-economic, environmental, and technical studies. This studies are necessary to assess the feasibility of the proposed activities and comply with the Bank standard fiduciary requirements in project preparation. This is in line with the content of the reallocation proposal that TA for project preparation would, among other things: design and carry out participatory approaches to elicit the views of local communities on proposed private sector complementary projects; carry out feasibility for projects included under the initiative; and support state and local government in complementary activities to enhance the implementation of the investment program identified. Appraisal is scheduled for July 2001, and Board for December 2001. * The State Infrastructure project for a tentative amount of about $100 million is under preparation. Appraisal is scheduled for May 2001 and Board for November 2001. Delays in the preparation of this project derive from an on-going discussion with Government on the proposed decentralization framework and financial instruments to carry out the project. This appears now to be resolved and the project is being shaped-up along the lines of an Adaptable Program Loan for selected States. The grant will help finance Public Expenditure and Public Investment Reviews at the State level that will feed into the preparation of time slice type of financing for State Roads Investment Programs. Impact For the two projects already approved the impact was obvious to the extent that the grant helped put together two key projects and facilitate a much better understanding of the issues at stake during preparation. Impact on preparation performance of the Rural Development in Marginal Area project is also extremely positive to the extent that the PHRD is helping financing they key social, technical, economic and environmental studies in some of the poorest areas of the country, where information is extremely scarce but indispensable for preparation of the project. These studies will be a key input for the operators of the project. The State Infrastructure project got delayed and no impact is measurable yet. Nicaragua Community Development Program $ 500,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives Analysis of Key Poverty Issues; Program/Agency Evaluation; Financial Issues; Role/D of Labor Proposal for CDP; Adaptation of Operations; Policy Framework; and Capacity Building Program. Status The objectives of the PHRD Grant to support the Government of Nicaragua to design and implement a community development program aimed at reducing poverty, one of the key goals of the CAS, continue to be highly relevant. As programmed, the Grant supports the Technical Secretariat of the Presidency (SETEC) in carrying out an assessment of Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports the social programs/policies that would be linked with strategic targets to be developed for the country's Poverty Reduction Strategy Program (PRSP). Although the implementation of the PHRD is slower than originally expected, due to a delay in achieving effectiveness of the Grant, activities continue with the Grant funds. We expect that funds will be entirely used by September 31, 2001. As the current closing date of the Grant is September 31, 2000, we will need to request an extension of the Grant. Impact The Grant is being very useful in assisting the recipient in project preparation. Nicaragua Nutrition Project $532,666 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives 1. Analysis of LSMS survey 2. Beneficiary assessment and constraints assessment 3. Technical assistance to Ministry of Health pilot programs 4. Capacity building 5. Operations research on alternatives to food supplements Status Done Impact Meeting delayed due to HIPC process. Uruguay Maritime Management Project $750,000 Recipient Executed Grant Objectives The grant components are: (i) technical, economic, financial and environmental analyses to diagnose the environmental and safety impacts of marine activities and to prepare pollution profiles, prioritize target pollutants, and define priority pollution prevention and mitigation actions; (ii) the design of Project Implementation, monitoring and evaluation systems, including time-based performance indicators; (iii) the preparation of the Project's environmental impact assessment; (iv) a study on the adequacy of the legal, regulatory and enforcement framework for pollution control in Uruguay, as well as on the necessary improvements to such framework; (v) a study to review trends in the demand and supply for fisheries products and emerging fish processing technology, as well as to assess measures to improve the eco-efficiency of fishery enterprises and to devise a system for monitoring fisheries effort, practices and catch in order to enforce quota allocations; (vi) pre-feasibility studies for environmental equipment and infrastructure to address ports operation, navigational safety and coastal pollution and to manage fisheries resources; and (vii) the design of a broad- based marine research program and of institutional reforms to promote an open, collaborative research and information network on matters addressed by the Project. Status The Grant Agreement became effective on February 12, 1999. In early 1999, the executing agency, OPP, organized working groups to identify key issues in their sectors. During FY2000, OPP, in coordination with the potential implementing agencies of the eventual project, prepared two detailed Requests for Proposals and prepared two short lists of consultants based on an earlier Request for Expressions of Interest. The two preparation studies will cover (a) the fisheries component, and (b) the remainder of the project. A supervision mission in July 2000 agreed with OPP a new timetable for the issue of the Requests for Proposals, Receipt of Proposals and their evaluation, and the award of contracts/commencement of work. At the same time, no objections were given to the procurement documentation, the Terms of Reference, and the short lists of consultants. Impact The consultancy studies are expected: (i) to identify the main issues and present inefficiencies; (ii) to analyze the existing relations between government, authorities and users and to identify the main needs for institutional strengthening; (iii) to propose measures to be immediately implemented to improve operations within the existing institutional set up; and (iv) to propose measures regarding investment, equipment acquisition, training and possible institutional/regulatory reforms. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Venezuela Second Low Income Barrios Improvement Project $300,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The purposes of the Grant is to assist in the preparation of a project aiming to (1) improve the living conditions of the urban poor by providing basic services in the marginalized barrios of Venezuela, and (2) revamp the social housing policies and the housing finance system to better facilitate access to housing by the poor. Status To date, no funds have been disbursed due to delays in project preparation owing to the current political situation in Venezuela. Impact The success of the CAMEBA project, as a prototype of slum upgrading, is important before starting the Second National Low-Income Improvement project. Therefore, the impact for this project cannot be assessed at this time. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Thailand Financial Sector Program: Financial Sector Advisory Services $1,258,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The grant's objective is to support the comprehensive financial sector program adopted by the Thai Royal Government with a view to addressing the most urgent issues brought up by the financial crisis. The grant provides funding support in five areas: (i) Rationalizing liquidity support and transition to deposit insurance: reforming the system of liquidity support to financial institutions including analysis of the functioning of the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF), and designing the framework for reforming the Comprehensive Guarantee Scheme. (ii) Institutional framework for resolutions and asset disposition: assisting the Financial Sector Restructuring Agency (FRA) and the Asset Management Corporation (AMC) in the resolution of suspended finance companies. (iii) Improving financial institution supervision: assisting the Bank of Thailand (BOT) by organizing short- and medium-term assistance to strengthen and restructure the supervisory function. (iv) Diagnostic and legal reviews: revising and modernizing financial legislation in order to define the resolutions system, upgrading licensing requirements, and integrating a binding process of prompt corrective action to resolve weakened institutions. (v) Accounting and Corporate Governance: improving accounting and corporate governance in financial institutions; assisting in developing specific rules on accounting, disclosure and auditing in financial institutions. (This component was approved in June 1999.) Status The provision of technical assistance continued to progress in all areas. Main contributions have been made in the area of banking supervision by strengthening the capabilities of the BoT and bringing in the most recent best practices as adopted internationally. Similarly, accounting and auditing standards, and disclosure requirements for financial institutions have been reviewed towards ensuring their consistency with international standards. The grant has also supported the review of financial sector legislation. Disbursement of funds has increased from US$193,366 during FY 1999 to US$ 567,065 at the end of FY 2000. Committed amounted to about $890,795, as of June 30, 2000. The balance of funds is expected to be fully committed by the closing date. The Bank has continued with the adopted practice from the beginning of the implementation of the grant of identifying non-fee secondments from central banks and other government financial institutions to deliver some of the advisory services supported by the grant. The closing date was extended to March 31, 2001 (original date was March 31, 2000) so as to provide with enough time to ensure and effective and full implementation of the programs supported by the grant. Impact The grant has been a very useful vehicle for funding expert advice from experienced practitioners and institutions to assist the Thai authorities in addressing issues related to resolution of failed financial institutions, strengthening banking supervision and regulatory framework and supervisory capabilities, building financial market infrastructure and promoting capital market development. The Thai authorities continue to acknowledge the significant impact of the programs supported by the grant and voice their full satisfaction and appreciation with the results achieved. Belize Belize Education Sector Improvement Project $560,000 World Bank Executed Grant Objectives The objective of the Grant is to assist the Government of Belize in the preparation of the Human Resource Development project consisting of the Social Investment Fund (SIF) and the Secondary Education project. I. The Social Investment Fund Component Objective and components The grant to finance preparation of the Social Investment Fund (SIF) Project includes the establishment and operation of a Project Preparation Team (PPT) and technical assistance to design the institutional structure and operational procedures of the SIF. Specific SIF components of the grant are as follows: (a) Develop the legal frame work and corporate structure of an entity that will manage a social investment fund to be established by the Government of Belize (GOB); (b) Identify policies and programs that will address: (i) income and employment needs of the poor and (ii) social problems at both the household and community levels; (c) Organize regional workshops and seminars with other agencies to augment the Government's understanding of options and approaches available in poverty reduction and effective social programs; and (d) Develop an institutional framework that will strengthen the management of social and community Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports development programs. The project was approved by the Board on March 18, 1987, and the Loan Agreement (IBRD Loan US$7.0) for the project was signed on May 14, 1997. The remaining balance of US$143,000 corresponding to this Grant is being used to prepare the Belize Education Sector Improvement Project (the second component of the Grant) II. The Secondary Education Component. Objective and Components The grant to finance preparation of the Secondary Education Project provides technical assistance in (i) improving education sector financing and (ii) increasing access to and improving the quality of secondary education. Specific education components of the grant are as follows: (a) Design a cost-effective, equitable and sustainable education financing system; (b) Determination of the shortage in the number of secondary school classroom and identification of extensions and/or repairs necessary to improve existing facilities; (c) Development of teacher training programs for secondary school teachers so as to improve the quality, relevance and efficiency of secondary school education and to link it to existing primary education teacher training and curriculum programs; (d) Assessment and revisions to the existing secondary school curriculum; and (e) Review and evaluation of existing technical and vocational programs and their ability to provide the proper skills for the changing workplace. Status The Trust Fund has a balance of US$35,605.90, undisbursed funds are expected to be spent by the time of the Board Date. The closing date for this PHRD Grant is December 2000. Impact This grant has positively impacted the Ministry of Education's preparation in the development of a long-range view of the education sector (instrumental for the preparation and implementation of the APL). The Grant has substantially improved the skills and expertise utilized in making policy decision. It has supported several innovative approaches to solve problems of access, equity, quality and efficiency at primary and secondary level. Haiti Basic Education $170, 000 World Bank Executed 16. Grant Components The Grant proceeds are being used to finance: (i) School Infrastructure; (ii) Nutrition and Health; (iii) Educational Materials; (iv) School Improvement Fund, (v) Reform of Preservice Teacher Training; (vi) Evaluation, Certification; (vii) Management and Information Systems; (viii) School Maps. The Grant is also used to finance consultants' services and related services required for the activities. 19. Status The Closing Date for this PHRD has been extended for March 31, 2001 since the Board Date for the Project has been postponed to March 20, 2001. The political situtation in Haiti remains unresolved. Negotiations for the Basic Education Project will be planned as soon as the elections are undertaken and a new Parlement is in place. The extension is used to continue assisting the the Ministry of Education to prepare the Project. As of today the Fund balance is US $50,497.32 of which US $40,000 are committed for Consultant SOEs. 20. Impact We provide support to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MENJS) in Haiti with preparation of the Project. Financed Consultancy Activities to produce an analysis on the situation of Haiti Basic Education System. This analysis is part of the Bank's financiall and tehnical assistance..07/20/2000 01:46:11 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Haiti 2. Project Name: Basic Education 5. Grant Amount: $170,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to prepare the proposed Basic Education Project and the specific activities for which the Grant has been given are as Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports follow: (i) School Infrastructure; (ii) Nutrition and Health; (iii) Educational Materials; (iv) School Improvement Fund; (v) Reform of Pre-Service Teacher Training; (vi) Evaluation; (vii) Certification, Management and Information Systems and School Maps 19. Status The Grant agreement is dated December 1997 and was signed on January 5, 1998. As of June 30, 2000, US$169,420.00 has been disbursed, from which a balance of US$113,837.63 corresponds to Consultant Services. The remaining balance for this Grant TF025574-HA is US$579.40. The current closing date of the grant is March 31, 2001. To date, the funds have been used to prepare the proposed Basic Education Project and specific activities such as Technical Assistance and Studies. 20. Impact The Closing date for this PHRD has been extended until March 31, 2001, as requested by the Government. Administrative issues and Audit Report are still pending, and, due to constant political instability the project implementation is still delayed.07/20/2000 05:05:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: West Bank And Gaza 2. Project Name: Education Action Project 5. Grant Amount: US$250,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Local Field Coordinator Technical Expertise - Education quality, economics, finance and study design. Strategic Planning for School Construction and Maintenance Workshops. 19. Status To date $114,000 has been committed. The grant has played a key role in providing the Palestinian Authority with highly qualified expert services for project preparation. The grant has assisted in the provision of consultants who have worked to support multiple donors on economic analysis, and in the provision of training workshops on the same subject. In view of the pressures on the MOE staff, and the requirement for more preparatory work, an extension of the closing date to December January 31, 2001 was requested and granted. Project activities are well underway, with appraisal and negotiations set for the autumn, providing agreement can be reached on the implementation of safeguard policies. There has been good collaboration between the MOE and the Bank on the use of funds, and good use made of the advice given by consultants. 20. Impact Overall, as the proposed project works to establish better use of donor funds, the contributions of the PHRD funded consultancies can be seen to be supporting sector wide donor initiatives to ensure a sustainable education system. Specifically, the grant has funded significant inputs to the education ministry strategy development for: - Planning and policy making; - the overall strategy for teacher training, and on - the provision of expertise on links between general education and vocational secondary education and higher education; - the development cnsultancy on the development of an EMIS system. This included a workshop which showed MOE planning staff to how to better use data for planning.; - advice on developing an environmental assessment for school.construction; - implementation design; - support for a workshop on the economics of education. Planned consultancies will assist in the upgrading of the financial management system, another vital capacity building output which will benefit all the MOE programs, and strengthen architectural design services..07/21/2000 04:17:59 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 2. Project Name: Barren Hills Afforestation And Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $535,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Establishment of Plantations, Reforestation of Critical Watershed, Rural Development, and Planning and Management components 19. Status The project was postponed until FY03, so the grant has not yet been activated. 20. Impact N/A.07/21/2000 03:10:00 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Azerbaijan 2. Project Name: Pension And Social Assistance Project 5. Grant Amount: $410,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant is assisting the Recipient prepare the Pension and Social Assistance Project, which seeks to develop: (i) a new policy framework for the pensions and social insurance system; and (ii) more cost effective and transparent management and administration of the pensions and protection system, expansion of coverage and reduction in evasion of contributions, and more timely payment of benefits (the Project). 19. Status The Grant is still under implementation. 20. Impact With grant support, the government has already prepared a Concept Paper on Pension Reform and the necessary draft legislation to implement it. The draft laws will be submitted to Parliament in the Fall of 2000. In addition, the grant is financing technical assistance to help redesign the institutional basis for administering the pension system, the new institutional structure will be developed with financing from the Pension and Social Assistance Project..07/21/2000 06:55:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Ecuador 2. Project Name: Rural And Small Towns Water Supply And Sanitation Project (Praguas) 5. Grant Amount: US$ 880,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant is designed to support the following activities : 1. Studies (1a) Studies to analyze key indicators of the delivery and coverage of water supply and sanitation services in small towns and rural areas (including willingness and ability to pay, municipal debt capacity, costs etc.) (1b) Studies to develop institutional models of service delivery for water and sanitation. (1c) Studies to assess the legal, institutional, financial and regulatory framework for the delivery of water and sanitation services in small towns and rural areas. 2. Assessments Need assessments for water and sanitation investments, training and social mobilization. 3. Workshops Workshops to explore and clarify the role of women in the maintenance and management of water supply and sanitation systems. 4. Feasibility Studies Social and technical feasibility studies for water and sanitation infrastructure in a variety of pilot communities. 19. Status The majority of studies and services contracted during FY2000 have now been completed. Remaining activities include (i) social and technical pre-investment studies in 8 provinces; (ii) completion of a project management information system; (iii) finalization of the project operating manual; and (iv) completion of the project financial management system..20. Impact The PHRD Grant has been instrumental in assuring proper project Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports preparation in general and in developing a water supply/sanitation (W&S) promotion strategy among Ecuador’s poor and indigenous communities in particular. It has also been essential to identifying a number of models for delegating the provision of water supply and sanitation services from inefficient municipal government departments to autonomous public and private operators that are better able to serve the needs of those that currently lack effective W&S services..07/24/2000 12:00:30 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Guatemala 2. Project Name: Development Of Rural Financial Markets 5. Grant Amount: $643,510 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Rural markets assessment Secured transactions study/budget/implementation plan Credit ratings information system development Best practice seminars/study tours/workshops Policy reform discussions/agricultural products Legal and regulatory framework analysis 19. Status Implementation is underway, should be completed by December 31, 2000 20. Impact To be determined at final seminar in Guatemala in December, 2000.07/24/2000 03:27:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria 2. Project Name: Social Investment Fund 5. Grant Amount: 488,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has three components: 1. Prepare Social Funds 2. Prepare Sub-projectsfor the Social Fund 3. Prepare Needs Assessments for varios Social Fund Components 19. Status The PHRD was recently extended until March 31, 2001, from the original closing date in March 2000. The need for this extension was primarily due to the fact that the initial project for which the TF was designed was envisioned as a standard investment loan. However, a couple of months before the operation was finalized, the Learning and Innovation Loan (LIL) became available as an instrument. It was therefore decided that a LIL was more suitable under the circumstances, to test the Social Development Fund mechanism in Bulgaria. As a result of this change: (a) it took less money to prepare the LIL that previously anticipated with the larger operation; and (b) it was foreseen that funding will still be needed at the closing of the LIL, for a successful transition to a larger project towards a full-fledged Social Development Fund (currently named Social Investment Fund). The new Social Investment Fund project is about to enter its pre-appraisal stage. A draft Project Concept Document is being created in SAP. Currently, the project is planned to go to the Bank Board in February, 2000. On the Government side, the Social Investment Fund (SIF) legislation has been developed and has passed the approval of the major stakeholders. In late April, it received the approval of the Council of Ministers, and is waiting to enter Parliament. It is expected that the legislation will be effective before the end of September, 2000. 20. Impact A successful LIL-funded social development fund was developed in Bulgaria, to test the social funds approach for employment generation and poverty alleviation. An even more innovative SIF is under preparation...07/24/2000 03:51:21 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 2. Project Name: Education Modernization Project 5. Grant Amount: 511,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Education Management and Finance 2. Infrastructure, Equipment and Implementation 3. Education Quality Improvement 19. Status The Grant is fully disbursed. 20. Impact The Grant was used successfully to prepare the Bulgaria Education Modernization Project. It helped strengthened the Ministry of Education and Science capacity for planning, and project design and preparation..07/24/2000 04:14:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Social Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: 506,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has four components: (i) Social Work Services Development; (ii) Training Preparation and Coordination; (iii) Community Support Services Development; and (iv) Workshops. 19. Status The Grant activities are at a very advanced stage with most of the funds committed and the last contracts to be signed shortly. All activities are on schedule related to the SSD. 20. Impact The CWR LIL was prepared, including the PIM, financial management and the M&E systems which have been extended to cover the child protection system nationally. Now a variety of important preparatory tasks linked to the SSD are underway, including path-breaking studies on child abuse & neglect, child delinquency & the prison system, and a survey on public attitudes as the basis for public awareness campaigns for behavioral change..07/24/2000 04:20:32 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Social Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: 641,600 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has three components: (i) Labor Redeployment; (ii) Social Assistance & Community Development; and (iii) Pension Reform. 19. Status The Grant activities have accelerated following an initial delay caused by uncertainty over the timing of the Social Sector Development (SSD) loan related to Romania's election timetable. (i) Labor Redeployment - substantial savings are likely here as most of the preparatory activities have been completed; (ii) Social Assistance & Community Development - substantial support will be going into the design and pilot-testing of new mechanisms for delivering and managing social assistance for replication under the project if successful; and (iii) Pension Reform - a core team of local pension experts is seeing through the development of the multi-pillar pension reform. A number of stakeholder workshops have been held to build up consensus around the project. 20. Impact The labor market component has been designed. Major changes in the legislative and implementation arrangements are underway in social assistance. A complex multi-pillar pension reform is underway with the legislation now half complete with the support of the Grant. Substantial agreement has been built around the objectives and components of the SSD through the stakeholder workshops..07/24/2000 04:56:42 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Tunisia 2. Project Name: Cultural Heritage Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 5. Grant Amount: US$454,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant is to prepare a two-objective study: (a) the first part is aimed at identifying a strategy for the Ministry of Culture to protect and promote cultural heritage; and (b) the second part is a feasibility study, with identification of the project components and economic justification. 19. Status The selected consultant, Empreinte & Communication, has submitted on time the report of the third phase of the feasibility study in May 2000. The submitted report provides details of planned investments in seven selected sites as well as technical assistance for the two implementing agencies. Draft reports of two other studies under the same constancy has been also complete. Disbursements to July 2000 are US$435,029.23. 20. Impact The grant is essential to help GoT decide on a strategy and a project on a sector which is poorly analyzed in spite of high interest..07/24/2000 09:40:56 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Third Secondary Education Quality Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: 42,000,000 Yen or equivalent to 386,313 USD 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components N/A 19. Status Jul. 99 : Initiation of the study Nov. 99: Workshop on preliminary findings from study groups (UNESCO, British Council, Thai-French Innovation Centre, GTZ, Department of General Education, Department of Vocational Education, Department of Non-formal Education) and the Office of National Education Commission Apr. 00: Final Policy workshop May-Jun 00: Peer reviews, revision of background studies, policy note preparation Jul. 00: Submission of the drafted policy note to ONEC Aug 00: Prepare additional analysis work; incorporation of commentary and preparation for final report The closing date was extended from June 30, 2000 to Sept 30, 2000 20. Impact N/A.07/25/2000 06:21:38 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Thailand Economic And Financial Adjustment Loan Iv 5. Grant Amount: $992,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant provides technical assistance for the preparation of EFAL IV. The funds will be used to develop a competitiveness assessment of key sectors of the Thai economy, including automotive component manufacture, electrical component manufacture, food processing, textiles and garments, and chemicals. The components will include: 1. Industry structure - The degree of concentration and rivalry within a sector impacts competitive pressure in an industry, which drives the adoption of new technology and processes to increase value added. 2. Market structure, export competitiveness and customers - What is the outlook for price volume growth in the particular market niche servd byt hte industry? What key characteristics: product qualities, price, delivery time, brand image, packaging, etc. are valued by buyers of hte product? How capable are Thai firms, relative to international competitors, or delivering these characteristics? 3. Cost structure - A key component of productivity growth is more efficient resource utilization. Key inputs, such as labor, materials. and energy, must not only support increased competitiveness, but also must have the flexibility to support technological change. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports - labor market : availability and cost of skilled labor - materials : to what extent are material inputs to the segment sourced locally? what is the medium-term availability and cost of these key inputs? - Logistics and distribution : does transportation cost play an important factor in the cost of inputs or output? 4. Technology absorption : To what extent do firms have access to improved processes and technology, both from Thai and international sources? How do firms in the industry segment receive new technology (investment, suppliers, commercial acquisition, buyers)? To what extent is manufacturing "extension" available for the segment? 5. Management and governance : What is the management structure of firms in the segment? How are these firms governed, in terms of ownership structures and boards? Relative to regional and global competitors, how well are Thai managers prepared to compete in higher value-added, more technologically complex markets? 6. New investment : To what extent has the segment been successful in attracting new foreign investment? What are the factors driving foreign investment?.19. Status 3 ongoing projects 20. Impact Technology Policy Project - to improve the Thai technology development policy framework, and institutional role of the NSTDA, such that they facilitate and enhance market-oriented technology partnerships and collaboration between firms, laboratories, universities and the government in Thailand. Technical Institutes Project - to improve the return on the public investment in the Institutes through either improving their performance relative to their competitiveness mandate, or recommend reduction of the investment. Sectoral Studies Project (steel, textile, plastics) - to develop strategies and action plans for enhancing the competitiveness of the steel, plastics (as related to the petrochemical industry) and textile industries. The development of the strategies should involve innovative applications of new ways of looking at industrial development and industrial policy analysis – such as cluster analysis and explicit consideration of value-chain issues and linkages..07/25/2000 10:14:19 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Moldova 2. Project Name: Energy 2 5. Grant Amount: 700,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Provision of technical assistance for: (i) a feasibility study to define the scope and cost estimates of the SCADA improvement project, rehabilitation and upgrade of the transmission network, commercial metering and communications; (ii) establishment of a Project Preparation Unit (PPU); and (iii) annual audits of the Grant. (b) Training of PPU staff in procurement and financial management. (c) Provision of basic equipment for the PPU. (d) Provision of technical assistance to: (i) upgrade the financial management systems of Moldtranselectro, assist the company in debt and corporate restructuring and assist in the development of a business plan; (ii) define Moldtranselectro's role and operational procedures as the network and wholesale market operator. (e) Training of: (i) Moldtranselectro specialized staff in market operation; (ii) regulatory agency staff in regulation of the electricity market. 19. Status The grant agreement was signed on February 10, 2000, following a long period from November 1999 to end-January 2000, when there was no government in Moldova. Consultants were selected to carry out the feasibility study for an estimated cost of $443,411. The consultants started work in spring 2000, and are expected to complete the feasibility study by end-September 2000. No disbursements occurred during FY 2000, but the first payments under the feasibility study contract (advance payment and interim report) are expected to be made in early September 2000. Because of the delays in signing of the grant and initial start-up, the closing date of Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports the PHRD grant will need to be extended to September 30, 2001. 20. Impact It is too early to give details on the impact, but it is expected that the feasibility study and other studies planned will be instrumental in preparation of the Energy II Project..07/25/2000 10:44:59 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Guinea 2. Project Name: Private Sector Development And Transport 5. Grant Amount: US$128,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Carrying out of preparatory studies and procurement related activities needed for the liquidation and privatization of public enterprises. (b) Preparation of an appropriate framework for an efficient participatory and sustainable road sector management through the provision of technical advisory services. 19. Status A study was carried out to assess the financial and operational situation of the national airlines (Air Guinée) and identify alternatives for the privatization of the company. Terms of reference have been prepared to assess and provide recommendation to improve the performance of the international chain of transport, including the port authority, with the objective of redefining the respective roles of the private sector and the port authority. An action plan has been defined to implement the framework for sustainable road maintenance financing. Legal documents for the creation of a second-generation Road Fund are being reviewed by the Government. The Grant funds will be used to finance technical advisory services to help implement the action plan after the Government has agreed to the creation of the Road Fund. Because of the time taken to prepare and approve these documents, this component of the grant has progressed slowly. The activities of the component are expected to be carried out end of calendar year 2000 or early 2001. 20. Impact The study of Air Guinée clearly demonstrates that provision of air services by a private operator is the only viable option for the long-term. The Government is reviewing the study and should confirm its agreement to divest for the company before further assistance be provided in the sector under the proposed project..07/24/2000 04:06:34 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria 2. Project Name: Child Welfare Reform 5. Grant Amount: 400,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has three components: (i) Development of Legal Framework, Strategy, Monitoring & Evaluation; (ii) Reform of the Institutionalized Child-care System; and (iii) Supporting the Family and Street Children Initiative. 19. Status Activities have commenced under all components. Component (i) Development of Legal Framework, Strategy, Monitoring & Evaluation: A workshop on the Child Protection Act (CPA) was held in November 1999. Support was provided to the development of the strategy and an M&E specialist has started to develop the outlines of the M&E system. (ii) Reform of the Institutionalized Child-care System. The team of consultants prepared outlines of the project components which were incorporated in the PCD. They are now working on the PIM and project site selection. (iii) Supporting the Family and Street Children Initiative. The consultant has started to prepare the component. 20. Impact This CPA workshop resulted in political consensus on the draft legislation which was then enacted in May 2000. The Council of Ministers is expected to approve the strategy in August 2000. The PCD was successfully reviewed in July 2000 based upon the inputs developed under the Grant..07/25/2000 11:14:34 AM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: West Bank And Gaza 2. Project Name: Gaza Water And Sanitation Ii Project 5. Grant Amount: 235,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Provision of legal, transactional, financial, economic and technical assistance 2. Formulation of priority investment components and related feasibility studies 3. Environmental assessment 19. Status The project preparation has been delayed, with the PCD approved in July 2000. The reason for the delay is that a consensus had to be built among the 16 Gaza municipalities, the PWA and the Ministry of Local Government. With the signing of a memorandum of understanding among the municipalities in June to create the Coastal Water Utility, such a consensus has now been reached. On the Bank's side, Terms of Reference have been drafted for the legal advisor, the local financial analyst, and the social specialists. The social specialists have been identified, but no contract has yet been signed. A request for extension of the grant will be made soon. 20. Impact Not applicable..07/25/2000 11:52:15 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Education Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: $397,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Component A: School rehabilitation and construction; Component B: the development of a school mapping and maintenance scheduling database that serves decision-makers at different levels of government; and Component C: using the results of a textbook pilot to be conducted under the first World Bank project, a joint donor-Bank commitment to help Albania finance and implement a major transition in textbook publishing and finance. 19. Status The project became effective on July 19, 2000. The Grant was closed on June 30, 2000. 20. Impact The Grant has been invaluable: 1) in documenting the serious issues in the sector that the project has been designed to address; 2) in helping our Albanian counterparts design specific components with consultants paid by the grant; and 3) in training staff for the more technical components to assume their implementation responsibilities once the project becomes effective..07/25/2000 11:59:05 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Education 1 5. Grant Amount: $180,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Strengthening the Institutional, Financial and Management Capacity of the Education System 2. Improving Quality in the Delivery of Services 3. Strengthening Project Implementation Capacity in the Ministry of Education 19. Status Most of the assistance from the Bank-executed side of the grant was provided early on in the project preparation phase, and was key to start the process and discussions with stakeholders. Now the MoE is finalizing Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports documents and the project implementation plan for Negotiations expected to be held in November 2000. During this FY, very specific inputs were required to continue to support the process. 20. Impact The technical assistance provided through the PHRD Grant was instrumental in assisting the Georgians to prepare the project. The Bank-executed part of it helped launch activities on time, while the Government was still getting ready to manage it..07/25/2000 12:03:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Education 1 5. Grant Amount: $377,650 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Strengthening the Institutional, Financial and Management Capacity of the Education System 2. Improving Quality in the Delivery of Services 3. Strengthening Project Implementation Capacity in the Ministry of Education 19. Status The MoE is finalizing the Project Implementation Plan for the purpose of Negotiations that are now scheduled for November 2000. Procurement plans and bidding documents are also being prepared. A letter of development policy is being discussed, policy statements, legal charts and agreements with local governments are being drafted for Negotiations. Basic office space has been secured and equipped, and its expansion is being prepared to accomodate all team members. 20. Impact The PRHD has been highly effective in mobilizing the right support to prepare the project, both in terms of local and foreign technical assistance. It has also been instrumental in beginning to familiarize local staff with World Bank requirements and procedures in terms of management of Bank resources. This has also given the Bank team the opportunity to assess local capacity and identify areas that will require special support for a successful project implementation..07/25/2000 12:07:50 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Education Modernization 5. Grant Amount: $427,700 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant Components consist of five components: 1) Management and Administration; 2) Finance and Governance; 3) Training and Planning; 4) Research and Information; and 5) Equipment and Supplies 19. Status Pending 20. Impact Pending.07/25/2000 10:59:22 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zimbabwe 2. Project Name: Road Maintenance And Reform 5. Grant Amount: $475,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Preparation of a Five Year Road Sector Reform and Development Program, including: (i) reclassification of the road network; (ii) elaboration of road design and maintenance procedures and requirements; and (iii) assessment of current road management system needs and capabilities, and recommendation of improved systems. 19. Status The draft final report has been received and is undergoing an extensive process of review, in particular by the Road Sector Reform Steering Committee, comprised of stakeholders in the road sector. The final report is expected shortly. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact The impact is expected to be high as the work lays the foundation for integrating and rationalizing road maintenance priorities across the entire road network. The results have been the basis for the project design reflected in the PAD..07/25/2000 02:18:46 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Ghana 2. Project Name: Urban Upgrading Project 5. Grant Amount: US$ 400,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (1) Consultants' services 19. Status No funds have been disbursed due to delays on the part of the Borrower. However, the Request for Proposals to appoint consultants for project preparation studies was received by the Bank in July, 2000 and cleared. Therefore the consultant selection process is now in progress. 20. Impact N/A.07/26/2000 09:34:06 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Azerbaijan 2. Project Name: Irrigation 2 5. Grant Amount: 458,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The two components of the project are as follows: (i) Development of Water Users Associations and (ii) Irrigation Infrastructure Rehabilitation 19. Status The Grant proposal was approved on February, 2000. Text of the Grant Agreement, including annexes and the procurement plan are under preparation. 20. Impact The Project's development objective would be to improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of irrigation distribution systems, which would be key to restoring and irrigated crop production. This would be achieved through priority rehabilitation of irrigation systems and organization of and support to water users to improve the O&M of rehabilitated infrastructure..07/26/2000 09:38:19 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Rural Finance Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $293,600 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant consists of the following four components, all of which are technical assistance components: (a) assessing the impact of directed subsidized credit; (b) developing proposals for the restructuring of Banca Agricola; (c) assessing the demand side of the agricultural credit system; and (d) developing a broad-based competitive rural financial system. 19. Status The Grant is active and is expected to close on 12/31/2000. 20. Impact During FY2000, Grant funds were used to: (i) identify and assess private Romanian banks that could be eligible to participate in the Rural Finance Development Project as retail and intermediary banks; (ii) finalize an analysis of credit constraints in rural areas of Romania; (iii) examine the use of land as collateral in Romania; (iv) analyze the profitability of a range of rural investment activities that could be financed by Rural Finance Development Project funds; (v) develop a plan for the Government of Romania to phase out directed credit subsidies; and (vi) review the environmental regulations and procedures in Romania as they relate to lending in order to ensure that financial transactions and sub-projects under the Rural Finance Development Project will be in compliance with the existing environmental legal and regulatory framework..07/26/2000 10:37:29 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Moldova 2. Project Name: Rural Finance 2 5. Grant Amount: $474,6000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Strengthening the Rural Finance Corporation (an on-lending institution) 2. Development of Commercial Banks 3. Strengthening Rural Finance Regulatory and Supervisory Capacities 4. SME Support Services Development 5. Project Component Preparation--Identification of TA 6. Workshops 19. Status Project Board date has been postponed to FY02 based on mutual agreement with the Government and the Bank. Preparation for the Second Rural Finance Project, with activities funded under the PHRD grant, has just begun. First disbursement request has been received and approved. Intense activity is foreseen to start in the coming months. 20. Impact n/a.07/26/2000 11:41:21 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Mozambique 2. Project Name: Local Government Management Program (Former Rap) 5. Grant Amount: US$426,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist in the preparation of a Local Management Government Program. The main components of the Grant are: a) Institutional structure; b) Decentralized implementation and finance; c) Program scope; d) Eligibility criteria; e) Operation and maintenance; f) Private sector and NGOs; g) Learning visit to Brazil 19. Status The Government signed the agreement for IDA to administer the Grant on July 25, 1998. Since then, terms of reference were prepared, consultants hired, and three initial studies are being carried out. The studies are: (1) Review of Public Investment and Decentralization Policy at the Provincial and District Levels, which is analyzing current policy and future policy directions and practice; (2) Review of Decentralized, Community-Based Local Management Government Program in Mozambique, to assess the approaches, strengths and weaknesses of various donor-funded projects in different provinces; and (3) Assessment of community-based rural infrastructure investments funded by the Bank-supported Rural Rehabilitation Project, to identify the lessons of experience with small infrastructure projects in terms of technical quality, impact, sustainability, implementation methods, and ownership. These studies are expected to inform the design and orientation of the Local Management Government Program. In addition, the Government has formed a three-person team, made up of national and provincial level staff, to oversee the preparation of the project. 20. Impact Although the Grant is just beginning to be implemented, it has already helped the Government and IDA to arrive at a joint vision for decentralized rural development. The preparation of the three initial studies has been very useful in sharpening the focus of the proposed project. It is also expected that the Grant will be invaluable in helping to foster local ownership and commitment by supporting stakeholder participation and consultation.workshops..07/26/2000 11:49:23 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Mozambique 2. Project Name: Municipal Development Project Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 5. Grant Amount: US$450,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components a) Physical and environmental conditions study; b) Investment selection and design; c) Finance and economic studies; d) Human resource issues; e) Beneficiary assessments; f) Design of long-term program 19. Status The Grant was secured to support preparatory activities for a Municipal Development Project in Mozambique. Seven consultants have been hired in FY00 to complete the technical assistance activities as approved in the PHRD grant agreement. An initial part of the finance and economic study has been completed and more work will be carried out by a consultant hired in FY01. The physical and environmental condition study will be completed in FY01. The investment selection and design component is being carried out in close cooperation with the project municipalities. Beneficiary assessments are been completed by one locally based consultant for all municipalities and financial evaluations for each municipality have been submitted. Human resource issues assessments on municipal staffing, skills and working conditions are carried out by two consultants in cooperation with line ministry and municipalities. The design of long-term program is also being completed. 20. Impact A high degree of participation by local governments has been achieved through the work of consultants, three of them based in Mozambique. Consultants have worked in close contact with the municipalities to assess the capacity, priorities, and willingness to pay of the local governments..07/26/2000 05:19:23 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Ukraine 2. Project Name: Pilot Rural Finance Project 5. Grant Amount: $468,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant consists of the following components: (i) a commercial bank component to develop the institutional and human resources capacity of selected financial institutions that would potentially on-lend the rural credit line to private farmers, private ago-processors, and other private rural enterprises; (ii) a credit union component to develop the capacity of credit unions to provide services in the rural areas; (iii) a small goods component for the purchase of computer hardware and software. 19. Status Implementation of the Grant has not yet begun. The Government of Ukraine has proposed, and the World Bank has agreed, amendments to the Grant Agreement as follows: (i) the incorporation of two additional technical assistance activities as eligible to be financed by the Grant, and (ii) the transfer of execution of the Grant from the Government to the World Bank to ensure that the eligible activities to be financed by the Grant will be executed in an effective and timely manner. A new Grant Agreement is currently being drafted by the legal department. 20. Impact n/a.07/26/2000 06:03:14 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Rural Finance Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $396,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant was initially designed to support the Government of Romania in developing an Agricultural Input Guarantee Facility. However, this operation was incorporated into the Rural Finance Development Project, and TFC consequently authorized use of the Grant to support this project. The technical assistance activities eligible to be financed by the Grant are (i) reasearching the private farm sector, (ii) identifying the most appropriate Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports region for establishing 2-4 farm supply service centers, (iii) designing an operational plan for establishing and starting up the Facility, (iv) desiging a plan for the staffing, management, and start-up of the farm supply service centers, (v) designing the physical facilities required for Facility, (vi) designing a legal framework for the farm supply service centers, (vii) preparing a detailed project design, and (viii) designing training plans for small farmer participation. 19. Status The Grant is active, but depleted. It is expected to close on 9/30/2000. 20. Impact During FY2000, the Grant financed: (i) the development of a system of securing financial transactions with moveable assets - a system that will facilitate commerce between farm supply service centers, agricultural suppliers, and farmers, as well as enable extensive use of leasing contracts; (ii) preparation of a detailed project design in the form of an operational manual for the Rural Development Project; and (iii) a review of the environmental regulations and procedures in Romania as they relate to lending in order to ensure that commerce between farm supply service centers, agricultural suppliers, and farmers under the Rural Finance Development Project will be in compliance with the existing environmental legal and regulatory framework..07/27/2000 10:23:09 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: First National Roads Improvement & Management 5. Grant Amount: USD$990,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Provision of advisory services on (i) the selection of priority arterial roads to be included in the Project; and (ii) on the preparation of the Project Implementation Plan, and organization of consultative workshops with sector stakeholders; (b) provision of advisory services to review detailed engineering designs for reconstruction and rehabilitation of selected roads, including preparation of resettlement action plans and environmental impact assessments; and (c) provision of advisory services on the implementation of institutional reforms relative to the public management of national road network, including a study of introduction of a new maintenance management system and assistance with the review of proposed legislation and regulations. 19. Status Progress achieved is satisfactory. Activities undertaken under contracts signed during FY99 have all been completed satisfactorily. Remaining activities concern the preparation of environmental impact assessment; preparation of resettlement action plans; and preparation of feasibility studies for section of priority arterial roads which will be constructed under the second phase of the APL - National Roads Improvement and Management Program (NRIMP - an APL including three phases/projects of three years each). 20. Impact Provision of this Grant was essential to the preparation of each components of the follow up project the NRIMP. Among the main impacts of the Grant, it has allowed; (i) the extensive participation of DPWH staff and other project stakeholders; (ii) the preparation of a Resettlement Policy; (iii) preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments; (iv) the introduction of efficient and modern maintenance practices; and (v) identification of high priority national roads to be upgraded...07/27/2000 10:54:19 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria 2. Project Name: Land Registration And Restitution 5. Grant Amount: US $ 561,900 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components TA for the engagement of a team of specialists for: * land reform and restitution Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports * establishment and operation of cadastre and land registries * Institutional support 19. Status Now under full preparation and the grant is in use. Preparation missions were conducted in October 1999 and March 2000, with a follow-up mission in June 2000. To-date the work of consultants funded by the grant has been critical to preparation of the project. The next mission is planned for October 2000 and this will be a preparation / pre-appraisal mission. Several reports have been produced by consultants including one on the cadastre (by Peter Creuzer) and another on Urban land markets (by Paul Munro-Faure and others). 20. Impact The preparation was delayed for 12 months while a necessary Law passed through Parliament. With the passage of the Law in April 2000, full project preparation is now underway. The agencies appreciate the PHRD grant as it has given them the opportunity to have the involvement of non-government professionals from various sectors and this has already benefited the preparation process..07/27/2000 11:30:15 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Livestock And Aquaculture Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US $121,800 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components - Analysis of the genetic bases for fine wool sheep available abroad; - Analysis of international experience in improving the genetic base of aquaculture species; - Assessment of required institutional management capacity in relevant areas in the livestock and aquaculture sectors; - Assessment of existing marketing network in the livestock and aquaculture sectors; and - Provision of advisory services on the training, institutional strengthening, research and extension plans. 19. Status Project preparation has been delayed due to country portfolio issues. The Bank executed grant is soon fully expensed. The expensing of the Government executed grant has been slower. 20. Impact The grant has greatly enhanced the quality of the preparation of the two projects which are located in remote areas with very limited Bank experience. The grant has enabled the Government and the Bank to approach the preparation in a manner that allows intensive participation of potential beneficiaries at a design level..07/27/2000 11:55:32 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Livestock And Aquaculture Development Project, Now Divided Into Two Projects: (1) Integrated Sheep Development Project; (2) Aquaculture Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US $487,200 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components - Analysis of the existing domestic genetic base in the fine wool sheep sector; - Study of the domestic genetic base in the aquaculture sector; - Evaluation of existing breeding, production, and handling techniques and technologies in the livestock and aquaculture sectors; - Technical and feasibility studies, including environmental assessments, for possible sites for livestock and aquaculture breeding farms, hatcheries, and broodstock farms; - Assessment of existing marketing network in the livestock and aquaculture sectors; - Preparation and conduct of consultative workshops to ensure the participation of stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of the project; - Development of training, institutional strengthening, research and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports extension plans necessary for the implementation of the various components of the project; and - Preparation of project implementation arrangements and monitoring and evaluation plans. 19. Status Project preparation has been delayed due to country portfolio issues. The Bank executed grant is soon fully expensed. The expensing of the Government executed grant has been slower. The Government has requested a 12 month extension of the grant. 20. Impact The grant has greatly enhanced the quality of the preparation of the two projects which are located in remote areas with very limited Bank experience. The grant has enabled the Government and the Bank to approach the preparation in a manner that allows intensive participation of potential beneficiaries at a design level. Leading domestic experts have been employed as consultants to join missions together with foreign experts allowing for important knowledge transfer...07/27/2000 02:57:15 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam 2. Project Name: Road Maintenance Management Project 5. Grant Amount: US$448,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1) Review policy and institutional setup 2) Review system of road user charges 3) Network assessment and determination of needs 4) Stakeholder analysis 5) Define project objectives and scope 6) Design of project components 7) Project implementation plan 19. Status The grant has just been approved on June 20, 2000. Grant Agreement is under preparation. 20. Impact The proposed technical assistance would help the Government prepare the policy, institutional and physical components of the project. The consultants to be hired will assist the Government to undertake policy and institutional analysis; assist with the design of project objectives, policy reforms and related institutional and organizational structures. A minor portion of the grant will be used to procure essential office equipment for the government project preparation team. Workshops will be organized to facilitate stakeholder participation and reach consensus on project objectives, scope and content among different stakeholders/user groups, including government and potential donors..07/27/2000 02:30:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Dominican Republic 2. Project Name: Phrd- Secondary Education Development 5. Grant Amount: US$175,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objective of the Grant is to support government preparation of a policy and investment program for strengthening and expanding secondary education. The Grant is comprised of three components as follows: 1. Studies on Quality, Efficiency and Equity Specialists in educational financing; management and planning; curriculum, materials, teacher training, student assessment and monitoring and evaluation. 2. Seminars and Local Workshops on Quality, Best Practices and Monitoring Evaluation Workshop and seminar organization and planning Printing materials (publications and dissemination of studies) needed for Workshops and seminars Stakeholder coordination Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Seminars 3. Review and Consolidation of Studies Local and International Specialists to review and consolidate studies and prepare policy proposals. 19. Status The Grant was signed on February 3, 1999. As of June 30, 2000, US$96,774.51 has been disbursed leaving a balance of US$78,225.49. The current closing date of the grant is October 30, 2000. It is expected that the new government will request an extension given that the project preparation is delayed. To date, the funds have been used to sponsor a stakeholder workshop to identify priorities for the sector and to provide technical assistance in helping identify and prepare key components..20. Impact The Grant has provided significant technical assistance and training to develop the capacity of the MOE staff in education planning and program development. Among other activities, the grant financed the participation of numerous international experts in a workshop on secondary education held in the Dominican Republic. T he Grant has also provided funds to develop knowledge that is feeding the project preparations both, of the World Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank..07/27/2000 04:32:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Egypt 2. Project Name: Transport Infrastructure Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $299,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant's proceeds will be used to finance: (1) the creation of a plan to identify, prioritize and develop the Greater Cairo Region's most urgent transport infrastructure needs; (2) studies on the feasibility of developing the projects identified; and (3) analyses of the environmental impacts associated with the prioritized investments. 19. Status A request to reallocate the use of these grant funds to help address the Greater Cairo Region's most urgent transport infrastructure needs was approved in March 2000. Since then, agreement on the use of the grant's proceeds has not been reached with the government, and as such, a Grant Agreement has not been signed. However, in mid-June 2000 a two-day workshop on options for financing the Cairo Metro's Third Line was held in Cairo. Following the workshop, the possibility of using the grant to help prepare the Cairo Metro's Third Line Project was discussed. Currently, we are awaiting a more detailed response from the government before agreeing on the use of this grant. 20. Impact It is expected that this funding will play an essential role and have a significant impact in preparing the project, once its design has been finalized..07/28/2000 02:03:48 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic 2. Project Name: Forest Conservation And Management (Fomacop) Ii 5. Grant Amount: $ 258,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Preparation of Community-Based Forest Management Models Development Process. A team of one international forest sociologist and one local forestry expert would assist preparation of detailed plans for community-based forestry models. (b) Development of a Rural Development Support Services Plan. A team of one international expert on rural development/agribusiness and three local experts would help prepare a detailed plan to strengthen extension support to communities and to improve agency coordination. It would also identify environmentally-friendly activities to raise the standard of living of communities in the project areas. (c) Preparation of Legal/Institutional/Human Resources Framework. A team comprising of one international forest institutions/training specialist Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and one local legal specialist would help strengthen the capacity of the GOL to facilitate the preparation process. The team would also assist the preparation of detailed legal, institutional, and human resources development programs needed for community-base sustainable forest management and to develop and implement community-based forest management models. 19. Status Effectiveness pending. It is now anticipated that the grant will be activated the second quarter of FY 2001 following discussion of a multi-donor Forest Policy Review. 20. Impact N/A.07/28/2000 05:12:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Education Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: $940,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Component 1 - Policy Reform and Implementation. This component supports this area of project preparation through: (a) identification of areas of greater efficiency; (b) development of mechanisms for restructuring education financing; (c) development of a standard model for pilot project & development of dissemination mechanisms; (d) analysis of social risks of proposed reforms and development of public relations strategy; (e) development of new system of evaluation and quality control; (f) improving statistical information; (g) coordination of project design activities. Component 2 - Regional Education Reform Pilots. This component extends the above preparation activities to the three pilot regions - Samara, Chuvashaya & Yaroslavl. Component 3 - Project Management preparation. This component supports the development of a sound project management structure, including building capacity for financial management. 19. Status On going until closing date. 20. Impact The work undertaken to date during project preparation has been of a very high quality. Studies accomplished by the Russian and international teams are relevant to the key issues of regional education reform in the Russian Federation. Specifically, the analysis for the development of pilots for the reform of general education in selected Regions of the Russian Federation will be of great value to the Ministry of Education as replicable models for other Regions in the Federation - foreseen as a key objective of the proposed project. Equally valuable, has been the project preparation in relation to the vocational education component. The Social Assessments which have been carried out in the three participating Regions have produced a first set of invaluable recommendations for the project preparation team and for the Regional educational administrators..07/28/2000 08:55:59 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Morocco Contractual Savings 5. Grant Amount: $ 600,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant components are the following: a- Implementation of pension system reforms (consulting services and workshop): $279K for the DAPS, b- Development of Asset management and capacity of the main pension funds' intermediary (CDG): $123K, c- Institutional development of the Insurance and pension system regulatory authorities, DAPS: $110K, d- Technical Assistance for capital market development with the Direction du Trésor as main beneficiary: $88K 19. Status The closing date of the grant has been postponed from June 2000 to Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports December 2000 to allow for the completion of the work initiated by consultants. The use of the grant has been accelerated in the first half of 2000, and as of today, of the approved amount of USD 600000, USD 386,794 have been committed. Three consulting firms were hired in FY 2000: CDPQ for Development of Asset Management Capacity ($76K), Actuaria for the institutional development of the Insurance and Pension system regulatory authorities. ($80K), and IEM in the TA for Capital Market Development at the MOF ($80K). A second contract was granted to Actuaria in FY 2001 for a new assignment with the DAPS, in order to assist them in the drafting of the policy paper and the action plan for pension reform, based on actuarial studies which have been prepared by Moroccan actuaries for each caisse de retraite . 20. Impact The grant has been very useful in many ways: - The main pension funds manager (CDG) has benefited from a training program provided by CDPQ. in the areas of portfolio management and investment banking, - the Direction du Tresor (MOF) has benefited from the assistance of a French firm (IEM) to set up a capital market monitoring mechanism, supported by data collection and organization. This should permit the Direction du Tresor to have a more comprehensive and efficient database to monitor the capital markets and anticipate trends on the capital markets..- Thanks to the grant, the policy paper has been drafted by the DAPS, with the assistance of Actuaria. This paper is instrumental for the future operation and will serve the Government in the definition of policy measures for the pension reform..07/28/2000 10:52:02 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Guinea 2. Project Name: Guinea Second National Rural Infrastructure Program 5. Grant Amount: $395,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The funds allocated are used for the following preparation activities: The funds would be allocated in particular for the following preparation activities: (A) Development of a strategy to integrate consideration of gender and vulnerable groups into project design: The technical assistance would assure that the components correspond adequately to the different needs of women and men in the use of rural infrastructure and respond to the special concerns of vulnerable groups. It would also identify a pool of potential local facilitators, with special emphasis on recruiting potential female candidates, and train them in the use of participatory diagnosis methods and in facilitating regional and national stakeholders’ seminars. Two regional workshops and one national seminar would be organized to seek the stakeholders’ feedback on the proposed project design and to integrate their recommendations in the final project preparation. These events will be facilitated by a gender specialist and are expected to bring together a cross-section of about 30 representatives of non-government agencies, women's’ groups, village organizations at each of the seminars. The regional seminars will ensure input from a broader base of stakeholders while the national workshop will reach out to decision makers (government officials, donor and NGO representatives). (B) Institutional assessment of the rural engineering directorates and development of an appropriate capacity building program: The technical assistance would review management capacity and propose strengthening of the concerned central and deconcentrated agencies. (C) Design of a demand-driven strategy linking local and central level decision-making: The technical assistance would (i) study the social organization of community groups and their interface with local governments, (ii) analyze management and accounting capacity of end-user organizations and their training needs, and (iii) provide training to deconcentrated ministerial staff to develop new technical aptitude, improving therefore their service and administrative functions. The Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports assistance would also support the design of a demand-driven strategy and methodology for participatory diagnosis to identify and prioritize the specific.infrastructure investment needs of rural communities. (D) Development of an action plan for the national rural transport strategy: The technical assistance would (i) define an action plan for the National Rural Transport Strategy, (ii) assess the current situation with regard to institutional and financing arrangements and technical standards for rural transport infrastructure, and (iii) analyze the provision of rural transport services and propose mainstreaming of successful pilot operations which have already been carried out under ongoing projects. (E) Detailed preparation of NRIP II components: The grant would provide assistance to prepare detailed design of the three components, including (i) appropriate technical and economic evaluation of sub-projects, (ii) a framework for a monitoring and evaluation system, and (iii) institutional arrangements for the project. 19. Status Implementation is proceeding rapidly and as expected. The Government is highly motivated. 20. Impact The grant is an excellent mechanism to match national and international expertise; especially on such critical elements as gender and prioritization..07/28/2000 12:28:22 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Gambia 2. Project Name: The Gambia Trade Gateway Project 5. Grant Amount: US$250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components a) development of the institutional framework for the free zone through well focused Technical Assistance ($61,000); b) carrying out an Environmental Assessment Study to address all potential project related negative impacts ($136,000); and c) design of an Environment Management Plan (EMP) to eliminate, offset, or reduce adverse environmental impacts ($53,000). 19. Status a) Development of the institutional framework for the free zone: Terms of reference have been cleared by the Bank and discussions are being held by the Government to finalize a contract with International Development Ireland Ltd. which has just carried out the update of the Trade Gateway feasibility study. b) Environmental Assessment Study: A consultant has been selected through an ICB process. By memorandum dated may 8, 2000, the Bank gave its no objection to Government to sign a contract with Environmental Consultancy and Assistance (ECOLAS). The study is on going and should be completed before the end of October. c) Design of an Environment Management Plan (EMP): The contract is under preparation. 20. Impact Due to the relatively weak capacity of the Government in the finalization of the free zones legislation, the technical assistance to be provided will speed up the preparation of the project. The contribution of the Japanese PHRD Fund is key to ensure that a comprehensive environmental assessment is carried out at an early stage in the project design..07/28/2000 02:35:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Lebanon 2. Project Name: Beirut Urban Transport Project 5. Grant Amount: $478,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant's proceeds will be used to finance: (1) a review of traffic management in Beirut; (2) environmental and economic analyses, as well as detailed engineering studies; (3) parking improvement program; (4) transport emmissions reduction program; (5) coordination of public transport systems; and (6) workshop on Beirut's Urban Transport Development Strategy. 19. Status After delays in implementing the Grant, studies on parking improvement Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and traffic management systems, as well as a social assessment, were recently completed. These studies proved to be very useful during the project's appraisal mission. Currently, the focus is on preparing for the Urban Transport Workshop, which will seek to disseminate information about the project, and to build consensus in the formulation of an urban transport plan for Beirut. 20. Impact Grant proceeds,which have complemented the Government's own resources, were used to finance a number of preparatory studies. The funds have permitted access to international expertise and have had a direct and positive impact on the quality of the preparatory studies..07/28/2000 03:21:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Bangkok Air Quality Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $800,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The main purpose of the PHRD is to help the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its local partner agency prepare a project for the improvement of air quality in Bangkok City. The Trust Fund was originally designed as one project, but prior to its implementation it was split into two main components, one to be executed by the BMA and the other by the Bank. The following description deals with the Government administered component of the TF. Grant components are as follows: A. Sub-project Formulation: This includes consulting services to enable the BMA to complete feasibility studies, comprising an evaluation of the technical, environmental, economic and financial viability of each project component; preparation of costs and financing plans; and preparation of health, environmental and social impact assessment, if required. The subsectors that are covered include: (i) transport source control (focusing on particulate matters abatement and other air pollutants from mobile sources, such as diesel and two stroke engine); (ii) road dust and other source control; and (iii) air quality monitoring and awareness raising. B. Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building: The purpose of this component is to provide support to the BMA AQ team during the project preparation, provide specific training on air quality related matters; as well as to develop some of the project components, in particular related to dust control measures and evaluation of the health impact. C. Stakeholders and technical workshops have also been included and are a fundamental part of the project preparation. These will be held to discuss the project design with various stakeholders during preparation and reach consensus on options suggested and on the design of the various project components. 19. Status All consulting services under A and B above have been procured. Workshops under part C are being held. Part A. The team working on the formulation of the project component and their feasibility is approaching 30% of its inputs and has submitted two of its.planned reports. A third report is expected by the end of August. The consultants work should be completed by December 2000, with submission of the final report at a later date. Part B. A team of experienced local consultants have been hired. They have started working in May and have already submitted an inception report. Work is progressing satisfactorily. Part C. A first workshop with about 90 participants was held on 1 June, 2000. It was well attended by all the key stakeholders. The Bangkok Governor briefly participated and gave key notes remarks at the workshop. The workshop was instrumental in progressing the project preparation. Several smaller, focused workshops are being planned. There will also be a final stakeholder workshop to present project findings and discuss the project implementation plan. 20. Impact The PHRD is having a positive impact not only for the purpose of the project preparation but to allow a continuous dialogue among the sector Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports agencies on preferred options to improve air quality in Bangkok city..07/28/2000 03:18:37 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Mauritius 2. Project Name: Phrd Grant Mauritius 5. Grant Amount: 400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultant's services 19. Status On February 28, 2000, the Government of Mauritius has asked for an extension of the PHRD Grant, which was relayed to TFC on March 6, 2000. However, the project has not officially been extended, and the last closing date was March 30, 2000. During the last months, we agreed on the following list of activities proposed by the MOHQL : "Development of a Master Plan to upgrade the health facilities and services in Rodrigues" (Category E) "Consultancy services for the development of Pharmacologic services" (Category A) "Development of an Action Plan on quality assurance and accreditation for the health sector, both public and private in Mauritius" (Category A). On August 25, 2000, we have requested from TFC an extension of the PHRD Grant until November 30, 2000. Mauritius has recently called elections for early September, leading the Country Director and the Sector Manager to cancel their mission, initially planned beginnning September, until late October. It is not yet clear to the Bank whether the Mauritians are commited to borrowing for the health sector. After the mission, it will be decided whether to extend the Grant for a longer period allowing them to fully prepare a loan or alternatively, to close the Grant if no loan is planned. 20. Impact NA.07/28/2000 03:53:13 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kyrgyz Republic 2. Project Name: On-Farm Irrigation 5. Grant Amount: US$ 599,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant components are: (i) preparation studies; (ii) Water Users Associations (WUAs) establishment, pilot farm rehabilitation and support to improve operation and maintenance of farms; and (iii) training of farmers and government officials in participatory ways of farm rehabilitation. 19. Status The preparation studies have been completed with the participation of national and foreign consultants. Consulting activities have focused on methodologies of establishing WUAs, social works, engineering requirements, proper WUA legislation and economics. Pilot rehabilitation works, selected by farmers' groups, have been carried out in four farms. Training activities have been carried out to government officials at central and local level and farmers. Last May, the Minister of Finance requested an extension. We supported this and requested approval from TFC. We did inform TFC that the Board date would be June 6, 2000. The argument was not to lose momentum between the end of June (the current closing date) and expected effectiveness in November 2000. The development of WUAs is a complicated issue and a number of preparation and training activities should continue. Their requested extension was not expected to go beyond Credit effectiveness. The request was approved by TFC on June 4, 2000. 20. Impact The preparation studies have been very important for the development of a project that puts major emphasis on institutional development, rather than just physical rehabilitation. As this was a new concept in the country the assistance of experienced foreign consultants has been important to make government and other stakeholders aware of the importance of institutional development and the fact that farmers representation, governance and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports shared management and operation responsibilities are important parameters for the successful and sustainable use of former farm irrigation systems. Project preparation has also drafted the necessary legislation for the development of WUAs and introduced financial management and monitoring principles for future WUAs...07/28/2000 03:57:48 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Dominican Republic 2. Project Name: Phrd - Secondary Education Development 5. Grant Amount: US$175,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The objective of the Grant is to support government preparation of a policy and investment program for strengthening and expanding secondary education. The Grant is comprised of three components as follows: 1. Studies on Quality, Efficiency and Equity. Specialists in educational financing; management and planning; curriculum, materials, teacher training, student assessment and monitoring and evaluation. 2. Seminars and Local Workshops on Quality, Best Practices and Monitoring Evaluation. Workshop and seminar organization and planning. Printing materials (publications and dissemination of studies) needed for Workshops and seminars. Stakeholder coordination Seminars 3. Review and Consolidation of Studies Local and International Specialists to review and consolidate studies and prepare policy proposals. 19. Status The Grant was signed on February 3, 1999. As of June 30, 2000, US$91,350.78 has been disbursed leaving a balance of US$83,649.22 The current closing date of the grant is October 30, 2000. It is expected that the new government will request an extension given that the project preparation is delayed. To date, the funds have been used to sponsor a stakeholder workshop to identify priorities for the sector and to provide technical assistance in helping identify and prepare key components..20. Impact The Grant has provided significant technical assistance and training to develop the capacity of the MOE staff in education planning and program development. Among many other expenses, the grant has been instrumental in providing resources for the preparation and delivery of an international workshop on secondary education. The Grant has also provided funds to develop knowledge that is feeding the project preparations both, of the World Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank..07/28/2000 04:04:14 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Lebanon 2. Project Name: Cultural Heritage And Tourism Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $350,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Components to be funded under this grant include: (1) tourism development studies that will assess local and national capacity to manage, protect and promote natural tourism sites, detail plans to improve the selected sites, develop terms of reference for development of each site and its surrounding area; (2) finance visits to the sites; and (3) fund a project preparation team. 19. Status To date, there have been significant delays in tendering the studies needed to prepare this project. While no contracts have been signed, it is anticipated that a social assessment study and specific urban studies in target cities will be underway by October 2000. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact The funding available under this grant is essential in preparing the proposed project, and is expected to have a significant impact on the overall quality of the key deliverables..07/31/2000 10:44:18 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Azerbaijan 2. Project Name: Rehabilitation Of Irrigation And Drainage 5. Grant Amount: US$ 306,600 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant components include: (i) environmental assessment and monitoring; (ii) social impact studies and development of participatory approaches; (iii) training and study tour; (iv) financial management system development; and (v) preparation of institutional development action plan. 19. Status The environmental assessment and monitoring and management plan have been prepared and reviewed and approved by Government and the Bank. All documents have been publicly made available. Social impact studies have been carried out in the project areas and a comprehensive report was prepared by consultants. Relevant findings of the surveys have been used in the final preparation of the project. A study tour to Turkey was carried out to study management of large irrigation command areas, similar to one of the major command areas under the project. A financial management system is currently being developed. It took TFC and the Japanese authorities more than four months to approve two new activities under the Grant. After approval in May (or maybe the end of April), the PIU informed us that during the more than fours months between the Government request and approval, the PIU could not spend the funds for the new activities fearing that they may not be eligible. In order to have more time to complete the preparation activities an extension through October 30, 2000 was requested. This would still be before expected effectiveness of the Credit. TFC approved this request on May 15, 2000. 20. Impact The environmental and social work have been very important to develop the final project design and scope. The study tour was appreciated by all participants as very appropriate to conditions in Azerbaijan and conclusions have been used in discussions with Government to work out the institutional development component..08/01/2000 12:13:53 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Rural Development Project 5. Grant Amount: 526,997 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Local Public Administration Study 2. Rural Development/Poverty Studies 3. Design of Physical Infrastructure Intervention 4. Design of Social Infrastructure Intervention 5. Social Assessment and Gender Component 6. Rural Development Workshop 19. Status Over half of the consultants have been hired; and, as a result, project preparation is well underway. 20. Impact The consultants hired have contributed significantly to project preparation in defining the scope and narrowing the objectives of the project..08/01/2000 12:56:18 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Macedonia - Former Yugoslav Republic Of 2. Project Name: Macedonia Education Modernization 5. Grant Amount: 379,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant has three components: (i) Curriculum development (ii) Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Rehabilitation, and (iii) Competitiveness and professional participation 19. Status Pending grant agreement to be signed very soon 20. Impact Pending upon signing of grant agreement and initiation of TA.08/01/2000 11:35:22 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic 2. Project Name: Second Education Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US$112,200.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Consultants' Services and Workshops 19. Status Under implementation since May 22, 2000. 20. Impact Fulfilled TORs impact good..08/01/2000 01:22:57 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Social Development Agency 5. Grant Amount: Yen 66,000,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant finances technical assistance for the establishment of the Social Development Agency. In particular, it supports: (i) studies related to employment promotion, and (ii) the preparation of the framework for the social development agency, including the drafting of an operational manual and the supporting of activities typical of social fund community driven interventions like involving communities and NGOs in sub-project implementation. 19. Status Two studies were financed and completed. The Social Development Agency law was issued in August of 1999. The Managing Director for the Agency was appointed in July of 2000. Work will soon begin to set up the organizational structure of the SDA and draft its operational manual. 20. Impact The expected impact is to have a SDA that is based on world wide "best- practice" with a clear mandate and operational procedures laid out in the operational manual. This SDA in turn will have a positive impact on the poverty situation in the country specially in the rural areas..08/01/2000 01:41:53 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic 2. Project Name: Second Education Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US$455,500.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultants' Services, Workshops and Overseas Study Tours 19. Status Under implementation since May 22, 2000. 20. Impact Not yet visible because RFP for consultant recruitment just approved..08/01/2000 01:51:32 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic 2. Project Name: Social Fund Project 5. Grant Amount: US$243,500.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultants' Services 19. Status Not under implementation. Grant Agreement not yet signed. Grant will be split with the Government executing US$162,850.00 and World Bank US$80,650.00. 20. Impact Fulfilled TORs; Impact Excellent..08/01/2000 04:16:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Bangkok Air Quality Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $200,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The main purpose of the PHRD is to help the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its local partner agency prepare a project for the improvement of air quality in Bangkok City. The Trust Fund was originally designed as one project, but prior to its implementation it was split into two main components, one to be executed by the BMA and the other by the Bank. The following description deals with the Bank administered component of the TF. The main component of the grant deals with Strategy Development and TA Management. This includes advisory services to help BMA develop an integrated air quality and transport management strategy. The current city traffic management strategy and BMA proposed capital investment in the transport sector is being reviewed and recommendations provided for its improvement. A local expert on the field of air quality management, should also be financed under this component to help the BMA formulate, plan, and manage the project. 19. Status Because of the need to increase the time required for the whole project preparation activities, it has been decided to slow down the implementation of this component of the PHRD. Additionally, it has been particularly difficult to identify a local air quality specialist that could be involved full time on the project and could be acceptable to both the BMA and the other sector agencies. Although this search is continuing, the time that had originally been identified for this person may have to be either split among several local consultants or used for international inputs. The preparation of the transport management plan, to be integrated with the air quality work, has proceeded satisfactorily and is expected to be completed towards the end of the year 2000. 20. Impact The consultants hired under this component of the PHRD have been well accepted by the client and their advice is being utilized by the EA in the preparation of the project. Substantial transfer of knowledge has also been.achieved..08/01/2000 05:09:43 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Jiangxi Integrated Agricultural Modernization Project 5. Grant Amount: US $125,100 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) preparation of market studies for agricultural products in the Recipient’s Province of Jiangxi; (b) evaluation of international experience in agricultural product improvement, including related cultivation and breeding techniques and technologies; (c) assist the Recipient in carrying out participatory rapid assessments of proposed household development, irrigation/drainage, and quality production extension activities in Jiangxi; (d) assessment of existing market networks in Jiangxi, and the preparation of a training plan for market surveillance; and (e) review of plans to be developed under the Related Activities for training, institutional development and extension services. 19. Status Activities have not yet started 20. Impact Activities have not yet started.08/01/2000 05:19:18 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Jiangxi Integrated Agricultural Modernization Project Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 5. Grant Amount: US $500,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) carrying out of market studies for agricultural products in the Recipient’s Province of Jiangxi; (b) evaluation of the domestic experience in agricultural product improvement including related cultivation and breeding techniques and technologies; (c) carrying out of participatory rapid assessments for proposed household development, irrigation and drainage, and quality production extension activities in Jiangxi; (d) preparation of technical and financial feasibility studies including environmental assessments for proposed irrigation and drainage sites; (e) carrying out of domestic study tours to Hubei and Hunan to visit existing self-financing water users’ associations; (f) carrying out of a baseline household survey on agricultural production; (g) (i) evaluation of existing production techniques and technologies utilized in crop and animal husbandry, and of the financial and technical feasibility of related technology transfer; and (ii) assessment of the required extension capacity of production technologies and design of an extension plan; (h) preparation of technical and financial feasibility studies for selected demonstration activities; (i) assessment of existing marketing networks in Jiangxi and preparation of technical and financial feasibility studies for new and/or rehabilitated wholesale markets; (j) development of training, institutional development and extension plans necessary for the Project implementation, through holding of workshops, interviews and public meetings; and (k) development of Project implementation arrangements, and monitoring and evaluation plans, through holding of workshops, interviews and public meetings..19. Status Activities not yet initiated 20. Impact Activities not yet initiated.08/01/2000 05:45:33 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Gender Equity Project - Progenero (Generosidad) 5. Grant Amount: $215,000 (originally $241,500) 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The PHRD Grant for Technical Assistance for the Gender Equity Project--ProGénero, a Learning and Innovation Loan--helped to design and prepare the project by financing pre-investment studies and preliminary work. The technical assistance consisted of the five components as presented in the grant proposal: (a) Institutional Assessment of the executing agency, states, municipalities and localities that will be involved in the project. The main outputs were: (i) the project areas and program coverage were defined; (ii) the institutional arrangements consisting of a Project Implementing Unit in the Gender and Development Division of SEDESOL were defined; (iii) criteria and operating mechanisms for the Convive Program (demand-driven grant program) were established; (iv) Operational Manual was developed and reviewed; (v) capacity building component for SEDESOL was designed; and (vi) institutional strengthening plan for the Gender and Development Division was developed. (b) Social Assessment and consultation process was carried out with main stakeholders to define objectives of the project, project activities, and implementation arrangements. The social assessment work included consultations with stakeholders and a participatory rural appraisal with migratory farm workers in Sinaloa. The main outputs from this component were: (i) analysis of the differences in gender roles in Mexico - the burden of domestic work on women and children and changing gender roles as a result of migration; (ii) inputs into the design of the Convive Program (demand-driven grant program); (iii) enhanced information to target the support for productive activities and leadership capacity-building Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports components (particularly the beneficiary contribution); (iv) enhanced Borrower ownership; and (v) definition of the continuation and expansion of the social assessment and participation process during project implementation, particularly for monitoring progress. (c) Social Marketing Strategy on gender awareness. This activity is currently under implementation and will be completed by November 2000. The main activity involves the design of a strategy to promote awareness of the value of equitable relationships between men and women by transmitting new ideas and successful experiences that can be replicated.throughout urban and rural Mexico. The main output will be the completion of design of a social marketing plan and its integration in the Operational Manual. (d) Design of Monitoring and Evaluation System for the project. The design of a monitoring and evaluation system is a crucial part of ProGénero, since as a LIL, it is designed to pilot and learn from both community-based and institutional approaches to promoting gender equity. The Monitoring and Evaluation system will be used to identify exemplary sub-projects, determine the cultural, social and institutional conditions under which favorable results are produced, and develop a set of lessons for future initiatives. The final agreement among the Borrower and the Bank on the design of the Monitoring and Evaluation System, with inclusion of the Project Management Reports needed for the financial management and monitoring, was only reached during negotiations in May 2000, leaving limited time for the execution of the contract. It is currently under implementation and will be completed by November 2000. (e) Staff Development Plan. This activity involved developing a staff development program and training. Current human resource capacity, strengths, and deficiencies were identified and a skills building program was developed and included in the Operational Manual. 19. Status The PHRD Grant for Technical Assistance for the preparation of the Mexico Gender Capacity Building Project--ProGénero, (previously known as the Gender Innovation Fund - Generosidad) began execution in October 1999 with approval of an interim budget. The legal documents were finalized in November 1999. The majority of contracts were executed between November 1999 and June 2000. The Regional Vice President, Latin America and Caribbean Region approved the ProGénero LIL on June 7, 2000. The PHRD grant was instrumental in supporting project preparation activities and at present, over 60 percent of the grant amount has been expensed (this percentage will increase as existing contracts are processed). Due to the reduction in anticipated loan amount (from $5.0 to $3.07 million), the PHRD grant amount was reduced from $241,500 to $215,000 (7 percent of final loan amount). With approval from the Trust Funds Department (July 25, 2000), the Grant Closing Date was extended from June 30 to November 30, 2000 to allow for completion of ongoing activities and contract processing. The LIL was prepared on a fast track with strong Borrower commitment and additional time is needed to complete the activities proposed in the grant proposal. Also, due to political changes in Mexico, the LIL is not expected to be declared effective until November 2000. Terms of Reference for tasks related to the Development of the Social Marketing Strategy and the design of the Monitoring and Evaluation System are finalized and contracts have been extended to complete the activities by November 2000. 20. Impact The main impact of the PHRD Grant for Technical Assistance was the successful and efficient design and preparation of the Gender Capacity Building Project--ProGénero, the first gender-focused operation in the Latin American and Caribbean Region, and perhaps in the Bank. The PHRD support enhanced Borrower ownership of the project through consultation activities and the involvement of key stakeholders in the entire preparation.process. The preparation work also increased the existing knowledge base on gender in Mexico, including analysis of current gender issues and roles, changing household dynamics, the impact of migration on the family, and the roles of Government and civil society organizations. The technical assistance contributed to the execution of the institutional assessment, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports social assessment, staff development plan, and work is continuing on the social marketing strategy and the design of the monitoring and evaluation system for the project (to be completed in November 2000)..08/02/2000 10:12:09 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Urban Sector 5. Grant Amount: 526,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components DEVELOPMENT OF A PROGRAM OF DECENTRALIZATION AND CITY LEVEL REFORM INITIATIVES, INCLUDING CAPACITY BUILDING AND INVESTMENT PREPARATION 19. Status The grant agreement was signed by MOF in early June 2000. Consultants are expected to be selected and begin their work in FY01. It is highly likely that an extension of the closing date will be required, due to the delays in getting the PHRD grant approved by GOI. 20. Impact none yet.08/02/2000 11:30:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Lake Tai Pollution Control 5. Grant Amount: $876,195 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (1) Organizational studies for the strengthening of Lake Tai Basin Commission, and for operation and management of sewerage systems; (2) investment strategies for overall management of liquid wastes in the basin; and (3) update or preparation of feasibility and detailed designs for major engineering works in cities and key townships. 19. Status The grant agreement has not been signed yet. During discussions held in November 1999 with Ministry of Finance officials, they indicated that Jiangsu Province and the Lake Tai Basin Commission had not sent a formal request for the project to MOF. However, during the most recent supervision mission of the ongoing So. Jiangsu Environment Project, local and provincial officials expressed a continued strong desire to borrow for the project. This project is of special interest to the Chinese because Lake Tai is one of the "Three Lakes, Three Rivers" that the Chinese have officially designated as priority areas for environmental clean-up. We now expect a provincial request to MOF before the end of the year, so that the project can become part of the formal 3-year lending program in the urban sector. With the preparation by the same time, of an Issues Paper discussing the potential implementing agencies, the grant agreement could be signed by March 2001 and the actual work by the selected agency would begin shortly thereafter. 20. Impact none yet.08/02/2000 03:19:08 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Mongolia 2. Project Name: Second Ulaanbaatar Services Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: $680,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) strategic assessment and restructuring recommendations and regulatory arrangements for OSNAAK, the housing services agency; (b) develop design and feasibility study of low cost delivery of urban services in the ger areas; and (c) develop a strategic plan on cultural heritage rehabilitation. 19. Status The Grant Agreement has not been drawn up because of initial implementation difficulties with the first IDA project. A supervision mission last May found significant improvement and agreed with IDA management Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports to remove the Project from the "problem project" list, as implementation and disbursements are now proceeding more smoothly. On that basis a fall mission will discuss with the expected implementing agencies of this second project both responsibilities in the execution of the Grant and the signing of the Agreement. Due to a new government recently sworn in, the signing would probably be effective say by February 2001, with immediate start of preparatory work listed below. 20. Impact none.08/02/2000 03:41:53 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam 2. Project Name: Urban Upgrading Project 5. Grant Amount: $841,900 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) further development of urban upgrading policies; (b) identification of slum communities and establishing eligibility criteria; and (c) motivation and mobilization of communities and design upgrading. 19. Status Grant agreement being drafted 20. Impact None yet. Just approved March 2000.08/02/2000 03:47:06 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam 2. Project Name: Ho Chi Minh City Environmental Sanitation 5. Grant Amount: $608,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) detailed design of highest priority works and goods identified in feasibility studies; (b) final environmental impact assessment, environmental mitigation plan and RAP; (c) financial and economic analyses; and (d) formulation and preparation of detailed TOR for TA required for institutional strengthening 19. Status The consultancy contract was signed in April 2000 and work is progressing well. Pre-appraisal of the project was carried out in June 2000 using output from the consultancy available at that time. It is envisaged that the entire assignment will be completed to enable appraisal to be carried out in October 2000. 20. Impact The grant is providing key technical support to the city, particularly in the areas of environmental assessment, resettlement planning, financial analysis and institutional analysis..08/03/2000 11:52:40 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Tunisia 2. Project Name: Education Quality Improvement Program 5. Grant Amount: 100,000,000.00 JPY 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (1) Improvements in equity at basic and secondary levels; (2) Improvements in quality at basic and secondary levels; (3) Improvements in access to upper basic and secondary levels; (4) Improvements in efficiency at basic and secondary levels 19. Status During FY00, consultants produced six studies (in the areas of teacher training and assessment, student assessment and the use of technology in the classroom), as well as assisting the Ministry in the preparation of project documents. In addition, terms of reference and consultant shortlists were prepared for the remain eleven activities which are now to be carried out in FY01 (listed below). These activities, which had been scheduled for completion before the April 2000 appraisal mission for P050945, were delayed due to competing priorities in the Ministry's work program and in some cases the difficulties in identifying suitable qualified, French-speaking candidates for the consultant shortlist. At June 30, 2000, the terms of Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports reference were either completed and approved, or near completion, and candidates had been identified for the consultant shortlists for most of them. 20. Impact By June 30, 2000, the education component of the trust fund (begun in 1998 when converted to the Education Ministry from use for the Social Safety Net Project) had contributed to the early design of the project, through support for the consultation, held in FY98, around the issues of access, quality, equity and efficiency of the education system. Through the technical assistance financed by this and other sources of financing, the Bank team has been able to introduce new ideas and open new areas of discussion where once these ideas were not fully welcome. Issues of dropout and repetition, for instance, have taken several years of preparatory discussion to reach the point now where they are the cornerstone of both the national dialogue and the upcoming Bank-financed education project. More recently, the studies carried out in FY00 (discussed above) contributed directly to the preparation of the project documents...08/03/2000 12:03:49 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Tunisia 2. Project Name: Education Quality Improvement Program 5. Grant Amount: 206,500.00 USD 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (1) Conversion of results and recommendations of the Commission for the School of Tomorrow into concrete project activities; (2) Enhanced use of the Repeat Third International Mathematics and Science Study results to inform policy making and to improve sectoral processes. 19. Status During FY00, terms of reference and consultant shortlists were prepared for the six activities which are now to be carried out in FY01 (listed below). A consultant for one of these studies was contracted in May 2000. These activities, which had been scheduled for completion before the April 2000 appraisal mission for P050945, were delayed due to competing priorities in the Ministry's work program and in some cases the difficulties in identifying suitable qualified, French-speaking candidates for the consultant shortlist. At June 30, 2000, the terms of reference were either completed and approved, or near completion, and candidates had been identified for the consultant shortlists for most of them. 20. Impact The outcome of School of Tomorrow process, including the conference proceedings which have been issued as a joint Government/Bank document, have helped broaden the debate, and have introduced a certain level of technical rigor in the discourse, both of which have proved beneficial to Project 50945. Participation in TIMSS-R has not only provided a more objective measure of student learning in mathematics and science than is currently in use within the country, but has also introduces technical staff to the most up-to-date methodologies for measuring learning achievement: it provides a benchmark against which future achievement can be tracked, as well as excellent comparisons with other countries in the region and in the rest of the world. Further impact will be had once the analysis of the results is completed and made available to the relevant actors (end of calendar 2000), especially those involved in the design of curriculum and teaching methodologies..08/03/2000 12:18:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Education Reform 5. Grant Amount: US$1,183,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (1) Human resource development; and (2) Organization and management 19. Status As of July 28, 2000, 91% of the Grant funds have been committed and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 49% disbursed. One study (financing) was cancelled. Due to currency fluctuations and possible savings, the balance of the funds are to be utilized to support an ongoing study on human resource development. The time lag between commitment and disbursement is partly explained by the care the Bank and the Education Ministries have taken to ensure quality in the products submitted through extensive reviews, including external peer reviewers for some particular studies, discussions with contractors on comments made to the reports. 20. Impact A Royal Commission on Education recently produced a radical overview of needs and approaches for upgrading the education system which is now moving towards implementation. The studies done under the project, the topics of which remain relevant and on target, are contributing to the implementation of many of the proposed strategies and activities. In particular, studies on decentralization, privatization, and human resource development are expected to impact the ongoing changes in the government’s strategy. Seminars to discuss the work in progress held at the education ministries have acted as forums for the discussion of issues and strategies..08/03/2000 04:16:43 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Education Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $422,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Carrying out a study of options for education governance and finance, (b) Dissemination of the findings and recommendations of the study, (c) Building a consensus for the recommended measures emerging from the study, (d) preparation of a third education project for BiH, and (e) provision of technical assistance to support project management 19. Status An Education Governance and Finance Study -- carried out through a unique joint venture between the World Bank and the Council of Europe -- was completed and presented at a public forum early in fiscal year 2000. In addition, the participatory process used for the study, including several interim seminars and workshops, helped develop public support for the study's findings and conclusions. The grant also successfully funded development and implementation of textbook procurement pilots and initial design of a shared Standards and Assessment Agency for BiH. 20. Impact A case can be made that PHRD funding has never been put to better use in terms of impact. This grant permitted an international donor partnership (WB, Council of Europe, European Commission, UNESCO, Office of the High Representative) to bring Serbs, Croats and Bosniacs together in BiH to focus attention on social cohesion issues in education and develop consensus for needed governance changes. As a result, World Bank and European Union funding is currently supporting the establishment of a shared Standards and Assessment Agency for BiH, as well as a shared Coordinating Board for Higher Education. These are the first examples of common inter-ethnic institutions in education following the war. In addition, World Bank funding under its Education Development Project is supporting development of a common education management information system and a jointly-managed Quality Fund for primary education. All of these initiatives were developed and promoted under PHRD funding..08/03/2000 02:39:42 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Georgia Health Ii Project 5. Grant Amount: 500,000 US$ 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant is to provide technical assistance for the preparation of the second health project in Georgia which aims at improving the health status of the population and increasing efficiency of health care delivery by: a) Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports extending primary health care services to the mountainous districts and other under-served areas where the country's poorest and most vulnerable people live; b) continuing to support the decentralisation of health services by improving management at the district and municipal level; c) continuing reforms in the health financing system, focusing particularly on private health expenditures. The technical assistance will help to support the : 1. preparation of a national assessment of primary health care facilities, including the need for refurbishment, other investments in modern medical equipment and maintenance; and the selection of facilities to be rehabilitated and equipped; 2. design, planning and testing of a management training program for local health workers, particularly in primary health care; 3. design and testing of programs to build community participation in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating health care programs at the local levels; and 4. economic and financial modelling of the alternatives for improving the efficiency of the health financing system. 19. Status From the start of the project following has been achieved: 1. PHC Development Strategy document has been developed in its final draft form and is pending for MoLHSA's approval. 2. Foreign Technical Assistance has been procured for: a) Evaluation of legal environment for the PHC Development Strategy implementation; b) Determining resource requirement for PHC network rehabilitation/upgrade; and c) PHC Strategy development 3. Local technical Assistance has been procured for: a) PHC Preparatory teamwork; b) The Survey of PHC network in the country; and c) Stakeholder workshops.4. Recommendations for the PIP have been obtained form consultants for PIP development. 5. Various options were elaborated for health care financing reform, with the emphasis on mobilisation of alternative sources for financing health services. In cooperation with foreign consultants, these options were evaluated using the National Health Accounts model and recommendations were provided for pilot testing of most feasible options. 6. Inputs for the development of the Project Concept Document were prepared. 7. In June 2000 the HFWG worked out the terms of reference for a nation-wide Household Health and Health Care Assessment that will allow to obtain necessary information for further development of the health financing strategy and to establish baseline upon which the progress of implementation of reform strategies will be measured. The competitive selection process for the local company that will conduct the assessment is underway. 20. Impact A major impact of the grant to date has been improved donor coordination and inclusion of a wider group of stakeholders in the health sector reform dialogue. The grant has also been used to improve the availability of baseline data and develop models to inform the health policy debate and facilitate decision making. List of Available Reports 1. Assessment of legal/Institutional Environment for PHC Development in Georgia, Hernan Fuenzalida-Puelma. 2. Assessment of Existing PHC Network in Georgia, Danish Health Consult A/S, Chris Aagard. 3. PHC network Survey report. 4. PHC Strategy, Maxwell Stamp PLC 5. Recommendations for Project Implementation Plan Maxwell Stamp PLC 6. Strength of the Health Care Financing System at the National and Local level 7. Health Financing Study of Georgia and impacts of alternative prototypical options.08/03/2000 05:38:53 PM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Uganda 2. Project Name: Education Reform 5. Grant Amount: 250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Increased Resource Mobilization Increased Access to Education for Disadvantaged Groups Teacher Education and Teacher Requirement Improving Quality of Education Education Expenditure Tracking 19. Status The grant agreement was signed in September 1999, and project activities have commenced on all components. (i) Increased resource mobilization: A study on contribution of the private sector in provision and development of education sector is underway, with quantitative analysis of secondary data completed. Draft TOR for the qualitative study have been prepared and are under discussion by various stakeholders. TOR for the Unit Cost Study were completed and Consultants have expressed interest to undertake the study. Progress is pending harmonization with another planned study. (ii) Increased Access to education for disadvantaged groups: TOR for a study on Drop Out and Irregular Attendance of Children in Primary Schools have been prepared and are under discussion. Consultancy firm expected on board by November 2000, (when census data will be available) and a final report by February 2001. (iii) Teacher education and teacher requirement: A study on utilization of teachers in primary schools is underway, with field work already started. A final report is expected by early October 2000. A similar study for secondary schools is also underway and at the same stage of implementation. (iv) Improving Quality of Education: Survey instruments and sampling frame for a study on improvement of quality in primary schools have been finalized and field tested. Field survey is expected to start in October..20. Impact While it may be too early to judge the impact of the studies on policy, there are already indications in the following two areas: (i) Consensus: The consultative process through which TOR for various studies are agreed is helping to build consensus on issues of common concern. For the first time, line Ministry departments are being consulted and involved in research issues that are of concern to them. (ii) Ministry of Education staff involvement in designing TOR, questionnaires and survey instruments for the studies is helping to build local capacity to carry out further research..08/06/2000 05:26:22 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen 2. Project Name: Delivery Of Essential Health Services 5. Grant Amount: $321,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant was secured to finance the preparation of the Delivery of Essential Health Services Project. The funds are being used to support local and international consultancy services to: (i) review and assess the situation in the health sector (e.g., quality of services, the service delivery network, health sector financing); (ii) assess the determinants of health care behavior; (iii) specify the health sector reform agenda and mechanisms for its implementation; and (iv) identify the objectives and detailed specifications of the project components and estimate their costs. A small portion of the funds will also be used to support a workshop on the development of a national health strategy. 19. Status The Government of Yemen has developed a Health Sector Reform agenda which will serve as the basis for the proposed new health project. This Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports comprehensive reform strategy represents a progressive framework for a fundamental reform in the delivery and financing of health services in Yemen. Over the past 12 months, the Government's focus has been on establishing the institutional framework for the reform (adopting key legislation, establishing a Health Sector Reform Unit to manage the reform), and garnering consensus for the reform agenda (e.g., through hosting round table discussions). Donors, including the World Bank, have been providing technical input into the strategy and financing elements of its development (e.g., the ongoing Family Health Project is supporting a team of international consultants who are defining and quantifying particular areas of the reform). The new project will build upon this support and its preparation is being timed to coincide with the reform program. As such, agreement on the specific project components is to be reached in the fall of 2000 to coincide with the completion of the ongoing technical analysis. During FY00, PHRD funds were used to finance an important element of the reform, improving the quality of hospital services, which was not being covered under the donor programs..20. Impact The PHRD Grant has been extremely useful and will be even more so as project preparation gathers momentum. The grant has facilitated the recruitment of local and international consultants responsible for conducting analysis that will support project preparation and the definition of project components that address priority areas of the reform strategy (e.g., improved quality of care, utilization of public and private health services, and manpower development). Based on the feedback received from the Government, and internal reviews of the consultants’ reports, the consultants input has been useful and of high quality. Having grant resources to recruit leading consultants is fundamental to successful project preparation..08/06/2000 09:54:18 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Rural Electrification Project 5. Grant Amount: 650,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components market and resource assessment; preinvestment studies; policies & regulations; institutions; integrator 19. Status (1) Market assessment is being carried out under two contracts: (a) barangay (village) and household surveys; and (b) resource assessment. Implementation of the first contract is satisfactory and well advanced, with surveys completed and second progress report issued in June 2000. Draft final report is scheduled for August 2000 and dissemination workshop in September 2000. Request for proposals from short listed firms was in progress in FY00 and contract was awarded in July 2000. (2) Reallocation of funds were approved by the Japanese authorities in April 2000 to use grant savings originally allocated for market assessment to cover the expenditures of an integrator to manage the grant's overall activities, and to increase the funding for the regulation and policies component. (3) Contract for the integrator was awarded in April 2000. (4) To effect the policy and institutional reform, request for proposal from short listed firms were in progress in FY00 for the development of investment management contracts. 20. Impact While it is too early at this point to pinpoint specific impact, the results of market assessment and related dissemination scheduled for FY01 would facilitate the entry of potential investors (most notably from the private sector) in rural electrification..08/07/2000 11:53:58 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Mauritius Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 2. Project Name: Envionmental Solid Waste Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $670,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Preparation of TORs and Requests for Proposals Feasibility Study Institutional, Legal and Cost Recovery Study Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA) 19. Status The consultants were selected according to World Bank procurement procedures and guidelines. Despite delays by the selected consultants in starting the studies, and by the Government of Mauritius to decide on the solid waste treatment scenarios and the selection of sites, the studies are now advanced and the draft reports are expected to be fully completed by December 2000. 20. Impact The studies (feasibility and institutional, legal and cost recovery) under the PHRD Grant are essential and critical for the Government to define the solid waste management strategy, to choose the most appropriate scenario for collection, transfer and treatment, to define a sector policy and to select the most adequate and affordable cost recovery system, institutional and legal arrangements for the sector..08/07/2000 02:20:24 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kyrgyz Republic 2. Project Name: Private Enterprise Support 5. Grant Amount: $2,500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultants Services Training and study tours Technical support to enterprises and banks Goods 19. Status The grant is currently being used in 3 primary areas: (1) Seminars to businessmen, local government agencies, tax inspectors etc. throughout the country. Topics covered include accounting, taxation, business planning, financial analysis, use of the internet etc. (2) The Kyrgyz Gateway project; an internet portal which was the original model for the recently launched Global Gateway, a major World Bank initiative (3) Advisory services to the banks that are intermediating the associated credit line. 20. Impact Not assessed at this stage..08/07/2000 01:10:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Mauritius 2. Project Name: Environmental Transport Infrastructure Project 5. Grant Amount: $ 870,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Preparation of TORs Development of a national transport strategy Feasibility study Environmental impact assessment Institutional, organizational strategy, policies, and cost recovery proposals Detailed design for priority investment pogram 19. Status The Grant Agreement was signed on July 21, 1999. The consultants were selected according to World Bank procurement procedures and guidelines. The project preparation started with the development of an integrated national transport strategy. This study is now under implementation and is expected to be completed by October 2000. Procurement for the other studies would start after the Government of Mauritius has reviewed and agreed with the recommendations of the strategy. 20. Impact The first study to be launcehed (for the development of a national transport Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports strategy) was to provide the level and quality of transport infrastructure and services necessary to achieve the aims of economic and social development in Mauritius. This study is critical and key for the follow up preparatory activities and for the Government in formulating its overall transport sector policy..08/08/2000 11:27:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Malawi 2. Project Name: Lake Malawi/Nyasa Environmental Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $ 317,900 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to finance technical assistance for preparation of the Lake Malawi/Nyasa Environmental Management Project, which has as main objectives to: (a) maximize the sustainable benefits to riparian communities from using resources within the basin to generate food, employment and income, and sustain a healthy human and natural environment; and (b) conserve biodiversity and genetic resources for the benefit of the riparian communities and the world. The activities for the grant are as follows: (i) identification of options for permanent tri-national collaborative arrangements for management of Lake Malawi/Nyasa; (ii) preparation of proposals for investments and capacity building in key dimensions of natural resource management affecting sustainable development of Lake Malawi and catchment area; (iii) proposal development for a possible fish levy trust fund; and (iv) development of a long-term business plan for the Senga Bay Research Facility 19. Status The Letter of Agreement was signed by the Bank and the Government in October, 1999. Between November, 1999 and January, 2000, the Government proceeded to appoint a Project Preparation Coordinator and a dedicated team/task force selected from key stakeholders, including Fisheries, Forestry, Parks and Wildlife, Agriculture, Local Government, Water, and NGOs/CBOs. The task force is responsible for leading and working with the Bank in the preparation of the project, including coordinating and overseeing studies, assessments, evaluations, consultative meetings and other preparatory work identified jointly with the Bank. Technical assistance for initial assessments has now been initiated under grant components (i), (ii) and (iv). See below 20. Impact Since it is still early in the preparation process, evaluation of the impact of PHRD-supported technical assistance has not been done yet. However, information is being generated on institutional strategies for promoting and facilitating interagency and multisectoral coordination, emphasizing the participation of decentralized authorities and communities in ecosystem wide planning and management. It is expected that options for development of a Tripartite Ecosystem Monitoring Network will be.presented detailing among other aspects: operational mechanisms for information sharing, management and decision-making among the three riparian countries; communication and information management protocols, decision support systems; and a shared funding strategy.08/08/2000 10:48:29 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Madagascar 2. Project Name: Decentralized Infrastructure Management Program 5. Grant Amount: US$ 515,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The components of the Decentralized Infrastructure Management Program (DIMP) are: (i) Preparation of Morondava Regional Master Plan; (ii) Antananarivo Traffic Management Study; and (iii) Matching Grant Feasibility Study. 19. Status Three activities originally approved in the funding proposal have been completed satisfactorily. These activities were done at a lower cost than expected due to a combination of factors, including the competitive Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports procurement process for two main studies, the involvement of local consultants in association with foreign firms and the deterioration of the Malagasy Franc versus the US dollar (a significant part of the studies is financed in local currency). Within the regional development component, the Government of Madagascar in consultation with the Bank, has decided to study ways and means to carry out a more participatory regional planning and investment programming process that could be replicated to other economic regions of Madagascar. As a consequence, preliminary studies were conducted on the institutional, technical and methodological feasibility of a participatory regional planning process based on the Menabe/Morondava experience. An IDA-financed LIL (Public-Private Partnership and Information Management for Regional Development: Credit 3331-0-MG) was approved in March 2000 to test methodologies and tools for improved regional planning in the Menabe/Morondava region and two other pilot regions (Anosy/Tolognaro and Mangoro/Moramanga). The Government has requested that additional studies be financed under the PHRD grant to complement the preparation of the LIL and the future urban project (FY 2003), the latter being supported in a strategy note for IDA assistance which will be issued soon. The additional studies/activities, agreed upon and which will soon be implemented, are the following: Under the Regional Master Plan component: (i) technical assistance to the Anosy pilot region for the preparation of a Regional Development Framework and a feasibility study for a GIS-based regional and urban.information system -- Bank's no-objection was given to signing of contract with Groupement FTM/INSTAT/PACT et Dobbin; (ii) preparation of the implementation manual of the LIL -- Bank's no-objection was given on the terms of reference and CV of the consultant. Under the Matching Grant Feasibility Study component: (iii) study on the cities weight in the macro economy for Madagascar -- Bank's no-objection was given to signing of contract with M. Jean-Marie Cour. Audits. In compliance with the Grant Agreement, the Government has submitted financial audits for 1998 and 1999. The auditor's opinion was unqualified. Final audits for 1999-2000 will be produced upon completion of the Grant. 20. Impact As a result of the donors' coordination efforts carried out by the Government of Madagascar during the preparation process, other donors, including the French and USAID in particular, have decided to put together follow-up projects on side-aspects of each of the DIMP components. The IDA-financed LIL deals mainly with regional and urban infrastructure in the three areas of focus mentioned above. It was approved in March 2000 and is expected to be effective by the end of September 2000..08/08/2000 02:52:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Jamaica 2. Project Name: Social Sector Reform 5. Grant Amount: US$600,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Evaluation of Social Protection Programs 2. Update of Poverty Map 3. Maintenance Fund 4. Analysis of Labor Market 19. Status The grant has been executed with priority by the Government of Jamaica with support from the Bank. Several studies have been carried out that built on each other in order to get a comprehensive picture of the Social Safety Net of Jamaica in the context of the overall Social Policy of the country. 20. Impact The grant has been very usefull in helping the Government of Jamaica to develop a comprehensive Social Safety Net reform proposal that has been widely discussed and will be ready for submission to Cabinet in late October 2000. Based on Cabinet's decision on the reform proposal, additional studies will be carried out in preparation of the implementation of Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports the reform proposal which then will be supported by a World Bank loan currently prepared..08/08/2000 03:12:12 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Costa Rica 2. Project Name: Pension System And Financial Sector Reform 5. Grant Amount: US$750,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components This grant intended for the preparation of an adjustment loan to support the Government's Pension System and Financial Sector Reform Program. The grant components build on preceding preparatory work and were intended to: I. Strengthen institutional capacity at the Caja Costarricense de Seguridad Social (CCSS), the Direccion Nacional de Pensiones (DNP), the Pensions Superintendency, the Ministry of Finance, the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), the Central Bank and the Securities Commission (CNV); including study tours and training for staff. II. Reform the first pillar, by improving the management of disability, old-age and life insurance (IVM) provided by Caja Costarricense de la Seguridad Social (CCSS), redesigning the collections and payment systems, developing strategy and instruments for extended coverage of beneficiaries; and conducting further examination of alternative reform scenarios. III. Develop a second pillar, by facilitating the conducting an audit of the management of individual accounts at Banco Popular; a study to assess the current severance payment provision and alternatives for change; and feasibility studies on alternative programs such as retirement financing linked to mortgages. IV. Complement financial sector reforms by mandatory pension funds, as well as for market-based debt financing for more efficient liability management, it is indispensable to accelerate the development of financial markets. Development of financial of instruments and debt standardize improving custodial services, extending or defining alternatives to deposit insurance for private banks, redesigning payment systems and reforming the bankruptcy legislation to secure collateral and property rights. V. Privatize Banking, Insurance and other industries (such as telecommunications and railroads). By providing TA for diagnostic studies of institutions to be privatized in the different sectors; define regulatory and supervisory functions, including review of existing legislation, and advice on necessary amendments; and valuate the commercial and the.non-commercial portfolio of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS). VI. Disseminate information Workshops, internal seminars, consultations other educational, training and information activities related to social security, pensions and financial sector reform issues. 19. Status Closed 20. Impact After a long but useful consultation process the reform package was finalized and approved. The grant provided the resources for the preparation of the package and the necessary funds for the consultation process to take place. Also, through the grant, the Costa Ricans have formed a team of experts capable of regulating and supervising the new system. The team's expertise was greatly enhanced by the exchange of ideas and free technical assistance from CONSAR..08/08/2000 03:29:45 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Nicaragua 2. Project Name: Pension System And Financial Sector Reform 5. Grant Amount: US$750,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components This grant is to prepare an adjustment credit which would support the Government's Pension System and Financial Sector Reform Program. The Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports grant components are intended to: I. Strengthen of Institutions: Design an institutional development plan, redesign inspection system, upgrade information systems and increase human resources capacity to enhance the capacity of the INSS, the Superintendency of Banks, and other related Government entities. II. Reform the current PAYG system (First Pillar): A series of diagnostic studies and alternatives for reform are needed to determine the actuarial and financial situation of the PAYG system and the INSS, accelerate the rationalization of the existing scheme, improve pension management, improve efficiency, reduce overall costs and increase the system's coverage. III. Establish the Second Pillar and Build up the Third Pillar: It is indispensable to develop feasibility studies and establish the preconditions for the creation of the Second Pillar (mandatory, fully funded, defined-contribution scheme) and the Third Pillar (voluntary). The preparatory work activities in these areas also include complementary financial sector analysis and studies to develop/deepen financial markets (securities, banking and insurance). IV. Prepare a series of cross-fertilization events: to ensure that Nicaraguan Government officials, members of Congress, key financial sector officers and technical experts involved in the regulation, supervision and implementation of the new pension system benefit from the experiences of similar reform efforts in the Latin America region and elsewhere. V. Develop a series of workshops and information sessions to encourage public awareness and consensus building for the reformed pension system: A series of information and discussion sessions with the participation of Government and private sector officials, as well as scholars and members of Congress are planned around the country. This, along with a multimedia, public awareness campaign and promotional efforts targeted at union leaders and market participants, would facilitate the understanding.and support for the development of the new system and the need to modify the financial markets accordingly. 19. Status Closed 20. Impact The PHRD grant resources were crucial for the preparation of the pension and financial sector reform. The reform plan, the law and regulations for the new pension system (prepared with PHRD resources) have been approved by the National Assembly. An IDA financed technical assistant program for SDR 5.8 million (US$8.0 million equivalent) has been prepared and will support the Government's plan to create a more equitable and sustainable pension system. In particular, the program will provide the necessary resources to implement and monitor the new pension system, develop insurance and capital market products and instruments, strengthen financial market institutions and rules for private sector provision of pension products..08/08/2000 03:10:55 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Guatemala 2. Project Name: Basic Education Reform Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$452,300 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The main objective of the project is continued support to the Government of Guatemala in order to improve the access and quality of basic education through (a) expanding the PRONADE community-based school management program, (b) introducing the Non-Formal Initial Education Program, and (c) continuing to strengthen the Ministry of Education at the central, departmental, and local levels to further the decentralization process. 19. Status With the change in government in January 2000, it took time for the new administration to become familiar with the grant proposal. Upon completion of the last supervision mission at the end of June 2000, the PHRD grant legal agreement was signed and became effective. It is anticipated that appointment of consultants will be completed during August/September Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 2000 and the final consultants reports will be due in late December, 2000. Since the new administration has been executing the grant for only a short time and the closing date is December 31, 2000, for practical purposes we foresee that a request to extend the closing date will be necessary. 20. Impact N/A.08/08/2000 03:10:57 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Argentina 2. Project Name: Sustainable Fisheries Management 5. Grant Amount: $935,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Developing Individual Transferable Quota system (ii) Strengthening fisheries research (iii) strengthening fisheries monitoring and enforcement system (iv) development of social mitigation program (v) identification of regulatory and phytosanitary constraints to improve exports 19. Status First round of key technical reports completed for all components as input into first phase LIL. In-depth studies on industry adjustment and legal issues related to quota implementation are continuing as basis for second phase project. 20. Impact First phase LIL expected to be signed by end of CY2000, and second phase project under preparation. In addition, studies have been used extensively by new government in establishing its fisheries policy..08/08/2000 03:08:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zimbabwe 2. Project Name: Agricultural Sector Investment Program 5. Grant Amount: $300,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components To finance technical activities for the preparation of an Agricultural Sector Investment Program (ASIP) and, in particular, to assess the implementation and impact of on-going policy reforms, delineate options for addressing outstanding rural development policy issues, enhance donor coordination, strengthen Government - Stakeholder consultative processes, and prepare proposals for investments and capacity building in key dimensions of agriculture and natural resource management. 19. Status The Grants has so far financed several activities in support of a rural development / agricultural sector investment program. The Grant financed studies for the Land Tenure Commission ("Rukuni" Commission) and preparatory activities that resulted in an institutional reform project, the Agricultural Services and Management Project (ASMP), which became effective in December 1998 (seven months later than estimated at appraisal) and currently constitutes an important reform vehicle for the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture (MOLA). However, other activities have experienced significant delays over the past two years, hence the current unsatisfactory implementation progress rating. Recent political and economic difficulties in the country have further delayed progress in preparation of an ASIP. The Bank has suspended disbursements to Zimbabwe in May 15, 2000 and it is uncertain when these will resume. The Government of Zimbabawe has embarked on an ambitious and controversial land reform program, so the PHRD Grant will be partially used to assess the implementation and impact of land policy reforms, improved access to land by smallholders, including the monitoring and evaluation capacity of implementing agencies. These are critical imputs to the preparation of an Agricultural Sector Investment Program. A consultancy contract was prepared during FY2000 for the purpose of carrying out baseline studies and reviewing the methodology for monitoring the impact of land reform on settler farmers, but execution of this contract has been delayed due to the political uncertainties in the country. However, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports it is expected that execution will start in the near future. Also, the Grant will be used to finance project preparation activities in the.areas of support services for drought-prone agriculture, agribusiness and rural entrepreneurship, with emphasis on smallholders, and on the institutional and legal foundations for sustainable natural resource management. 20. Impact The impact of the Grant has been significant in three areas. First, the work of the Land Tenure Commission has resulted in the Government's thorough revision of its land policy, summarized in an important policy document presented in April 1999. Unfortunately, since February 2000, the implementation of the land reform program has seen a sudden change of direction due to (i) the invasion of over 1,600 farms by former "War Veterans" and (ii) changes in the country's legislation which allow government to seize farms without paying compensation for the land (although it is still required by law to pay for improvements). The Grant will continue to support the monitoring efforts of the land reform process, through a consultancy on baseline studies and impact evaluation methodology. Second, the Grant financed a study which was a major input in the preparation of the Land Tax Bill submitted to Parliament in January 2000. And third, the Grant has been instrumental in the stakeholder consultation processes for institutional reform at the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture..08/08/2000 03:37:37 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Brazil 2. Project Name: Northeast Microfinance Development 5. Grant Amount: 996,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) TA and training for business planning, manuals, etc. (ii) Courses and course materials for loan officers; (iii) Design of management information system (MIS); (iv) Social and environmental impact studies, feasibility studies, evaluation framework; (v) Short-term TA for administration of grant and preparation of operational manual. 19. Status Grant activities completed. 20. Impact Project successfully prepared and approved by Board..08/08/2000 03:37:27 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Border Infrastructure 5. Grant Amount: $480,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Capacity Building of the Project Management Unit staff, development of a promotional campaign and capacity building of third party NGOs. 19. Status Project was dropped for failure to agree on intergovernmental relations. It may be revived. 20. Impact Development of the local institutional structure for community/participatory planning and project financing..08/08/2000 06:02:36 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: District Heating And Energy Efficiency Project 5. Grant Amount: US$187,994 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) development of a business plan for the ESCO subsidiary; (ii) development of an initial ESCO project; (iii) public participation program; and (iv) support of HEP for Bank project preparation missions Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 19. Status Work is progressing satisfactorily, but at slower pace than originally anticipated. Because of the change in the Government and in HEP Management and Supervisory Board, only the most urgent tasks were initiated and implemented. (see "Impact" ) 20. Impact While work is still in progress, the grant's major impact is building capacity and transferring knowledge to the Recipient. The results to date in achieving this objective surpass original expectations. An ESCO team was created to implement the PHRD-funded activities. It comprises staff from HEP and local consultants from Ekonerg and Energy Institute "Hrvoje Pozar." The ESCO team received on-the-job training and coaching through work with international consultants on energy performance contracting and energy audits for eight real-life energy efficiency projects. The results of the PHRD-funded tasks completed to date were used as basis for the new Management of HEP to decide to: (i) proceed with the preparatory activities for the ESCO program and (ii) endorse the creation of the subsidiary ESCO subject to satisfactory completion of the remaining PHRD-funded activities, namely: (1) ESCO development and business plan needed to create the ESCO subsidiary (2) Public Information and Participation, including survey of households to assess affordability of energy services..08/09/2000 06:28:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Guangxi Baise Multipurpose 5. Grant Amount: USD 700,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) preparation of the Resettlement Action Plan and Minority Nationalities Development Plans; (b) preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, the environmental mitigation and management plans, and the Project Implementation Plan; (c) review of dam design, technical specifications and drawings, preparation of dam safety documents, and organization of a Dam Safety Review Panel;(d) carrying out of technical studies on optimum operation of reservoirs and power plants; (e) provision of training to staff of YWP on project implementation and operational management through seminars and study tours; (f) provision of office equipment. 19. Status After the Grant Agreement was signed on July 30,1999, two dam safety review meetings and one environmental and resettlement panel meeting with international and local experts in the related fields, have been held to systematically review the preliminary design, environmental impact assessment and resttlement planning. They have come up with very valueable and innovative recommendations for improvement of the existing designs, EIA and resettlement plans. 20. Impact The impact of the consulting services, in particular by the two Panels, has been very significant. Through their systematic review, the technical, safety, environmenta land resettlement aspects of the project has been greatly approved. this has been approved a very effective way of improving the project design and planning. Many of the recommendations of the consultants have been accepted with great appreciation by the Project Owner. A good example is the recommendation on the construction sequence of the diversion tunnel under construction now, resulting in lower costs and shorter construction period..08/09/2000 09:26:38 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Tajikistan Primary Health Care 5. Grant Amount: 252,000 13. Executed by: Government Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 16. Grant Components (a) conduct a household survey of three raions, including specific questions relating to health services utilization, out of pocket and other costs and perceived quality of care; (b) conduct a survey of health service providers in two selected raions plus a control, to obtain their views on the current health system, as well as current opinions and factual data regarding their facilities, costs, quality of care and utilization; (c) review current institutional arrangements within the Ministry of Health (MOH) and make recommendations for improvements to assist in meeting loan requirements and improve the organizational structure generally and assist the MOH in establishing the Project Management Unit; (d) prepare a proposal for information systems development; (e) develop a plan for the training of both MOH staff and those in raion administration and health facilities and organize a study tour for selected MOH staff; and (f) employment of auditors to carry out the audit of the Grant account 19. Status Complete 20. Impact Project fully prepared and presented to the Board on March 7, 2000..08/09/2000 09:32:45 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Metro Manila Urban Transport Integration (Mmurtrip) 5. Grant Amount: US$1,000,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Preparation of the proposed Metro Manila Urban Transport Integration Project including: (i) development of concept alternatives for the project components on strategic investments for transport capacity enhancement, modal integration, traffic engineering and management and institution building; (ii) study of the feasibility of the preferred alternatives; and (iii) formuation of an institutional building program. 19. Status on-going 20. Impact Project Preparation successful.08/09/2000 10:57:13 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Peru 2. Project Name: Second Education Quality Project 5. Grant Amount: 224,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Rural Education: design of rural education interventions appropriate for multigrade schools, including bilingual education and decentralization of school management. Teacher Training: (a) assessment of strengths and weaknesses of current teacher training for pre-and in service basic education candidates and teachers' (b) design of an integrated training system based on quantitative and qualitative requirements and cost effectiveness considerations; and (c) design a system for performance-based assessment and incentives for teachers. Information and Evaluation: Design of comprehensive systems for evaluations of progress towards project objectives and results, including support for promising innovations and enhanced availability and use of educational information technology. 19. Status There were delays in the signing of the grant agreement. Activities have been identified and some have initiated. A major study to evaluate and improve the current bilingual education program should start in September. 20. Impact The grant will contribute to the preparation of the Second Education Quality Project which is mainly targeted to rural children..08/09/2000 10:50:07 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Country: Lithuania 2. Project Name: Health Project 5. Grant Amount: 500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components To assist the Ministry of Health of Lithuania in the preparation of the Health Project to improve the efficiency, equity, and access to health services. The grant supported: (a) Design and development of a model for financing and implememnting primary health care reforms, including a burden of disease study, assessment of PHC infrastructure, evaluation of PHC pilots, and training and study tours to develop local primary health care reform strategies; (b) Development of a National Strategy for health care planning, management, and financing, including health information standards and a training strategy; and (c) Capacity development for project preparation, implementation, and management and administration, including workshops and training 19. Status The Grant closed on February 28, 2000, fully disbursed (a small remainder of US$1,388.68 was cancelled on June 30, 2000). Although the project preparation process was long and encourntered many difficulties due to political instability, the project stakeholders involved in the project preparation process greatly benefitted from partnerships with international experts through technical assistance and training (see consultancies below). The Government of Lithuania appreciates the support received from the Government of Japan to implement health reforms as resources are very limited in the public sector and improving the quality and efficiency in health sesrvices is a difficult and long-term process. 20. Impact The Grant successfully supported technical assistance and training in all of the agreed areas and gave stakeholders ownership and experience in managing technical assistance and designing the project...08/09/2000 11:30:47 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Lithuania 2. Project Name: Health Project 5. Grant Amount: US$149,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Develoment of Financial Management Systems for selected hospitals in four Pilot Regions of the Project; (b) Delivery of local workshops, seminars, and training to strengthen the financial management capacity of hospital administrations, and workshops for dissemination of knowledge; and (c) Strengthen the financial management capacity of the Ministry of Health Project Managaement Unit 19. Status The Grant was signed on February 28, 2000 when it became effective. The Special Account has been opened in a Lithuanian commercial bank, and the initial deposit has been made. Due to delays in establishing administrative and accounting procedures, the grant advance was only recently made on July 7, 2000. It is expected that the technical assistance financed under the grant will soon be on board as terms of reference have been agreed. 20. Impact The Grant-financed activities expect to have a very positive impact on financial management in hospitals, supporting one of the main development objectives of the Project to improve financial efficiency in the health sector at the local service provider level..08/09/2000 12:39:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Municipal Water And Wastewater Project 5. Grant Amount: 49,765,000 13. Executed by: Government Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 16. Grant Components The objective of the grant is to prepare the Albania Municipal Water and Wastewater Project which will improve the water services in the participating cities through recruiting a private operator under a management contract. The components of the grant are: 1. Preparation of an asset inventory; 2. The design and costing of a rehabilitation plan; 3. A financial analysis of the existing water works operations; 4. The preparation of a draft charter; 5. The carrying out of a tariff study; 6. The preparation of tender documents; 7. The preparation of a human resource plan; and 8. The preparation of an information brochure for a pre-bid conference. 19. Status The consultant has prepared the draft financial analysis, tariff study and tender documents which are currently reviewed by the Bank and the Government. 20. Impact The grant has been of utmost importance for introducing private sector participation in Albania's water sector. If the project preparation goes ahead as planed, this would be the first management contract in Albania's water sector..08/09/2000 12:51:10 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Sava River Flood Project 5. Grant Amount: $480,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant components are as follows: a) assessment of the condition and level of protection afforded by existing facilities in the Middle Sava River Basin and the development of an investment program to increase the level of protection; b) analysis of the economic and financial feasibility of the recommended improvement plan; c) assessment of the economic viability of a low head hydro-power plant in the Karlovac by-pass canal; d) assessment of a flood insurance system involving participation of the private sector; e) analysis of alternative cost recovery systems; f) review of legal and regulatory framework to ensure consistency with proposed cost recovery and insurance plans; g) preparation of a mapping system; h) design to further strengthen the emergency response system; and i) preparation of an environmental management plan for the Lonjsko Polje Retention Area and an environmental assessment of the proposed works. 19. Status The studies financed by the grant have been completed. The proposed project will be carried out as a component of the Sava River Environment Project that will include water quality improvement and water resources management components. 20. Impact The studies financed by the grant provided the economic justification for.completing the Sava River Flood Control Works which were started in 1972 and are now 65% complete and proposed environmental measures that will ensure that the works will not cause damage to the environment..08/09/2000 12:51:41 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Kastela Bay Cultural Heritage Project 5. Grant Amount: $36,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components N/A Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 19. Status This PHRD was cancelled. 20. Impact N/A.08/09/2000 12:56:19 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Roads 5. Grant Amount: US$325,600 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Various activities necessary for the preparation of a Transport Reform Program (later converted to a Roads Project). 19. Status The Grant was signed in May 1997, and began disbursing in September 1997. A team of consultants developed and prioritized the reform program, and prepared road investment priorities. Draft reports from the consultants have been submitted. Additional consultants are being hired to complete project preparation. 20. Impact This grant was crucial for the preparation of The Roads Project, which was approved by the IDA Board on July 26, 2000..08/09/2000 12:57:02 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Municipal Water Project 5. Grant Amount: USD425,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Institutional aspects and legal framework --study of private sector participation (PSP) options for Tbilisi Water Utility and preparation of management contract Detailed technical feasibility study --preparation of program of immediate project investments Preparation of pilot project --testing of metering and billing and collection options Project implementation unit --establishment and funding of PIU 19. Status Institutional aspects and legal framework --preliminary study completed; management contract substantially completed (see para 21. below) Detailed technical feasibility study --feasibility study completed and used as basis for project's immediate investment program Preparation of pilot project --financial and technical pilots completed; results used in design of investment component Project implementation unit --funded financial experts and PIU administrative expense 20. Impact The project is expected to yield substantial benefit in the form of improved water supply for Tbilisi, but to date no impact has been achieved as the project has not progressed beyond appraisal (see para. 21. below).08/09/2000 01:00:27 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kazakhstan 2. Project Name: Northeastern Kazakhstan Water Supply Project 5. Grant Amount: US$479,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components a) Preparation of management contract – one of the key elements of the project is to bring in professional water enterprise operator, for a limited period (three to four years) to operate and transfer management, financial and operational know-how to the Kazakhstani vodokanals. Kazakhstan government has welcomed this approach as being the fastest means of bringing in modern management and operational methods into the country. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports The grant would finance specialists in this field to package background information on the vodokanals, evaluation criteria, performance targets and draft contract for the management contract component. The total cost of this component will be $145,200. Output: draft management contract and technical criteria to evaluate proposals from foreign operating companies. b) Accounting conversion – modernization of accounting and financial practices is one of the fundamental elements to modernizing the management of the water enterprises. Before embarking on the project, the financial accounts of the vodokanal, which currently uses outdated Soviet accounting system, must be converted into international accounting standard. The grant would finance local and foreign consultants to carry out the conversion. This activity will be carried out for four to five vodokanals that will participate in the project. The total cost of this component will be $60,000. Output: accounts fully converted to internationally accepted standard for four to five vodokanals that will participate in the project. c) Leakage Management and Control Analysis – one of the exciting new technology that has come into the international market is the BABE analysis which is capable of diagnosing the physical condition of the water distribution and sewerage network, estimating the exact location and the amount of leakage in the system, prioritizing the rehabilitation requirements, and estimating the financial savings that will be generated by the investment. The grant would finance foreign consultants to carry out the BABE analysis, and to define the Immediate Investment Program component of the project. The results of the analysis will also be used to set the benchmarks for the operational improvements that will be expected under the foreign operator management contract. The total cost of this component will be $199,000. Output: in-depth analysis of system condition,.volume of water losses and location, short- term program for reduction in water wastage, and two year rehabilitation program for the four to five vodokanals that will participate in the project. d) Public consultation and social assessment – a team of local consultants will be engaged to carryout public consultation and social assessment on the project, including willingness of the public to pay for higher water charges, project design and pace of reforms to be undertaken, and creating a permanent forum for public to express its opinion on water supply and wastewater disposal services. The total cost of this component will be $68,800. Output: determination of public’s willingness to pay for improved water service, water prices, and impact of increased tariffs on disposable income. e) Auditing: carry out the audit of the PHRD grant account 19. Status The Grant Agreement is expected to be countersigned by the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan in September 2000. The selection process for the leakage management and control analysis is underway. The selection for the consultants that will prepare the social assessment is underway 20. Impact The impact of the grant is expected to be substantial in the preparation of the proposed project and the formulation of the institutional, financial and technical reform necessary to improve the quality of water supply service and its safety to the population of the participating cities, particularly the poorer segments of the population.08/09/2000 02:03:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Municipal Water And Wastewater Project 5. Grant Amount: USD816,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components I. Studies: (a) Institutional/regulatory, (b) Social Beneficiary Assessment and Consultation and Willingness to Pay, (c) Financial Analysis, (d) Other expenses Interpreters, travel and II. Support to Project Preparation Unit (Local consultants and travel) 19. Status The financial crisis in Russia has caused delays in project preparation. The size of the proposed loan, conditions of on lending and a number of issues Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports had to be reconsidered due to reduced borrowing capacity of individual water utilities. The revised Project Appraisal Document has now been completed, negotiations took place in June 2000 and Board presentation is scheduled for December 2000. The original PHRD grant proposal envisioned a Board date of May 1998 and assistance to the Project Preparation Unit (PPU) until January 1999. Reallocation of funds was approved in August 11, 1999 and an extension of the closing date until December 30, 2000 was granted in June, 2000. 20. Impact The grant has been crucial in the preparation of the Russia Municipal Water and Wastewater Project. The Government of Russia would not have funds for necessary studies. In addition, the grant allowed Gosstroi to follow up the work of various consultants, and to coordinate the activities with the participating Vodokanals..08/09/2000 01:54:57 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zambia 2. Project Name: Rural Investment Fund 5. Grant Amount: 381,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The proposed PHRD fund would help the Government prepare the project, and would specifically fund the following activities: (a) participatory assessment for identification of sub-projects; (b) assessment of the decentralization progress to date; (c) recommendations on appropriate taxation of local private entrepreneurs; (d) review of rural financial services to identify sources of financing for the non-grant portion of the investment; (e) design of technical specifications for sub-projects that are candidates for funding in the first year; and (f) design of a system of monitoring and evaluation. 19. Status The PHRD has been approved by Japanese government , not yet signed by Zambian government , no disbursements or expenditures. 20. Impact N/A.08/09/2000 02:09:58 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Uzbekistan 2. Project Name: Samarkand & Bukhara Water Project 5. Grant Amount: US$601,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Feasibility Study: Carrying out of detailed engineering designs, financial, economic, technical and institutional assessments and the environmental analyses, including the preparation of bidding documents for the first year of tile proposed project (b) Social Assessments: Carrying out of a social assessment to help determine water users' priorities, income levels, willingness to pay, current water usage, and attitudes towards cultural heritage. (c) Cultural Heritage Conservation Strategy: Carrying out of a preparatory study of the cultural heritage sector, analyzing the institutional and legal framework, the scope of heritage resources, conservation needs, opportunities for partnerships with the private sector and community participation, including the preparation of a strategy for the conservation of priority cultural heritage and demonstration projects, and the analysis, design, and technical specifications for priority heritage conservation demonstration activities. (d) Water Supply Master Plans; The updating of existing water supply master plans for Samarkand and Bukhara to reflect changes in demographics, system requirements, maintenance practices and water quality standards. 19. Status The following analyses financed by the Grant have been completed: (i) technical evaluation of the water distribution network and leakage assessment; (ii) financial assessment of the water utilities of Bukhara and Samarkand; (iii) social assessments of the water supply project; and (iv) Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports first phase of the institutional assessment. Given the delays in project preparation and the later planned date for Board presentation, along with changes in project design to make it more responsive to the client's needs and implementation capacities, a request has been submitted by the Government for an extension of the closing date, and reallocation of unused funds into other project preparation activities. The request was forwarded to TCF on May 23, 2000 and is still pending. 20. Impact The PHRD Grant has been instrumental in the preparation of the project in.general, and specifically in defining the institutional and technical reforms needed for improvement of the water supply services in Bukhara and Samarkand. The information generated during the preparation of the assessments has significantly improved the understanding of the root causes of the problems faced and the project design has been modified accordingly, thereby increasing substantially the likelihood of achieving the development objectives..08/09/2000 03:10:26 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Brazil 2. Project Name: Agricultural Technology Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $492,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Conducting workshops to fine-tune research priorities in family farm development and natural resource management; 2. Development of publications and operational manuals among others specifying the procedures for the provision of Research Grants in the areas of family farm development, advanced agriculturtal and agro-industrial technologies, natural resource management monitoring and evaluation, and strategic agricultural research; 3. Preparation and announcements of requests for proposals, for financing projects in the areas referred to in #2 above; 4. Organization of specialized campaigns to reach potential applicants for Research Grants; 5. Provision of training to the Recipient's staff in order to enable the Recipient to carry out the Research Grant program; and 6. Publications and dissemination of the results of activities listed above. 19. Status As of June 30, 2000, the PHRD had disbursed US$468,098 (95% of total), with another US$9,255 in commitments. During FY2000, the PHRD funded the following activities: 1. A workshop in May 2000 concerning the role of Competitive Research Grants in defining priorities for the development of household agriculture, natural resource management and agribusiness; 2. Editing of documents, such as the Operational Manual for the establishment and functioning of the Competitive Grants Component of PRODETAB; 3. Organization of technical visits, meetings, seminars and workshops which fostered discussions among interested parties of the objectives and components of PRODETAB; 4. Human Resource Training for personnel involved in the execution of the Competitive Grants component; 20. Impact Workshops funded under the PHRD have increased international awareness of the effective role for Competitive Grants Programs in defining and achieving agricultural research priorities. Brazil's progress to date in regard to the Competitive Grants Program serve as a model for other.countries to follow, especially in an era of increasingly tighter budgets for needed agricultural research..08/09/2000 02:04:15 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Nepal 2. Project Name: Mahakali Irrigation Iii Project Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 5. Grant Amount: $1,830,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant is to prepare a detailed feasibility study of Mahakali Irrigation III Project. The Grant components are Consultancy Services, Development and Procurement of Aerial Survey Photos and Maps of the project area, and Incremental O&M for the project preparation. The study component includes:(a) review and analysis of the impact of Mahakali I and II, and study of development options for Mahakali Irrigation Project as a whole in Mahakali River Basin; (b) field surveys and aerial photogrammetric mapping over the Mahakali Stage III areas; (c) detailed feasibility study of the Stage III irrigation and drainage networks (about 32,000 ha) including cost-benefit analysis and sensitivity analysis of the proposed development options; (d) environmental and social impact assessment of the whole Mahakali Irrigation Project, (e) institutional arrangements for project design, construction, and operation, based on experience of joint management gained under the Stage I and II; (f) institutional arrangements for farmers' organizations and participation in project design, construction, and operation; and (g) preparation of sample tender documents for the project and detailed engineering designs for 10% of works under the project. 19. Status The Grant Agreement was signed on 12/24/97, but the procurement and mobilization of the Project Consultants were delayed and the Project Consultancy Contract could be signed on August 5,1999. Thus the Consultants fielded for the study only in last week of August 1999. The original completion date was January 2000. But due to the delay in the consultant recruitment, the scheduled completion date of the feasibility study as per the agreed Consultancy Contract was moved to November 2000, a delay of about 11 months.The consultants had submitted, as per agreed plan, their Inception Report in November 1999, and follow-on three quarterly progress reports, which are satisfactory. About 50% of the consultancy services have been used. The submission of the feasibility report of the project is expected to be delayed by about 3-4 months. 20. Impact The Grant is very useful for formulation of the Mahakali Irrigation III project which has significant impact on the irrigation sector of Nepal. The study would include determining feasibility for the area as a whole and a.development option with a pilot area detailed design to enhance quality of project design. The study would also include a social impact assessment on bonded labour issues, which is innovative in such studies. It is expected that the project would be instrumental in finding a solution for carrying out the agricultural development with due consideration to equitable distribution of investment potential to small farmers and landless labours..08/09/2000 03:53:32 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Forests Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $315,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Environmental Assessment; Social Assessment; Overall forest land use planning in the Laboratory Zone (Central Caucasus Mountains) 19. Status Open, implementation on-going 20. Impact The grant continues to have a major positive impact - the growing capacity of the implementing agency and increased transparency of operations..08/09/2000 04:17:48 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Irrigation And Drainage Modernization Project 5. Grant Amount: USD 560,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Selection of participating Water Users Associations and assessment of investment capacity. 2. Modernization program Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Training and capacity building for modernization of management and operation 4. Transfer completion and consolidation program 5. Improvement of financing mechanisms 6. Project implementation monitoring 7. Economic and finance justification study 8. Seminar, technical visits, office supplies and contingencies 19. Status PENDING - 20. Impact Impact cannot be assessed, because the grant is not effective and no disbursement have been made as yet..08/09/2000 04:26:37 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Peru 2. Project Name: National Rural Water Supply Health & Sanitation 5. Grant Amount: US$600,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant is designed to support the following activities: a) Carry out an evaluation of the alternative institutional frameworks b) Carry out a review of the existing legal framework of the water sector c) Carry out a social assessment of the project impact d) Carry out a review of the technology options used in previous projects e) Carry out a study to develop the financial policies of the Project f) Carry out a cost/benefit analysis on the justification of the Project. g) Carry out a review on the sustainability of the existing systems h) Carry out a study on the participation of the private sector in the rural water sector i) Preparation of a dissemination strategy for Project Implementation j) Design of a management information system k) Preparation of the Project Operational Manual l) The establishment of a sound project management system m) Carry out an evaluation of the current situation in rural small towns 19. Status Some delays have been experienced as to the letter agreement was signed by Peruvian authorities in February 2000. Therefore, the majority of studies and services will be contracted during FY2001. 20. Impact The Grant will help prepare a national program for water supply and sanitation systems in rural areas of Peru which should benefit to up to one million people..08/09/2000 01:46:54 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Rural Microfinance Capacity Building Technical Assistance Lil 5. Grant Amount: $800,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1) Improvement of business environment for financial transactions 2) Reform of the government's direct participation in rural financial markets through specialized intermediaries 3) Implementation of conducive policies for the sector 19. Status The grant was extended to permit support of preparation of the follow-on MEXICO: Rural Microfinance Capacity Building Project scheduled for appraisal in January 30, 2001 and Board Presentation in March 15, 2001 subject to agreement on timing with the recently elected new government in Mexico. The new Government has emphasized the importance of the proposed new project's objectives to increase the access of rural microentrepreneurs to sustainable financial services (consistent with the original grant objective) through focusing on strengthening of non-bank financial intermediaries operating in poor, rural regions of Mexico. Over the past year, the grant has funded the key technical studies of the status Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports of access and institutions in the poor rural areas of Mexico as well as the regulatory environment to protect savers. Field surveys were carried with targeted non-bank financial institutions and communities to determine the type and level of interest for specialized technical assistance to improve their ability to mobilize savings and provide other financial services. Surveys were also conducted to determine the availability and quality of the demanded services within Mexico. These studies will form the basis for (i) the technical dialogue for project design with the new government; and (ii) specific technical design of the mechanisms for qualifying potential TA beneficiaries and providers under the project, developing formats for funding proposals, evaluation criteria, performance contracts, and establishing monitoring and evaluation system for project. 20. Impact The base studies have already been used as part of the dialogue regarding.the regulatory issues facing non-bank financial intermediaries in Mexico which has resulted in new draft legislation on this topic. The studies have also provided the technical basis for project design, particularly as to the actual services desired by potential beneficiaries, their willingness to cost share, and the availability of suitable technical assistance within Mexico. The availability of the studies as the basis for dialogue with the new government is expected to substantially accelerate the process of reaching agreement on the program's final design..08/09/2000 04:59:11 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Belize 2. Project Name: Roads And Municipal Drainage Project 5. Grant Amount: $250,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Carrying out of an assessment of the Recipient's transport infrastructure needs including: (i) a review of existing information on the proposed Burrell Boom bypass and other roads sections of the Project; (ii) a study to prepare the design and implementation of pilot projects on road maintenance by contract and using micro-enterprises; and (iii) identification of issues affecting safeguard policies such as resettlement and indigenous peoples. (b) Carrying out of studies and/or assessments of the transport infrastructure needs: (i) to identify and prepare the final documents for the technical, economic and environmental studies to be financed under the Project; (ii) to identify sustainable procedures for road maintenance by contract, including the possible formation of road maintenance micro-enterprise; (iii) to develop monitorable targets and project performance indicators; (iv) prepare an environmental action plan and a resettlement and indigenous peoples plan if needed; and (v) prepare terms of reference for the consultant services to be financed under the Project. 19. Status Active. About $200,000 have been committed to-date, to carry out the project preparation activities. The project effectiveness is expected by the end of September, 2000. A brief description of the remaining TA activities is as described below: (i) fine tuning the studies of the maintenance districts, and selecting the roads to be included in the program for the road maintenance pilot component; and (ii) completion of the studies to determine the scope of the national transport sector strategy and transport database, and the national road safety strategy whose implementation will be financed under the institutional strengthening and capacity building component of the project. 20. Impact The studies relating to the proposed Burrell Boom Bypass and other road section have been completed. The preparation of the road maintenance.component for the selection of districts and road network are advancing and will be completed soon. The preparation of the project was significantly Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports improved through the use of the PHRD Grant Funds.08/09/2000 09:22:57 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Guangxi Baise Multipurpose 5. Grant Amount: USD 300,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) review of the Resettlement Action Plan, Minority Nationalities Development plan, Environmental Impact Assessment Report, environmental mitigation and management plans, and Project Implementation Plan prepared under the Related Activities; and (b) carrying out of : (i) economic analysis of the Project; (ii) study on the optimization of the operation of the dam; and (iii) other specialized studies on the institutional development of Gunagxi Youjiang Water & Power Corporation and power sales agreement. 19. Status Since the reactivation of the Grant in September 1999, consultants have been hired by the Bank to help with the project preparation in the following three aspects: (a) environmental impact assessment including the setting survey, data collection and SEI identification; (b) organizing a seminar on river basin water resources development and management; (c) conducting a detailed financial analysis to check the fiancial viability of the project and the Owner entity. 20. Impact The impact of the consulting services on the project preparation has been quite significant. As a result, the project preparation is now on the right track, with EIA being prepared by a qualified local agency, several options put forward for Owner's consideration, for integrated water resources management of Yujiang river basin, and a final draft financial analysis report provided to the Owner and MOF to aid their decision making and pertinent policy formulation..08/10/2000 08:33:14 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Honduras 2. Project Name: Road Reconstruction And Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: $555,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Needs Assessment and Selection: (i) Review of existing information for the proposed main road sections that would be financed under the Project so as to bring it to the level of detail required for final engineering, including the confirmation of the technical and economic feasibility of the various subprojects, as well as preparing the environmental and social requirements including resettlement related studies; and (ii) identification of issues and problems in the present provision of adequate road infrastructure and transport services in the poverty areas under consideration for the Project, including financial and human resource mobilization. (b) Evaluation and Design: (i) Development and application of technical, economic, social and environmental evaluation criteria for the selection of the road sections to be financed under the Project; (ii) carrying out of a social assessment ; and (iii) design of the pilot road maintenance projects, including ways of carrying out maintenance activities, institutional arrangements to ensure sustainability of maintenance works, possible maintenance cost sharing arrangements, and supervision arrangements. (c) Report Preparation: (i) Preparation of specifications for the rural road works and identification of the nature and amount of work to be carried out for each of the rural road sections to be financed under the Project; (ii) development of monitorable targets and project performance Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports indicators; and (iii) preparation of terms of reference for various technical assistance studies to be financed under the Project. 19. Status Active. Approximately, $534,000 have been committed to-date, to carry out the project preparation activities. The project is scheduled to go to the Board on October 26 and the effectiveness is expected by the end of January, 2001. A brief description of the remaining TA activities is described below: (1) the fine tuning of the feasibility of the micro-enterprises for the road.maintenance pilot component; (2) technical review of the proposed new road sections; and (3) completion of studies leading to the final selection of the rural roads and bridges to be financed by the Credit. (ii) in addition, concerning the proposed Olanchito-San Lorenzo sub-project, following the Bank’s environmental guidelines, the environmental department has asked that the project carry out an ecological study of the existing distribution of the endangered specie bird Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae) and its habitat, to verify whether the likely area of influence of the proposed road improvement is indeed significant for the survival of this and possibly other globally threatened species, and propose mitigation measures if necessary. This study is underway and will be completed by the middle of November . Therefore, a request will be presented shortly to extend the Grant's closing date until December 31, 2000. 20. Impact except for the bird study (Amazilia luciae), all other studies pertaining to the main road sections have been completed including the confirmation of the technical and economic feasibility of the various subprojects have been carried out to-date. The PHRD Grant would have significant impact as it is helping the preparation of this important project..08/10/2000 08:48:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Lombok Infrastructure Development 5. Grant Amount: $772,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A. Completion of Analytical Work. This Component will complete the technical, economic and financial analysis from pre-feasibility stage and prepare the project for appraisal, negotiations and Board presentation. B. Environmental and Social Assessments. This component will prepare overall and sub-project specific environmental and social assessments, and appropriate mitigation plans, to meet relevant Bank operational directives for appraisal and Board presentation. C. Institutional Development Plan. The objective of this component is to prepare an institutional development plan, including final draft terms of reference and short list of firms for all technical assistance under the project. 19. Status The Grant was just signed by MOF in June 2000. 20. Impact None yet..08/10/2000 09:55:24 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Mongolia 2. Project Name: Sustainable Livelihoods Project 5. Grant Amount: $205,830 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Development of a Strategy for Pastoral Risk Management; (b) Development of a Microfinance Strategy; (c) Recommendations for a Community Investment Fund; (d) Stakeholder Participation 19. Status Not yet effective 20. Impact N/a.08/10/2000 03:42:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Country: Zambia 2. Project Name: Education Sector Integrated 5. Grant Amount: US$ 590,295.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Sector Management & Institutional Development Increasing Access to and Quality of Primary Education Supporting the Extension of Basic Education Improving Vocational, Technical & Entrepreneurship Training Increasing Access to Non-formal Education Improving Health & Nutrition of School Children 19. Status Background. The Japanese Grant, TF029562, was approved in 1996, to support the Government of Zambia in preparing its Education Sector Investment Program (ESIP). As conceived at that time, ESIP involved the coordination of four ministries involved in various aspects of education, formal technical training, and nonformal training for adults and for out-of-school youth. As mentioned in past supervision reports on the Grant, this coordination proved to be challenging. Hence, the Government decided, in 1997, to proceed instead with a Basic Education Subsector Investment Program (BESSIP) to be managed by the Ministry of Education, and a Training Subsector Investment Program (TSSIP) to be managed by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Vocational Training. The IDA Credit in support of BESSIP was approved by the Board in April 1999, and was declared effective in September 1999. Since then, the Trust Fund has continued to be utilized for the preparation of TSSIP, which is due to be appraised in January 2001. Use of Funds FY00. This past fiscal year ('00), funds from the grant were used to finance two consultants in doing work necessary for the pre-appraisal of TSSIP. The consultant for economic analysis, Vijay Gupta, (i) prepared the data for analysis of 1996 and 1998 Living Conditions Monitoring Surveys; (ii) constructed a financial model for the vocational training sector; (iii) prepared a five-year projection of the project costs; and (iv) constructed a base model for cost-benefit feasibility study of TSSIP. The second consultant, Wendy Rimer (i) contributed to the study on training levies worldwide; and (ii) provided analytical support for the LCMS and.base model studies. 20. Impact TSSIP is a challenge in coordination (requiring the integration of work among four ministries), making detailed preparation imperative to ensure successful implementation. Financial models that simulate the cost and impact of the proposed project have been a useful guide (to the Government and IDA) in determining 'next steps'. Additionally, with the agreement of GRZ, we have chosen to proceed cautiously and thoroughly complete each stage of preparation. As a result, additional funds (from the PPF) were and are indispensable. Processing of the PPF required the preparation of detailed objectives and a conservative budget. Funds utilized from the PHRD to obtain PPF financing were well spent. GRZ may now procure goods/services that will enhance project processing..08/10/2000 03:41:50 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Poland 2. Project Name: Rural Development (Off-Farm Rural Employment Component) Project 5. Grant Amount: 297,600.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Activities for which the Grant is given are designed to assist in the preparation of the off-farm employment component of the Project and they include consultants' services and training for the following purposes: preparation studies and microbusiness training. 19. Status Most of the consultant's work under this grant has been completed, and we are only finalizing the analysis of the survey of off-farm business. The work should be completed over the next few weeks. 20. Impact While most of the impact of the work will be felt once the analysis of the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports survey is completed, preliminary results already indicate an improvement in our understanding of the links between farm and off-farm business activities in Poland..08/10/2000 05:25:19 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Guatemala 2. Project Name: Integrated Financial Management Project 5. Grant Amount: US$699,550 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist the Recipient in the preparation of an Integrated Financial Management project which has as main objectives: (a) the expansion of the ongoing financial management reform to the municipalities in Guatemala; and (b) the provision of assistance in the reform of the Recipient's human resources area. The activities for which the Grant is given are: a) carrying out of an assessment of the administrative and financial capacity of the municipalities within the Recipient's territory to determine if the Recipient's integrated financial management system could be adopted at the municipal level. b) if the recommendations of the assessment mentioned in (a) above indicate that the Recipient's integrated financial management system could be adopted at the municipal level, carry out a preliminary design and costing of the appropriate software that would permit the municipalities to adopt such system. c) carrying out of an assessment of the Recipient's human resources system in order to improve the, or design a new, human resources system, including the costing of such improvement or design. d) strengthening of the Recipient's Ministry of Finance Project coordinating unit. 19. Status The Grant was signed on December 17, 1999. The Grant has faced some initial delays due to changes in administrations. The first disbursement request was presented to the Bank in July. We are expecting to accelerate the initiation of the preparatory activities during the second semester. We might need to request an extension of the closing date. 20. Impact The main inpact of this Grant would be the expansion of the IFM system at the municipal level..08/11/2000 08:15:29 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Brazil 2. Project Name: Bahia Health 5. Grant Amount: US$ 200,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Assessment of key Health Programs, (ii) Evaluation of Legal and Regulatory Framework, (iii) Health Information and Management System, (iv) Social and Environmental Assessment, (v) Economic and Financial Evaluation, (vi) Capacity Building in Operational Areas, (vii) Technical Assistance for Decentralization and for preparation of Hospital Business Plan. 19. Status The draft of the Letter Agreement has been submitted for clearance of all departments. The grant is expected to be signed by September 15, 2000. 20. Impact Impact cannot be assessed at this point..08/11/2000 08:37:36 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Brazil 2. Project Name: Brazil Family Health And Basic Health Care Project 5. Grant Amount: US$780,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) evaluating the equity, efficiency and outcomes of key government Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports programs such as PSF, PACS and PABS; (ii) evaluating the impact of the Family Health Strategy on hospital admissions and other secondary and tertiary facilities; (iii) evaluating the impact and outcomes of the decentralization process; (iv) evaluating the regulation, procurement and distribution of basic drugs; (v) social assessment; (vi) economic and financial evaluation; and (vii) environmental assessment. 19. Status Clearance on the Letter Agreement is pending. The Government is revising the studies/assessments to be financed by the Grant. Detailed information will be provided to the TFC office soon. The Grant is expected to be signed by September 30, 2000. 20. Impact Impact cannot be assessed at this point..08/11/2000 10:18:53 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Ghana 2. Project Name: Education Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: USD600,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Strenthen systems and technicques for budget preparation Reviewing norms and standards Building public-private partnerships Designing systems to monitor and assess demand and outcomes Improving availability, use and dissemination of sector data Preparing post-basic education strategies and plans Developing education financing strategies 19. Status There has been no activity as the grant reallocation request has thus not been approved and the legal agreement has not yet been signed. 20. Impact If the reallocation request is approved it is expected that the grant can play an important role in assisting the Government and all the development partners to formulate a coherent, cost-effective program for post-basic education..08/11/2000 11:11:48 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Azerbaijan 2. Project Name: Urgent Environmental Investment Project Azueip 5. Grant Amount: $800,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Azerbaijan Urgent Environmental Investment Project (AzUEIP) has four Components (Sturgeon Hatchery Construction; Mercury Clean-Up Pilot; On-Shore Oil Pollution Clean-Up Pilot; Environmental Management). The Grant supports one of two Sub-Components of the Environmental Management Component of the AzUEIP: Development of the Hazardous Waste Management System in Azerbaijan (second Component: Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building Sub-Component is supported by the UK Know-How Fund). The findings of the Hazardous Waste Sub-Component supported by the Grant will be implemented on a pilot bases under Mercury Clean-Up Component, thus the preparation of the Hazardous Waste Management System and implementation of the Mercury Clean-Up were designed to be carried out in parallel. The Grant supports one activity -- Development of the Hazardous Waste Management System -- thus has one component, to be implemented by Technical Assistance Consultants under a single contract of $760,000. The remaining part of the Grant ($40,000) is being used for purchasing equipment necessary for the consultants to carry out their assignment. There are seven tasks that are expected to be completed by Technical Assistance Consultants within this activity: Task 1. Strategic Assessment of the Current Situation Task 2 Development of a Hazardous Waste Management Strategy and Implementation Plan Task 3. Development and support for the Implementation of an Action Plan for Compliance with International Conventions, including the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Basel Convention on Transborder Transportation of Toxic Waste, IRPTC, Prevention of Organic Pollution and Trade in Chemicals and Pesticides Task 4. Development and support for the Implementation of Waste Inventory and Classification Systems Task 5. Development and support for the Implementation of Regulations for the Design, Siting and Operation of Hazardous Waste Management Facilities.Task 6. Development and support for the Implementation of Regulations for the Handling of Hazardous Waste from generation to disposal; Task 7. Capacity Building, including Training, Public Awareness Building, and Demonstration Projects. 19. Status The Government signed a contact with Technical Assistance Consultants (TAC), a consortium of companies lead by GIBB (UK), member of the GIBBLAW group, on June 17, 2000. Other members of the consortium are Integrated Skills (UK), a member of the Environmental Services Association representing 70% of the UK’s waste management industry, and Azpetsprominvest (Azerbaijan), one of the leading local engineering and consultancy firms. The Government has organized a joint workshop for the TAC and Project Management Consultants (PMC) working on the Mercury Clean-Up Component of the AzUEIP, with participation of the World Bank team, on July 17, 2000. The workshop was designed to initiate a close cooperation between the two components, since the regulatory framework to be developed under the Hazardous Waste Management Component will be implemented in parallel under pilot mercury clean-up. As first outcomes of this cooperation, it was agreed that the TAC will share an office with PMCs in the PIU, and will revise the implementation plan prepared earlier to take into account the schedule of the Mercury Component. Per PHRD Grant Agreement, the Government is also currently establishing a multi-sector Steering Group that would include representatives from the Government, the private sector, and communities. 20. Impact n/a.08/11/2000 02:02:38 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zambia 2. Project Name: Zambia Social Investment Fund 5. Grant Amount: USD 400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Funds from the grant were utilized to: (i) prepare the gender sensitive components of the Zambia Social Investment Fund (ZAMSIF) Project; (ii) support the design of a Management Information System (MIS); and (iii) design an infrastructure management strategy. 19. Status TF025764 will close on September 30, 2000 with a balance of USD 19,100. USD 381,000 were used to implement the plan of activities outlined in the letter of agreement and necessary for preparation of ZAMSIF. 1. Women and Children. Funds from the grant were used to: (i) assess the current and future needs of women in Zambia; (ii) analyze the existing community-based organizations (CBOs) for women and children; (iii) design an Information and Education (IEC) strategy; and (iv) develop a training program in gender and children's issues. Inputs from the support the design of the District Investment Fund (DIF) component of ZAMSIF. 2. Monitoring and Information System. The Microprojects Unit (MPU) required the need for a decentralized monitoring and evaluation system that would make information available at levels where the microprojects are to be undertaken. This necessitated the current MIS to be upgraded. An international consultant was selected, but unfortunately, failed to meet his obligations. Management then terminated the contract without paying the final installment. During the most recent mission to Zambia (June 2000), theZAMSIF team and IDA discussed how best to complete this activity without further delay. It was agreed that an MIS specialist form the Bank would assist the MPU in selecting a suitable candidate to complete the assignment. The process is currently being finalized. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Project Instrastructure Maintenance Strategy. The maintenance capacity of beneficiary communities (particularly, the role that district staff will play in supporting maintenance at the local level) was reviewed. The project's Maintenance Manual has been updated and will be distributed to communities and district staff during ZAMSIF implementation..20. Impact Funds from the PHRD Grant have contributed greatly to the detailed and thorough preparation of ZAMSIF. The multimedia IEC strategy (that will be broadcast in local languages through community radio stations) is critical to the success of the whole project. Results of the gender studies has ensured that the gender component in ZAMSIF will focus on improving the welfare of poor women and children. A decentralized MIS has greatly improved information dissemination. The Training strategy, with modules on maintenance and technical quality of infrastructure, has expanded the ability to improve capacity building, which is necessary for all stakeholders..08/11/2000 03:53:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Gorai Restoration Project 5. Grant Amount: $650,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to support preparation of the proposed Gorai Restoration Project. The technical assistance activities for which the Grant will be used are: (i) to support an independent panel of experts of international reputation to oversee the project preparation and design and provide technical advice; and (ii) to provide specialized technical assistance in river training, sediment transport estimates, environmental and social impact assessment, salinity control and management, and economic evaluation. 19. Status To date the Bank had procured four international panel of experts (river hydraulics, environmentalist, sociologist, environmental economist). The first visit of the international panel of experts was made in November 1999. After receiving the project consultants' Inception Report in December 1999, the the four member Panel of Expert visited the project site, reviewed and provided comments in March 2000. The third visit of the Panel of Experts had been recently completed in August, 2000 to coincide with the finalization of project consultants'draft feasibility study, which will be due in September 2000. The current status of the Grant implementation is therefore rated “Satisfactory”. 20. Impact The Grant is helping the input of international panel of experts in the preparation stages of the Gorai River Project. The panel has been periodically reviewing and guiding the outputs of the consultants preparing the project. In that way the quality at entry of the project is assured. The proposed project would prevent environmental degradation in the Southwest region of Bangladesh, specifically around the city of Khulna, coastal belt and in the mangrove forest of the 'Sunderbans' thereby improving employment and income of the population in the South West Region of Bangladesh.08/11/2000 05:14:00 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Gorai Restoration (Government-Executed) 5. Grant Amount: $150,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The project's overall objectives are improving employment and income in the project area and preventing environmental degradation in the Southwest region of Bangladesh by restoring the Gorai river, a branch channel of the Ganges River, to ensure wet season flows to the region in future and augment the flows during dry season. The grant would strengthen project preparation by supporting the key activities, such as: (i) short-term consultants' services including hydraulic surveys and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports mathematical modeling for the project preparation, and (ii) provision of office and communication equipment, and computers. 19. Status The specific activity and procurement had been delayed due to the delays by about nine months in the procurement of the Project Preparation General Consultants in FY99 provided by the Government of Netherlands. The Grant Agreement was signed on 2/15/99, but the Project Preparation General Consultants were mobilized and fielded only on 09/05/1999. The arrangement was such that based on the inception work program of the General Consultants, the Government counterpart activities would be started. The Inception Report of the General Consultants was submitted to the Government and the Bank in December, 1999. Comments from the Bank and IPOE have been provided to the Government and the General Consultants.Based on that the General Consultants' progress on the feasibility study the Government has to initiate their counterpart activities in the preparation of Project Implementation Plan to be prepared by a team of local consultants as well as complemental studies. No progress has been initiated yet in that line, but a copy of formal request from the Government's project preparation team has been sent out to the Ministry of Finance to get approval to use the grant for consultancy on mathematical and physical modelling needs of the project. Until there is development the current status is rated “Unsatisfactory”. 20. Impact The Grant is helping the input of short-term consultants and procurement of project preparation facilities for the Government in the preparation of the project. The counterpart activities and the outputs of the short-term consultants preparing the project will be periodically reviewed. In that way.the quality at entry of the project is assured..08/11/2000 05:27:13 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Health Care Reform 5. Grant Amount: 989,200 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objective of the Health Sector Reform program is to help the government of Mexico, the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute) and the ISSSTE (during the first extension) prepare the proposed health sector reforms to be carried out under the project. The program will serve to analyze major policy issues affecting health reform and to expose policy makers in Mexico to the ongoing health reform and to expose policy makers in Mexico to the ongoing health reform effort in other countries. TF has three components: I. Health Sector Policy Reforms and Regulatory Development II. Strengthening the Management and Service Delivery at the IMSS (and ISSSTE) III. IMSS (and ISSSTE) Institutional Strengthening 19. Status The main activities financed with TF025495 in FY 00 were the following: 1.- A study on Financing of the Public Health Services in Mexico. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of the health financing in Mexican public institutions and its outcome for users, comparing corporate level and users and providers perceptions. The objective was to analyze quality of services and financing levels of health care delivery in public institutions, and users perception of the quality of services provided by public health institutions at different levels ( primary, secondary and terciary health care levels). The results of the study would be used by the Government and participating health services delivery institutions, in improving their performance and quality of health care delivery services. It will also be used for the development of policies and to foster further reforms in the health care sector. The results of the study, will be particularly useful for the new administration to continue with the health sector reforms envisaged in both Bank-funded projects : Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports The Health System Reform - IMSS, and The Primary Health Care - Extension of.coverage for the Uninsured Population- SSA. The study included an analysis of the financing, organization and delivery mechanisms for the following institutions: ISSSTE, IMSS, SSA, ISSFAM, PEMEX, IMSS-Solidaridad/ Progresa, and for state health care services in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Puebla and Queretaro. The study included a comparison of users satisfactions with health care delivery institutions according to levels of care (hospitals, clinics), assessment of quality of interventions and costs (where possible). In order to carry out the study, us er focus groups were organized in the 4 states above mentioned. The firm contracted to carry out this study was Thesis Consultores. 2.- Policy Notes on the Mexican Heath Sector. The Health Sector Policy Note identifies the issues and defines the reforms needed to take place in the next five years, to improve efficiency, quality and financing of health delivery services in the public and private sector in Mexico. The note will serve as a mechanism to be used by both the Mexico new administration to define further reforms in the sector and by the Bank to continue to dialogue with the Government on health care reforms. The preparation of the Policy Note had the input of public and private sector officials working in health care services. A Seminar was conducted in April to discuss the draft with Government officials in charge of defining health care policies in Mexico. It also has already been used as input by a high level Government Task Force in charge of preparing a health care reform proposal for the new administration. The note was prepared by the consultant James Cercone with the input of Bank TMs working in the health sector in Mexico. 3.- Support the participation of IMSS, SSA , President's Office and ISSSTE representatives to the 1999 annual seminar organized by the Institute of the Americas and held in Mexico. The seminar objective was to was analyze the private health insurance systems with regard to the challenges for design and regulation. 4. In Fys 99/00, Trust Funds have also been used for a Seminar, and consultancy services for the preparation of a Law on Health Care Regulation in Mexico. The use of the TF made it possible for the Government to have access to the most knowlegeable specialist in this field, and will have a far reaching impact in the future of health care organization and delivery of care in Mexico. It permits public health care institutuions to contract (buy and out - sorce) the delivery of health care services, strengthening competition among public health care providers (particularly hospitals), allows for greater participation of the private sector in the delivery of services by regulating the organization of services, price and quality of care by different providers. 20. Impact This TF will contribute to the implementation of reforms in health care services of the Mexican Social Security (IMSS) and the Institute of Social Security for Civil Servants (ISSSTE). This will include the strengthening of the financial management of the IMSS and the ISSSTE health systems; improving the institutional framework and modernizing IMSS and ISSSTE.corporate structure; and establishing a development fund for improvement of the health services provision..08/14/2000 08:43:21 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Panama 2. Project Name: Public Policy Reform Program 5. Grant Amount: US$204, 425 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist the Recipient in the preparation of its Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Public Policy Reform Program, which has as main objective to reduce poverty. The activities for which the Grant is given are as follows: (a) Preparation of the following action plans: (i) a plan for the strengthening the institutional capacity of the Public Policy Unit of the Recipient’s Ministry of Planing and Economic Policy; (ii) a plan for the organization and institutional development of the Recipient’s Civil Service Directorate of the Recipient’s Ministry of the Presidency; (iii) a plan for the organization and institutional development of the Administrative Council of the Private Pension Fund for Public Employees; (iv) a plan for the strengthening the institutional capacity of the Competition Commission. (b) Preparation of the following terms of reference for: (i) reviewing the Civil Service Law and the Public Wages Law, including the regulations to such laws; (ii) reviewing the regulatory framework and operating procedures applicable to the Investment Fund Administrators; (iii) reviewing the Social Security system for purposes of proposing additional reforms to such system; (iv) preparing regulations for the implementation of the Recipient’s Competition Law; (v) reviewing the tax system; (vi) identifying activities throughout the public sector which could be transferred to the private sector through concessions or other contractual arrangements; and (vii) preparing guidelines for investing the income generated by the Development Trust (Fondo Fiduciario para el Desarrollo). 19. Status The PHRD grant has provided strategic assistance to review the institutional capacity of the Recipients's Competition Commission, export processes and the Panama export capacity. Also, the Grant has financed a survey aimed to evaluate the employees perception (internal evaluation) of the Private Pension Fund for Public Employees functioning, including its organization and institutional development capacity. 20. Impact The PHRD has contributed to finance two of the most important preparatory strategic activities...08/14/2000 02:19:59 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: South Africa 2. Project Name: Hospital Revitalization And Quality Of Care Project 5. Grant Amount: $690,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Planning of Hospital Upgrading Assistance in the planning and designing of hospital upgrading as well as determining the capital and recurrent cost implications of the proposed hospital upgrading. (b) Planning for Private-Public Partnerships Assistance in the preparation of a strategic plan for private-public partnerships, particularly for health services with engineering implications and investment plans, specifically investment appraisal, risk analysis, contract advisory services and structuring and evaluation of bids. (c) Capacity Building and Skills Development Assistance in capacity building and skills development of provincial and hospital management personnel through workshops and sharing of experience between provinces and the Department of Health. 19. Status The grant agreement TF026346 was signed in May 2000. This grant was a follow up to the recipient-executed grant TF025094, which was amended in May 2000 per the request of Government's request of February 2000. No consultancies were undertaken or disbursements made in FY00 under TF026346. 20. Impact It is anticipated that the grant will enable the Department of Health to contract the necessary technical expertise to plan appropriately for the Hospital project, drawing upon international experiences with hospital projects in similar middle-income countries. It will also facilitate the necessary consensus building and dissemination information between the provinces..08/14/2000 01:55:25 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Tanzania 2. Project Name: Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Program 5. Grant Amount: US$574,600 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components a) review the experience gained on rural water supply and sanitation through organizing and holding a workshop; b) carry out an inventory of existing water resources and supply and sanitation facilities and needs in selected districts; c) preparation of hydrogeological studies in the districts that would participate in the project; d) preparation of Operational Guidelines for sustainable rural water supply and sanitation; and e) prepare and carry out a capacity building program. 19. Status The Grant was secured to support preparatory activities for a Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Tanzania. To date preparatory activities accomplished utilizing the Grant include: a) completion of the review of the rural water supply component of the National Water Policy; the final draft of the Rural Water Policy is available; b) profiles of the 3 pilot districts which dealt with review of assessment of water supply and sanitation services have been prepared; c) Draft Project Implementation Manual and its translation from English to Kiswahili has been prepared; and d) consultations with district and sample communities through visits, discussions and workshops drawing consensus on implementation strategies and capacity building requirements have been carried out. However, given the extent of activities carried out so far, the Government of Tanzania has requested the Bank to upgrade the project from a LIL to a SIL which will expand the scope of implementation from 3 to 12 districts and help prepare a national rural water and sanitation program. As a result of this shift, additional preparatory activities are planned and the project is now due for appraisal in the second half of FY01. 20. Impact Preparatory activities for the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project have progressed very well. The Grant-supported studies have had a significant impact on the quality of project design..08/14/2000 03:32:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Swaziland 2. Project Name: Swaziland Poverty Reduction Innovations Project 5. Grant Amount: $250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Institutional Assessment: Assess participation of key institutional partners in strategic, pre-identified thematic areas of the Piloting Fund. Outputs: Inventory of institutions eligible for pilot funding in each thematic area; key lessons to guide design of pilot inteventions; guidelines for pilot monitoring and evaluation in each thematic area. Systematic Community Consultation: Through participatory approaches, obtain better understanding of implementation and monitoring modalities for Piloting Fund. Outputs: Community's assessment of Piloting Fund priorities; its role in implementation; and institutional constraints, opportunities, and key monitoring areas. Preparation of Piloting Fund Operational Manuals: Outline modalities of accessing pilot funding and subproject monitoring mechanisms to assess potential for replication/scaling up. Outputs: Manuals for each thematic area, documenting institutional roles, eligibility criteria, and project procedures; management structure for Piloting Fund. Design of a Poverty Monitoring and Analysis System: Identify priority indicators; institutional capacity to collect, analyze, use, and stimulate demand for poverty data; and cost-effecitve data instruments. Outputs: Institutional framework, scale, and design of (a) a system of data collection, analysis and use; and (b) capacity building to support poverty monitoring. 19. Status Grant agreement was signed in December 1999. No disbursements have yet been made under the grant. The first consultancy has been advertised Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and an RFP is beign prepared by the Government of Swaziland team. 20. Impact NA.08/14/2000 06:00:02 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Irrigation Development Project 5. Grant Amount: USD 554,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Technical investigations and detailed designs for interventions to be included the first year work program for the four project components; (ii) An Environmental Assessment including the development of mitigation measures and a management plan; (iii) A Social Assessment to be carried on a statistically significant sample of the villages involved by the Project activities; (iv) A detailed audit of all agencies involved in O & M to be carried out to serve as a basis for clear allocation of responsibilities. To promote effective dialogue about the nature of institutional restructuring to take place, a study tour is provided for to expose decision makers and beneficiaries to successful models outside Armenia. 19. Status (i) Ongoing (ii) Concluded (iii) Concluded (iv) Ongoing 20. Impact : The primary objective of the project is to increase farmers income as a result of improved water delivery, a working drainage system and reduced O&M costs. Intermediate objectives include: (i) a reduction in O&M expenditures by shifting from energy intensive pumping based irrigation to gravity irrigation; (ii) improved water delivery through rehabilitation of conveyance systems; (iii) improved O & M through institutional development and training; and (iv) improved environmental and safety standards through rehabilitation of dams and drainage canals..08/15/2000 04:53:08 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Coastal Zone Development Program 5. Grant Amount: $ 865,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The components of the Grant are : (a) National Resources, Environmental and Social Assessments: Assist the Government in establishing a coastal resources databse, and (b) Participatory Stakeholder Participation Process: Solicit views, concerns and expectations of stakeholders regarding sustainable integrated coastal zone development. 19. Status A draft Grant Agreement has been prepared and is being discussed with the Government.The Agreement is expected to be signed by November 30, 2000. 20. Impact NA.08/15/2000 04:11:49 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Hungary 2. Project Name: Flood Protection Project 5. Grant Amount: US$500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components To carry out a Feasibility Study for Hungary Flood Control Development and Rehabilitation, which contains assessment of the condition and level of existing flood protection system, a phased development plan, a premilinary environmental assessment, a plan for coordination of flood protection measures including the design of a cross-border flood warning system, analysis of cost recovery options and flood insurance systems, assessment Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports of the existing legal and regulatory framework in the sector, design of a public awareness and community participation program. 19. Status Closed on April 30, 2000. Last disbursement of US$7,436 was made on May 11, 2000. A total of US$489,104 of the Grant was disbursed. 20. Impact The study was useful for MTCWM to prioritize their investments in flood protection and rehabilitation, especially that major parts of Hungary have been flooded each spring in recent years. However, the Government is not willing to borrow from the Bank for these purposes..08/15/2000 11:00:49 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Syrian Arab Republic 2. Project Name: Syria Wastewater And Sewarage Rehabilitation And Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $ 455,000.0 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Consultants' services shall be procured in accordance with the relevant provisions of Statement 15.00 of the Bank's Administrative Manual, dated July 1997 (the Administrative Manual), the Introduction and Section IV of the "Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers" published by the Bank in January 1997 and revised in September 1997 and January 1999 (the Consultant Guidelines) and the following provisions of this Attachment. 2. Services for the local financial analysts, local economists, local engineers and local legal advisor shall be procured under contracts awarded in accordance with the provisions, which are consistent with the provisions of the Administrative Manual, of paragraphs 3.1 and 3.7 of the Consultant Guidelines (Selection Based on Consultants' Qualifications). 3. Services for the international engineer to formulate the priority investment component, social specialist, economist and environmental specialist, shall be procured under contracts awarded in accordance with the provisions, which are consistent with the provisions of the Administrative Manual, of paragraphs 2.1 – 2.28 of the Consultant Guidelines (Selection Based on Quality and Cost). 19. Status Khatib and Alami in association with Water Management Consultants were selected based on QCBS method of Procurement to conduct the study. The contract was signed between the Bank and the Consultant on June 20, 2000. The Consultant thereafter, mobilized his project team and initiated the Study. The inception report was submitted to the Bank and the GoS on July 25, 2000. Comments from both were passed to the Consultant and a modified Inception Report incorporating all comments was submitted on Aug. 11, 2000. 20. Impact The study under the PHRD Grant is essential and critical for the Government to define the wastewater management strategy in the project area, to choose the most appropriate scenario for collection and treatment, and to select the most adequate and affordable cost recovery system,.institutional and legal arrangements..08/15/2000 10:56:51 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: South Africa 2. Project Name: Hospital Revitalization And Quality Of Care Project 5. Grant Amount: $60,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Planning of Hospital Upgrading Assistance in the planning and designing of hospital upgrading as well as determining the capital and recurrent cost implications of the proposed hospital upgrading. (b) Planning for Private-Public Partnerships Assistance in the preparation of a strategic plan for private-public partnerships, particularly for health services with engineering implications and investment plans, specifically investment appraisal, risk analysis, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports contract advisory services and structuring and evaluation of bids. (c) Capacity Building and Skills Development Assistance in capacity building and skills development of provincial and hospital management personnel through workshops and sharing of experience between provinces and the Department of Health. 19. Status At the request of Government in February 2000, the grant agreement was amended in May 2000 to reduce the grant amount from $750,000 to $60,000 and to establish the Bank as executing agency under a new grant agreement (TF026346) for the balance of the grant funds. 20. Impact The consultants provided excellent technical assistance to the Directorate for Hospital services as well as a Task Team consisting of public and private sector stakeholders selected by the Minister of Health. This input facilitated the strategic thinking of the structural problems facing the hospital sub-sector, and the better appreciation of the capacity required to undertake the reforms that are being proposed. It also provided a framework within which purchaser-provider separation can be assessed, and private sector involvement can be evaluated..08/15/2000 11:22:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Guyana 2. Project Name: Sugar Sector Modernization Project 5. Grant Amount: $535,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Design and preparation of an investment component for the proposed Project including description of technical proposals, (2) training of the Recipient's Guayana Sugar Corp. with respect to the Association's operational and safeguard policies and an assessment to identify discrete investments to be funded by GUYSUCO. These activies are estimated to cost $172,400. 2. Provision of technical assistance to assist in the nationalization of GUYSUCO management structure and institutional development. These activies are estimated to cost $134,400. 3. Carrying out feasibility studies for the design and preparation of a training program for GUYSUCO's craftsmen and staff at an estimated cost of $111,600. 4. Carrying out feasibility studies to support GUYSUCO's diversification and vertical integration through co-generation of electricity at new or expanded factories, etc. These activities are estimated to cost $116,600. 19. Status Active. Actual project preparation started in July 2000. Formal hiring of consultants has just been carried out and all deliverables are expected in September 2000. 20. Impact The sugar sector is one of the most important in the economy of Guyana, and during the past decade has had an important impact not only in macro-economic terms but also in terms of the work force directly and indirectly employed in the sector, especially in the rural areas. Improved efficienty in the production and export of raw sugar would permit GUYSUCO to continue to play its important role in generating employment and foreign exchange receipts and, at the same time, to grow through diversification and vertical integration to exploit important market opportunities..08/15/2000 11:54:27 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Brazil 2. Project Name: Teacher Effectiveness 5. Grant Amount: 442,520.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1) Strategic and Policy Framework; 2) Teacher Development Fund; 3) Teacher Learning Network; and 4) Project Management 19. Status Expected to be approved and signed shortly 20. Impact N/A.08/15/2000 01:24:59 PM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Poland 2. Project Name: Krakow Energy Efficiency Project 5. Grant Amount: US$190,450 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant-funded activities are as follows: Part A. Organizational Development and Resourcing through provision of technical assistance to help MPEC Krakow acquire the business and technical expertise needed to establish an ESCO subsidiary and develop its ESCO capabilities. Part B. Development of public participation and information dissemination. Part C: Study tours to North American ESCOs. The purpose of the visit is to provide an opportunity for MPEC representatives to exchange views about the ESCO business activities with foreign private ESCOs and seek interest of these foreign private ESCOs to participate in the MPEC ESCO program. 19. Status Work progress has been slower than originally anticipated. Only the most urgent tasks needed to help create the subsidiary Energy Service Company (ESCO) were implemented, using PHRD funding. Follow-up PHRD-funded activities will focus on building up the ESCO capabilities. 20. Impact Two pilot projects (primary school and university building) were successfully completed following energy performance contracting principles. A pipeline of building energy efficiency projects are being developed with assistance of bilateral Finish-funded consultants. The ESCO was established, and its President and four core staff appointed. Financial model for the ESCO was developed. Financial/legal/business relationships between MPEC and the ESCO with respect to relaying funds from the Bank and other financing sources to the ESCO and the ESCO clients, incl. tax implications, were analyzed. The needs for reporting, management and control of ESCO funds and operations were reviewed, along with means of managing and recording the flow of funds to sub-contractors and from the clients, and formats for management reports were developed...08/14/2000 03:20:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Azerbaijan 2. Project Name: Environmental Investment And Management Project Azeimp 5. Grant Amount: $249,450 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Component 1: Environmentally Sound Privatization ($164,350) · International Best Practice Study · Review of Privatization Law and Regulations · Environmental Assessment · Capacity Building · Public Consultation Workshop Component 2: Environmental Education ($85,100) · Detailed Feasibility Study . Capacity Building 19. Status The Grant was obtained for the Preparation of the Azerbaijan Environmental Investment and Management Project. The project, and thus the preparation activities envisaged two large components: Environmentally Sound Privatization; and Environmental Education, the former component being the main activity. The preparation of the project is contingent upon the overall progress of the dialogue between the World Bank and the Government of Azerbaijan on the Privatization process in the country, which would determine the nature of the Bank's involvement. At the time when the Grant application was prepared, it was expected that by the time the Grant is approved, the World Bank would have already determined the level of its involvement in the Privatization process in Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Azerbaijan, and the subject project would strategically fit in the overall agenda of the Bank. Unfortunately, the dialogue between the Bank and Azeri Government was delayed, partially due to major changes in the State Privatization Committee (currently Ministry of Property) overseeing the privatization in the country, and belated ratification of the Privatization Law by the Parliament. The Privatization Law was finally ratified in June, 2000, and the Privatization Program was endorsed by the President of Azerbaijan only on August 14, 2000. Since the Law and Program has significantly evolved since they were last considered by the Word Bank experts, the Bank is yet to review these documents and determine the nature of its future involvement in the Privatization process in the country. The effectiveness of the PHRD Grant.is still contingent upon the above mentioned developments. 20. Impact n/a.08/15/2000 03:00:03 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: El Salvador 2. Project Name: Rural Development 5. Grant Amount: $455,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components TA Component 1 - Providing technical assistance for different levels of Government to work together towards consensus on distribution of functions and responsibilities in the rural sector. TA Component 2 - Designing a mechanism to channel funds to proposals coming from local entities. TA Component 3 - Providing technical assistance to beneficiaries from civil society to prepare sub-project proposals and participate in consultations. 19. Status Three consultants recruited by the Ministry of Agriculture' s Vice Minister to support the work of the Cabinet in late 1999 have been assisting in preparing the Ministry for its strategic role in implementing the "Nueva Alianza" of the new government, which designed to give greater attention to the needs of small and medum sized producers. The main steps have included opening lines of communication with service users, evaluating available resources to attend the sector, optimizing the use of available resources and identifying new projects 20. Impact The contribution of the consultants to the definition of the MAG' s new strategy is considered positive and welcome by the Salvadoran authorities. However, progress in project preparation has been limited..08/15/2000 03:35:10 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: City Development Strategy Project 5. Grant Amount: US$325,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components a) Carrying out of a complete analysis of the current institutional framework for the proposed Project, including, inter alia, municipal management capacity, and federal, state and local fiscal relations, through the provision of technical assistance, which is estimated to cost US$78,000 equivalent; b) Carrying out of a complete analysis of urban poverty, including, inter alia, levels and trends, access to basic infrastructure and social services, city level poverty reduction strategies, through the provision of technical assistance, which is estimated to cost US$90,000 equivalent; and c) Developing a methodological framework for the proposed Project by analyzing best practices in urban planning, management and strategy development within the selected cities and municipalities based on criteria acceptable to the Bank, in the territory of the recipient, through the provision of technical assistance, which is estimated to cost US$157,000 equivalent. 19. Status Pending Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact The studies are under contract, thus there is not yet any progress to evaluate. Consultants hired to date have been employed in the design of the studies..08/16/2000 05:44:46 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Uzbekistan 2. Project Name: Drainage Project 5. Grant Amount: JPY 106,000,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The objective of the grant is to facilitate the preparation of a drainage water disposal project on the right bank of the Amu Darya in Uzbekistan. The technical assistance would consist of the following services by an international consultant firm in association with local consultants and institutes: a) Phase I: carry out the following basic tasks for the Amu Darya basin in Uzbekistan: (i) collect data on water resources, irrigation water supply and drainage water discharge (in terms of water quantity and quality), and the extent of drainage and salinity problems, (ii) undertake a review of irrigation in the basin, focusing on relationships between irrigation water supply, agricultural water use, drainage processes, drainage water discharge, and land and water quality, (iii) identify alternative solutions to the issue of drainage water disposal, (iv) provide assistance to run workshops with participation of stakeholders to discuss identified options, and (v) determine additional data needed to study the options for drainage water disposal on a pre-feasibility study; b) Phase II: collect additional data to evaluate alternative drainage disposal options identified under (a) above, (ii) study alternative options to at least the pre-feasibility level, (iii) assistance with a workshop to discuss the finding of the studied alternatives and (iv) make specific recommendations for the study of the most promising alternatives for detailed feasibility studies; c) Phase III: prepare, in the form of a detailed feasibility report, the most promising alternative(s) selected under (b) above and discuss the results and recommendations in a workshop with key stakeholders. 19. Status The activities financed by the grant are completed. The activities have achieved most of its objectives and are expected to achieve satisfactory development impact. The last for the preparation of the project, which includes the preparation of detailed designs and bidding documents, will be financed with a loan advance of US$ 1 million from the PPF. A final audit of the Grant has been carried out..20. Impact An important development impact of the activities of the Grant has been a change in thinking within the MAWR and its institutions away from large-scale and costly engineering solutions such as the RBCD. The technical assistance has created knowledge and commitment for smaller-scale, more local solutions and for the importance of institutional and policy reforms to improve management and O&M (operation and maintenance) of irrigation and drainage systems. Another important impact has been the re-opening of the dialogue with Turkmenistan on a mutually beneficial project component which would include the development and management of wetlands and lakes on the territory of Turkmenistan. An important impact of the Grant is also the use by local experts of modern concepts, methods and tools for the preparation of strategies and feasibility studies which focuses on the "big picture" and take economic and environmental aspects into account. The activities financed by the Grant will also affect other future activities and projects tailored at the improvement of water management in the Amu Darya basin. The knowledge base (databases, models, strategy, development scenarios, and the evaluation of various technical, policy and institutional options) built up under the Grant will be used for the phasing and design of other irrigation drainage interventions in the Amu Darya basin. Currently, this knowledge base is already tapped for the preparation of the first Bank supported irrigation project in Uzbekistan and the GEF supported regional Water and Environmental Management Project which Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports prepares for political decision making , including adequate interstate agreements on water and environmental management..08/16/2000 09:16:01 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Dominica, Dominican Republic 2. Project Name: Wastewater Disposal In Tourism Centers (Lil) 5. Grant Amount: US $925,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant is designed to support the following activities: a) Preparation of feasibility studies for the pollution control facilities to be constructed under the project; b) Preparation of the environmental impact assessment required for the project; c) Establishment of an advisory panel to review the conceptual of the pollution control installations to be constructed under the project; and d) Preparation of preliminary private sector participation studies, including a review of relevant legal and regulatory issues. 19. Status The grant closed on December 1999 and the grace period for disbursements ended in April 30, 2000. The water and wastewater LIL loan for the Puerto Plata area was approved in May 2000 and is now beginning implementation. The Project Implementation Unit is working on explaining a difference of not yet justified expenses to disbursements. 20. Impact The impact of the grant was significant. The feasibility studies for the tourist areas allowed an understanding of the financial and technical viability of the private sector participation proposal. This process is now underway. The grant was crucial in preparing the project. Without the grant, I doubt that the project could have been prepared at all..08/16/2000 10:29:30 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Colombia 2. Project Name: Cali Violence / Peace And Development Project 5. Grant Amount: USD 225,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (i) undertaking of studies and research on critical issues of the current agenda on development and peace consistent with the policies of the National Development Plan, Change to Build Peace. Illustrative themes of these studies are the loss of wellbeing caused by forced displacement of specific populations, the perception and priorities of poor people in urban areas regarding the violence that affects them most; (ii) updating the estimates, prepared by the National Planning Department for the period 1990-1996, of the economic costs derived from crime and violence; (iii) activities leading to exchange of information and experience regarding post conflict stages including publication of book of 'Essays on Peace and Development: The Case of Colombia and the International Experience' (Solimano. A. et al eds.) Published in Spanish by Tercer Mundo Editores / Banco Mundial, Bogotá, December 1999, and in English by World Bank, Washington, DC, November 2000; (iv) support for the identification and documentation of best practices on peace initiatives for conflict management and resolution. (v) publication of materiales. (vi) organisation and hosting of International Conference, Bogotá, October 1998 (cancelled at last minute due to security concerns). 19. Status Closed 20. Impact Has provided valuable information and analysis used for the Peace Strategy and National Development Plan. A number of publications will disseminate the findings throughout the country and internationally..08/16/2000 11:08:36 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Djibouti 2. Project Name: Emergency Rehabilitation Project 5. Grant Amount: $502,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant's proceeds will be used to undertake the following tasks: (1) carry out a preliminary study of the road to be rehabilitated in order to determine costs and factors affecting the technical feasibility of the project; (2) evaluate the economic and financial feasibility of improving the road with particular attention to the distribution of benefits between Djibouti and Ethiopia; (3) analyze conditions for successful implementation of a concession to maintain the road according to pre-established standards, and prepare typical tender documents for the civil works; (4) prepare TORs for Technical Assistance to strengthen the capacity of the Roads Department at MOT; and (5) identify and define the contents of a core trade and transport facilitation program. 19. Status Since this Grant was signed, work on preparing the project has advanced in a satisfactory manner. To date, pavement and material specialists, an equipment specialist, and a contracts expert have been mobilized and are in the process of finalizing reports on typical designs, costs and factors affecting the technical feasibility of the project, the condition of Government equipment to be used for civil works in the project, and preparation of typical bidding documents. Project Effectiveness is anticipated by mid-September, by which time all preparatory work to be financed by the Grant will have been finalized. To avoid lengthy procurement processes and to save time, individuals are being hired whenever possible. 20. Impact The funding available under this Grant is essential in preparing the project, and will have a significant impact on the overall quality of the key project deliverables, thereby assisting in improving the road condition for the critical food shipments to Ethiopia..08/16/2000 11:36:31 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Environmental Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $315,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist in the preparation of two projects: (i.) the Environmental Management and Decentralization Project (PROMAD) and (ii.) the Mexico Mesoamerican Biological Corridor (MMBC). Both relate to the formerly proposed Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project. These include: (a) provision of technical assistance for characterizing, delimiting and zoning the portion of the Mexican coast (within the states of Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo) to be included in the Project management area; (b) carrying out capacity studies in areas targeted for tourism development -- particularly those in or near ecologically sensitive areas, such as marine protected areas -- to identify development thresholds and appropriate management policies; (c) carrying out of an inventory of pollution hot spots along said portion of coast or in adjacent watersheds to identify key sources of pollution and the mitigation measures required to restore water quality and enhance productivity of degraded systems; and (d) carrying out a review of statewide, national, and regional legislation to determine the adequacy of laws regulating the conservation and use of shared marine resources in the region, information gaps and areas for additional research, and the measures required to harmonize legislation nationally and regionally to ensure management of these resources incorporates best practice and sustainable use. 19. Status The grant was made effective on May 14, 1999. Since then, 85% of the grant has been used to fund preparation activities of both projects. The remaining portion will be used during FY01. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact Impacts of this grant on the Project have been the following: *built client ownership for the Project *increased client capacity in the design and future management of the Project *developed and designed a project with a high degree of innovativeness.and complexity, as it embraces econnomic, social, environmental and political issues e.g. contribution to discussion on decentralization efforts of the Government, proposal for introduction of economic instruments in environmental management, and design of a decentralized financial mechanism for environmental investments on the sub-national level)..08/16/2000 12:47:41 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Nicaragua 2. Project Name: Agricultural Technology Project And Rural Technical Education Project 5. Grant Amount: US$462,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1- Agricultural Technology Creation, 2-Agricultural Technology Transfer, 3-Rural Technical Education. The main aspects included (i) development and strengthening of farmer-paid extension services; (ii) testing and adoption of competitive funds for developing a market for technology generation and transfer by universities, NGOs, firms, private institutions and government-controlled bodies; and (iii) reinforcement of the technical education provided to Nicaraguan rural households. 19. Status The PHRD has closed and the project has been approved by the Board of Directors. The following activities have been completed: (i) formulation of agricultural tehcnology generation and transfer support policies; (ii) design of technology generation and transfer systems that target a wider number of clients with an optimal operational coverage; (iii) design of strategy for long-term training in agricultural education institutions and carrying out of consultation seminar and survey; (iv) assessment of government normative and institutional capacity in terms of agricultural generation, transfer and education when public funds are involved; (v) design of the operational mechanisms of the competitive public funds for the three components; (vi) construction of baseline study; (vii) development of an integrated management information, monitoring and evaluation system. 20. Impact The TF has been instrumental to the project preparation, at this stage recognized as being of high quality..08/16/2000 03:55:58 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Municipal Heating Project 5. Grant Amount: USD 676,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Consultant Services 2. Goods 3. Travel, subsistence, allowance, recurrent costs 4. Training 19. Status The PHRD is financing critical consultant staff for the Central Project Implementation Unit (CPDU). The project has been appraised, and is planned to be negotiated in November 2000. The loan is planned to be $ 70 million, with 5 cities now appraised: Dubna, Kostroma, Mytishi, Syzran, and Nerungri. These cities would take a loan totaling about $ 45 million. According to plans, the Borrower will be allowed half a year after effectiveness, or no later than June 30, 2001, to have additional 3-4 cities appraised and with subloan agreements signed. The PHRD-financed CPDU are currently (Aug. 2000) working on preparing these new cities, as well as clearing any obstacles relating to the first five (conditions to be met, oblast guarantees, and other). 20. Impact The PHRD funding has been crucial in order to move this project toward Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports implementation. The work has involved feasibility studies, engineering and financial work, as well as to ensure timely progress by all parties involved: municipal heating companies, municipalities, oblasts. The PHRD has been the core financing for the CPDU, supported by other financing of some team members..08/16/2000 03:35:37 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Lebanon 2. Project Name: Greater Beirut Water Supply & Sanitation 5. Grant Amount: $600,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The only component is for Consultant Services 19. Status Consultant Services: A contract for the study and design of a Greater Beirut Water Supply & Sanitation Project was awarded to Associated Consulting Engineers in FY99. The draft Inception Report was completed in May 2000 by ACE and is under review by CDR. 20. Impact The Project is expected to benefit the residents of the greater Beirut Lebanon area through increased availability of potable water and increased treatment of wastewaters..08/16/2000 04:25:48 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkey 2. Project Name: Gas Sector Restructuring Project 5. Grant Amount: 724,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Review of Studies and Action Plan for Restructuring, Assistance with Implementation of Action Plan especially setting up a regulatory agency, feasibility studies, training 19. Status Grant got off to slow start. Are awaiting signature by Turks. 20. Impact None yet. Grant not signed..08/08/2000 06:30:10 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Ecuador 2. Project Name: Rural Poverty Alleviation & Local Development -- Prolocal 5. Grant Amount: US$343,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The activities for which the Grant is given are: (a) design of the component for capacity building & strengthening of local actors; (b) design of the component to support local financial institutions; (c) design of the component for strengthening local actors; (d) design of the components to enhance human capital; (e) design of the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) component; (f) carrying out of an institutional assessement; (g) carrying out a social assessment; (h)carrying out of an environmental assessment; (i) defination of the target population and regions with common social, cultural, economic and ecological characterstics; (j) carrying out of an economic and financial analysis; and (k) preparation of detail project costs. 19. Status The Grant became effective on October 15, 1999 for a total Grant amount of $ 345,000. The Grant is assisting in the preparation of the Rural Poverty Alleviation & Local Development project (PROLOCAL). The main aim of PROLOCAL is to improve access of the poor "cantones" (municipalities) to basic services, productive resources, employment and knowledge with emphasis on a participative approach. The preparation of the project faced several delays mainly due to the political and economic crises in Ecuador. With a change of a President in February 2000, the discussion with the Government begun afresh on the scope and objectives of the project. The preparation has now moved foreward with 6 micro-regions (namely, South Manabï, western Jubones basin, western Los Rios, Eastern Loja, Angel basin and western Andes Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports foothills including 30 "cantones") selected as areas to be covered by the project. The implementation starategy for the Environmental Assessment has begun, linking the Fundacion Natura with PROLOCAL. On June 1st, 2000, Ministry of Environment has been informed about the program and at the time counterpart asistance has been successfully requested. The Director was interviewed in order to gauge the level of interest in carrying out the diagnostic analysis and products identified in the TORs, which are interest to PROLOCAL..For the purpose of social assessment, a consultancy contract was signed with Dessarrollo y Autogestion (DYA). An interdisciplinary team of 10 technicians has been organized (sociologists, economists, anthropologists, agronomists, historians, and a specialist in local management). A training workshop was held to facilitate the introduction of the gender perspective in the SA. Five meetings were held to study and reflect upon the work to be carrried out; meaning, perspective qualitative methods, levels of analysis, structuring of the study. On these bases, a document has been formulated, establishing the operational foundation of the SA. In regard to capacity building & strengthening of local actors, contract has been awarded to local consultants to study and prepare descriptive document on local capacity to implement and participate in the project's programs. This study would also include a diagnostic analysis of on selected micro-regions, review of the existing situation of project beneficiaries. To help in the design of local financial institutions, a service of a consultant is being sought to study the capacity of local financial institutions, to review the geographical distributions, review other initiative in the country and identifying the type of assistance they need. An initial operational manual for local project preparation is being prepared through a consultant. A preliminary analysis of project cost is already prepared and accordingly the components are estimated to cost as given below. * Planning for sustainable development (US$ 2.4 million) to finance planning and execution of local development sub-projects. * Improved Supply for local Development Related services (US$ 1.8 million) to help in human capital formation. * Local Investment Fund (US$20.8 million) to co-finance productive and environmental investments. * Improved Rural Financial Systems (US$ 5.4 million) to provide quality financial services and to expand geographical coverage. 20. Impact The Grant is helping to finance key rural social assessment, rural financial, social and economic studies in the poorest identified micro-regions in the country that otherwise lack the resources to conduct such studies. The studies and data from the field are expected to be key inputs for both the design and implementation of the project..08/17/2000 11:16:31 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Tunisia 2. Project Name: Urban Water Supply 5. Grant Amount: 504,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultant Services 19. Status TORS for consultant services are being finalized by Government and short list of consultants have been prepared. 20. Impact Likely to be substantial in improving water supplies to the north region of Tunisia..08/17/2000 11:47:36 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Social Development Fund Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$ 567,000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has two components: (i) prepare SDFs and (ii) prepare sub-projects. 19. Status After the grant was awarded, the Social Development Fund project (SDF), then under preparation, was transformed into an APL. The grant was used initially to prepare the first phase of the APL (SDF I) which went to Board on 01/19/1999. The grant was re-linked to the second phase of the APL (SDF II) and TFC approved the use of up to 25% of the grant ($141,750.00) for the preparation of SDF II. (i) SDFs- the RSDF capacity has been increased especially on the MIS side, impact assessment and poverty targeting; (ii) sub-projects are better prepared (financial and procurement side). 20. Impact RSDF is an organization capable to handle additional funds (the Council of Europe Development Bank approved recently a $10,000 million loan). Poor communities are well targeted..08/17/2000 05:39:27 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Social Sector Rehabilitation 5. Grant Amount: $712,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Social Sector Planning and Institutional Development Component ($349,500.00) 2. Social Service Rehabilitation Component ($362,500.00) 19. Status Procurement plan and Legal agreement still being drafted. 20. Impact NA.08/17/2000 03:58:13 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Second Tax Administration Modernization 5. Grant Amount: US$1.043 million 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) carrying out a study of taxpayer and tax inspector behavior, including a seminar (b) development of a modernization program for overhauling the Russian tax system (c) development of a document of operational processes on the operation of the current tax system and defining such operation in the future, including carrying out a seminar and provision of training (d) development of computer systems to process tax transactions through a detailed system requirement specification 19. Status The PHRD Grant agreement was signed by the Country Director on August 9, 1999, and by the Government not until March 21, 2000. Internal Government approval and official signature effectively delayed the start of grant-financed activities by about seven months. The Project’s Board date has been moved to November 2001. 20. Impact The Ministry of Taxes and Fees (MoTx) decided to engage one consulting firm to handle all components financed by the grant. As a result, preparation of the more complex TORs took some time, but the procurement process is underway and contract signature is expected by end September/beginning October. Project preparation will be based on the activities financed by the Grant and on the outcome of a week-long workshop of key stakeholders and international agencies in November 2000 whose main objective will be to brainstorm and develop the project concept. We have received a request from the MoTx to extend the grant closing date, currently October 31, 2000..08/17/2000 05:34:00 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Azerbaijan 2. Project Name: Structural Adjustment Credit 2 (Renamed To Public Sector Resource Management Adjustment Credit -- Psrac) 5. Grant Amount: US$339,060 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The activities for which this Grant was given are as follows: a) development of recommendations based on the assessment of the existing judicial system and court administration; b) preparation of a plan for the establishment of model civil and economic courts; c) carrying out of a survey of potential users of the judiciary and development of recommendations to increase the efficiency and reliability of the judicial system; d) a workshop to build consensus on legal and judicial reforms and design medium and long term strategy for these reforms; and e) drafting of legal framework for the judiciary. 19. Status The grant will be closed on August 31, 2000. 20. Impact The resources have provided important assistance to the government for the analysis and design of a more efficient judicial and court administration system (i.e. especially selection of judges) and for the Law on Lawyers. The consultants have worked in very close cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and President's Office which have actively sought their advice and have taken their recommendations into account..08/17/2000 05:46:43 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Azerbaijan 2. Project Name: Structural Adjustment Credit Ii (Renamed To Public Sector Resource Management Adjustment Credit -- Psrac), Institution Building Technical Assistance Credit 2 (Ibta Ii) 5. Grant Amount: US$233,850 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant was to assist in the preparation of the expenditure management, auditing and administrative reform components of the Structural Adjustment Credit II and IBTA II which are aimed to improve public sector management and governance. The activities for which the Grant is given are as follows: a) review the budget process; b) development of a strategy to set up an internal and external audit system; and c) analysis of the structure and functions of central government branches and entities, preparation of a study to assess budgetary employment and pay; and review of current licensing regime. 19. Status The grant will be closed on August 31, 2000. 20. Impact The grant has financed important preparatory work and advisory services on especially the revisions to the budget systems law, on the audit system and restructuring of the central agencies. The reports on the budget system have been received, the other reports are currently finalized. Especially the advisor on the budget system has worked in close cooperation with the MOF..08/17/2000 05:52:23 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Bankruptcy Technical Assistance 5. Grant Amount: $253,700 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1) Analyses of performance of commercial courts and design of court and case management models; 2) Dissemination of information about the courts and case management model and public participation; 3) Analysis of the training needs and design of the training program for commercial judges, trustees and administrators; 4) Design of the Legal Information System; and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 5) Establishment of a core Project Preparation Unit 19. Status Work is progressing but at a slower pace. 20. Impact Negotiations for the Bankrupty Administration Project has been tentatively rescheduled for September 2000. However, there are indications that we will not comply with this schedule. The postponement is necessitated by the intensive discussions between the Government, the Bank and USAID on how to coordinate the joint effort of the above institutions in the area of commercial judiciary. The discussions could result into substantive changes in the design of the Bank project, which will necessitate additional preparation work in area of completion of the court model (Component 1) and judicial and trustees training design (Component 2)..08/17/2000 11:59:08 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Capacity Building In Social And Environmental Assessments 5. Grant Amount: $298,400 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the grant is to improve the Government of the Philippines's (GOP's) capacity to carry out social and environmental assessments of Bank-financed projects. The activities for which the grant is given are as follows: (i) assessment of training needs of implementing and oversight agencies of the GOP, universities and colleges and non-governmental organizations and peoples' organizations (other stakeholders) on social and environmental assessments, and on resettlement and indigenous peoples; (ii) compilation of a detailed list of organizations, institutions and individuals who have worked with indigenous peoples, conducted social and environmental assessments and worked on resettlement projects in the Philippines; (iii) development of curriculum for each of the training programs on social and environmental assessments, and resettlement and indigenous peoples; and (iv) conduct of pilot training courses on social and environmental assessments, resettlement and indigenous peoples, evaluation and refinement of such courses, and conduct of additional courses. 19. Status Following the signing of the grant agreement in September 1999, several meetings were held with NEDA, the Government Implementing Agency, to discuss the details of the implementation plan for this grant and its complimentary grant that is executed by NEDA (TF025934). During these meetings, it was agreed that the most effective arrangement to launch the project is to hire a single training institution to undertake all activities. Accordingly, from November - December 1999, the terms of reference were prepared with shortlisting of eligible candidates taking place in January and letters of invitation issued in February 2000. The review of proposals and the decision were made in April with negotiations with the winning bidder - Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC), Ateneo de Manila University - held in May and approval of the contract by the General Services Department in June 2000. An individual consultant was engaged.to facilitate these initial activities. Even prior to contract approval and signing, the Bank's Task Team conducted an orientation workshop on Bank project cycle and safeguard policies with the IPC and NEDA staff in May. An in-depth workshop on social assessment, indigenous peoples and resettlement was also held in July. To provide continued guidance and trainors training to IPC, the Task Team engaged a Manila-based Social Development Specialist under the grant. Likewise to facilitate the task of the IPC, the Task Team has agreed with NEDA to pilot train three key agencies of GOP. These are: (1) NEDA that is secretariat for the Investment Coordination Committee, (2) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that issues Environmental Compliance Certificate and (3) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that implements major road and bridge projects. The Task Team has informed the three agencies of this intention and has received Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports confirmation from NEDA who is also coordinating the responses of DENR and NEDA. As a side activity and in response to request for project management offices of on-going projects, the Task Team and the Manila Office conduct orientation workshops on Bank safeguard policies. The first was conducted on July 7 for LOGOFIND and WDDP. The Social Development Specialist is likewise expected to support this activity. 20. Impact To date, sufficient awareness and appreciation of Bank safeguard policies has been noted in GOP oversight and implementing agencies. While in need of some prodding at the operational level, NEDA management is committed to improving GOP's safeguard compliance. Well noted is NEDA's willingness to explain the importance and advantages of this grant to DENR and DPWH. The task team is also slowly gaining ground in building the capacity of the trainors - IPC. As a concrete example of the IPC's commitment, they have partnered with CO Multiversity - an NGO - to deliver some of the key activities and enhance their capacity on delivering their expected outputs..08/18/2000 06:06:51 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Capacity Building In Social And Environmental Assessments 5. Grant Amount: $74,600 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components This grant complements TF025423, which is Bank-executed, is intended to improve the Government of the Philippines (GOP's) capacity to carry out social and environmental assessments of Bank-financed projects. To this end, it involves the provision of training to implementing and oversight agencies, universities and colleges and non-governmental organizations and peoples' organizations (other stakeholders) on social and environmental assessments, and on resettlement and indigenous peoples. 19. Status Following the signing of the grant agreements in September 1999, several meetings were held with NEDA, the Government Implementing Agency, to discuss the details of the implementation plan for this grant and TF025423. During these meetings, it was agreed that a single training institute will be engaged to undertake the four key components of TF025423 with this grant to be utilized by NEDA in implementing complementary training and/or awareness raising activities focusing on members of the Investment Coordination Committee and other implementing agencies not to be covered by the pilot training. To this end, NEDA is to employ full time consultant(s) who will be physically located in the Social Development Staff Unit to assist in management of this grant and shepherd the complementary activities of NEDA and to coordinate with the IPC, the pilot agencies and the Bank. NEDA has yet to employ its consultant(s) for this purpose. Likewise, recently, it has been agreed that NEDA will set-up a GOP steering committee/working group for this purpose. 20. Impact NEDA management is highly appreciative of the objectives of the project and strongly supports the proposed activities. Awareness and appreciation of Bank safeguard policies as reinforcing instruments of GOP ideals is growing..08/18/2000 10:51:43 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Costa Rica 2. Project Name: Infrastructure Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: 842,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components TA for improving the provision of infrastructure and infrastructure services. It includes a review of the public sector investment plan; an assessment of the regulatory framework for each of the infrastructure sectors and of the Government's policy regarding the role of the state in the provision of Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports physical infrastructure and of infrastructure services. Preparation of an action plan to consolidate the restructuring effort which among other things, would identify: actions required to complete the reorganization and would assess the training required by the staff and the preparation of detailed terms of reference for the technical assistance that would be financed under the loan. The preparation of feasibilty studies for some of the road links that would be financed under the project. 19. Status The Grant has not been signed awaiting Government decision on the timing for the project. It is expected that it will be signed within the next two to three months. 20. Impact will be determined after the Grant is effective..08/18/2000 02:51:11 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Environment Sector /Natural Resources Management And Poverty Reduction Project 5. Grant Amount: US$390,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The activities for which the grant is given are as follows: (a) Assessment of the existing legal and administrative framework and assistance in drafting environmental legislation including identification of gaps and inconsistencies in current legislation; suggest recommendations on policy and legal improvements; develop practical strategies for effective enforcement of compliance with environmental and natural resources regulations. The output of the activity would be a detailed design of technical assistance activities to be implemented under the project, and development of terms of references and project implementation plans. (b) Institutional Capacity Building. Enhance the capacity of project counterpart institutions including participating regional units to improve natural resources policies, norms and regulations, planning capacity to identify investment needs and carry out wide public and inter-sectoral dialogue on the use of scarce natural resources. The activity would focus on improved management of natural resources . Outputs would include identification and design of further needs for technical assistance including development of detailed cost estimates and project implementation plans. (c) Integrated National Land Use Management Plan: identify technical parameters and human resource needs for the establishment of systematic land resources monitoring. The study would cover: (a) an assessment of the regulatory framework for land resources management and identification of regulatory gaps; (b) assessment of national and/or regional land use database/inventory, including land surveys and mapping of soil/land conditions; and (c) preparation of Terms of References (TOR) for land use planning activities at the national and/or regional levels. (d) Feasibility Study for Soil Conservation and Range Management Focusing on Sensitive Watersheds. An output would be a mechanism for sustained local community involvement in the management of natural resources on marginal lands; identification of feasible soil conservation and pasture management techniques with participation of local communities, and investment plans with cost estimates of the proposed intervention and site identification..(e) Support to Planning and Management for (a) building project preparation and implementation skills; (b) improving financial management and accounting practices; and (c) developing project monitoring and evaluation plans. The output of the activity is the establishment of a core PPU with skills and fully functional by the time the project becomes effective. A small stakeholder workshop will be organized to ensure cooperative arrangements among sector ministries involved in management of natural resources, strengthen project stakeholder ownership and increase public awareness about the project. 19. Status The grant was signed on January 14, 2000 and legally ratified on May 18, 2000. The grant became effective in May following procedural difficulties in completing the necessary parliamentary ratification. Preparation for activities under the PHRD grant, has just begun. A project preparation plan Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports was finalized shortly following effectiveness of the grant. EIO has been issued in late 1999. The Request For Proposals and the short list of firms to be invited to submit proposals for preparation assistance which includes key elements of activity (a), (b), (c) and (d) have been submitted to the RPA for clearance. The MONP established a Project Preparation Unit in May 2000. Staffing of the unit and procurement of office equipment are underway. The evaluation and selection of local consultants hired in the PPU follows Bank guidelines. An agreement on administrative support from the CO on hiring local consultants and direct payments through the CO has been agreed upon. Activity implementation will intensify during FY 01. 20. Impact n/a.08/18/2000 03:56:46 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Public Sector Reform 5. Grant Amount: $393,400 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The TA activities will consist of: (i) An analysis of inter-governmental finance, with relevant information on public expenditures and government services, and analytical work to develop proposals on how to make the intergovernmental system more transparent, predictable and ensure the provision and financing of essential services at the local level; (ii) Development of a methodology and decision criteria for conducting structural and functional reviews of central executive entities (including in-depth analysis of two to three selected entities); (iii) Assessment of budgetary employment and remuneration: will assist in developing appropriate policies for remuneration, retrenchment, and retraining/redeployment; (iv) For regulatory reform, there will be two discrete TA activities: (a) Analysis of the present status of licensing in Armenia: will explore the range of problems enterprises and households have with licensing, estimate the costs of regulation, and evaluate the impact of licensing on businesses; (b) Local Regulatory Environment Assessment: the objective is to examine the regulatory environment for a single sector in a single region in Armenia. All rules that regulate the sector would be identified. The costs to particular businesses in the sector would be determined through the survey, and the cost to the development of the sector would be estimated. The work would involve a combination of a survey, focus groups, and legal analysis; and (v) Benchmarking user satisfaction with selected public services: this will involve civil society in the reform process, help institutionalize feedback from users of public services, and generate strong external pressures for continuing reforms. 19. Status The Grant was approved by the Government only recently. The detailed terms of reference are being agreed on, and procurement of consultants' services is expected to commence soon..20. Impact Not yet applicable..08/18/2000 03:59:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Public Sector Reform Credit 5. Grant Amount: $377,550 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant components consist of: (i) an analysis of the institutional strengths and weaknesses of the tax administration, recommendations to improve revenue collection in a sustainable manner through institutional strengthening of the tax administration, and an implementation plan; (ii) an assessment of budgetary remuneration and employment with a view Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports to develop policy recommendations on pay reform and manpower retraining, redeployment and retrenchment; (iii) an analysis of intergovernmental finance, with relevant information on public expenditures and government services, estimation of subnational tax effort and tax bases, and simulations for revenue and expenditure estimation models will provide policy recommendations on how to achieve correspondence between revenues and expenditures at the local level, strengthen incentives to increase local governments’ tax collection efforts and ensure that a minimum level of social services is provided across the country; (iv) an analysis of the licensing, certification and accreditation regime (including other license-like permits and instruments), one survey to elicit feedback from the enterprises and households on the impact of the regulatory regime, and action plans to address the issues brought out in the survey; (v) a public education and awareness campaign to involve civil society in the reform process, including methods and indicators for obtaining and publicizing feedback from users of public services. This will be done through one survey of households, enterprises and public officials to benchmark progress on reform measures. 19. Status The terms of reference of the activities funded by the Grant are being agreed. Procurement of consultants' services is expected to begin soon..20. Impact Not yet applicable..08/18/2000 07:40:50 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Peru 2. Project Name: Second Education Quality Project 5. Grant Amount: 224,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Rural Education: design of rural education interventions appropriate for multigrade schools, including bilingual education and decentralization of school management. Teacher Training: (a) assessment of strenghts and weaknesses of current teacher training for pre-and in service basic education candidates and teachers' (b) design of an integrated training system based on quantitative and qualitative requirements and cost effectiveness considerations; and (c) design a system for performance-based assessment and incentives for teachers. Information and Evaluation: Design of comprehensive systems for evaluations of progress towards project objectives and results, including support for promising innovations and enhanced availability and use of educational information technology. 19. Status MOE has initiated the procurement process for two major studies related to rural teaching methodologies and for the beneficiary assessment. 20. Impact The grant will contribute to the preparation of the Second Education Quality Project which is mainly targeted to rural children..08/21/2000 09:58:28 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Moldova 2. Project Name: Market Access And Rural Services Project 5. Grant Amount: $428,600 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1) Market and Export Development 2) Rural Advisory Services 3) Machinery and Equipment Services 4) Village Infrastructure Component 19. Status Implementation is proceeding as planned. 20. Impact The grant is facilitating the preparation of a fairly complex project and, at the same time, has had a significant capacity building impact through the effective teaming up of international consultants with Moldovan experts..08/21/2000 10:27:00 AM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Uruguay 2. Project Name: Water Sector Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: US$ 1,291,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components To assist the Recipient in the preparation of a Water Sector Reform Project. Activities include: analysis of current regulatory framework of the water sector, analysis of different institutional options, analysis of different options to promote private participation, workshops, training programs and acquisition of equipment. 19. Status Active 20. Impact The Grant is supporting the preparation of Project P070058, Public Services Modernization TA , which aims to increase the efficiency, coverage and sustainability of public services by (i) developing sector policies and strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks; (ii) increasing competition among service providers; (iii) expanding and deepening private sector involvement in service delivery; and (iv) promoting and encouraging a stronger commercial orientation in the delivery of public services through appropriate economic incentives. The project is a key objective of the GoU which took office January 2000..08/21/2000 11:28:03 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic 2. Project Name: Road Maintenance Project 5. Grant Amount: US$300,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components * Strengthen accounting, auditing and reporting capacity; * Project Implementation Plan; * Review Road Management Systems; * Road Fund design and implementation arrangements; * Study tour to review other road funds; * Workshop to design project 19. Status 93% of the Grant has been committed. About 60% of the Grant proceeds have been disbursed so far. All remaining activities are being implemented satisfactorily. The implementing agency requested a one-year extension of the Grant, currently planned to close September 30, 2000, to complete committed and on-going preparation activities. The supervising team recommended an extension up to June 30, 2001. At that time, the Road Maintenance Program should be effective. 20. Impact The Grant is expected to meet its objectives. It has helped design the Road Maintenance Fund and its implementation arrangements, prepare the Project Implementation Plan, and design a strategy to reduce overloading. This Grant may have a substantial impact in the establishment of financing and management systems that would ensure the sustainable presentation of the road assets in Lao PDR..08/21/2000 12:25:01 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkey 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Adjustment Loan I 5. Grant Amount: US$1,250,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Problem Bank Resolution. 2, State Bank Restructuring and Privatization. 19. Status Out of the total TF amount of US $ 1.25M, approximately US$150,000 has been utilized and US$ 1.1 M remains uncommitted. The Grant funds are not being utilized as of now, as the FSAL I preparation has been completed and it is planned to go to the Board in October 31, 2000. 20. Impact The grant funds have had a useful but marginal contribution in the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports preparation of FSAL I -especially in the area of problem bank resolution, but are likely to be of a much greater use if reallocation to FSAL II is autorized by the TFC..08/21/2000 09:54:35 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Nicaragua 2. Project Name: Rainfall Risk Management 5. Grant Amount: $383,500.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant's components are the following: (a) Design of rainfall contracts; (b) Preparation of equipment specifications and capacity-building program for Recipient's meteorological agency; (c) Design of transparent regulatory and administrative guidelines for risk hedges sales and exchange; and (d) Analysis and design of the optimal parameters for government purchase or issuance of rainfall risk insurance and support for market development. 19. Status (a) Design of rainfall contracts: The design of rainfall contracts which are economically appealing to insurers and buyers alike, which is one of the main objectives of the Grant, will require careful market analysis and instrument testing. The analysis of historical rainfall data and losses associated with severe flood and drought events has been completed, but the market survey to test the appeal of insurance instruments based on rainfall indices is still in the design phase and is expected to be carried out this fiscal year. (b) Preparation of equipment specifications and capacity-building program for Recipient's meteorological agency: Preliminary equipment specifications and recommendations have been made, and a capacity-building and maintenance plan has been prepared. (c) Design of transparent regulatory and administrative guidelines for risk hedges sales and exchange: Insurance instrument specifications have not yet been made, as such no guidelines for regulation have yet been formulated. The administrative and institutional framework for Government insurance has been analyzed. (d) Analysis and design of the optimal parameters for government purchase or issuance of rainfall risk insurance and support for market development: Detailed cost-structure and scenario analysis are underway to determine Government's optimal insurance holdings; the design of alternative market support plans are being developed along with the study of viable private insurance products. 20. Impact The studies and activities conducted thus far have been carried out with.close Government cooperation and continue to be implemented with direct involvement of key decision-makers. The costs and risks associated with precipitation variation in the agricultural sector have been established, through Grant activities, in a straightforward and scientifically rigorous manner. This understanding and valuation of rainfall risks in agriculture may have wide-reaching implications for agricultural risk management in the country. The viability of private rainfall indexed insurance and the optimal coverage for Government is still under study. The answers to these questions, as provided through Grant activities, will have important implications for the development of indexed financial instruments as risk management tools for holders of different levels of risk (at the household, firm and national or sub-national levels)..08/21/2000 02:45:53 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Colombia 2. Project Name: Productive Partnership For Peace Project 5. Grant Amount: US$329,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Economic and Social Feasibility of the Malaysian palmoil model in the Colombian context. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 2. Diagnostic Study of Potentially Viable Alternative Productive Partnerships 3. Preparation of Concrete Proposals for Productive Partnerships. 19. Status Grant Components 1 and 2 have generated a series of descriptive reports about actual initiatives and experiences concerning productive partnerships focusing on palm oil and other production systems. Grant Component 3 is on-going. Under this component a total of up to 7 prototype productive partnerships covering a range of production systems are being prepared. 20. Impact The Productive Partnership for Peace Project will be an important vehicle to implement the economic pillar of Plan Colombia; the integrated strategy for peace and prosperity of Colombia's current Administration..08/21/2000 01:31:35 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Samoa 2. Project Name: Samoa Health Sector Management Project 5. Grant Amount: 277,320 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant was to support technical assistance in the four component areas: (a) institutional development, (ii) strengthening service delivery, (iii) health care financing and (iv) disease control risk factor surveillance. 19. Status These grant funds have been completely used. 20. Impact The grant funds have helped in expediting the preparation of the project..08/21/2000 03:39:45 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Bangladesh Water Sector Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: $345,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Studies to: (a) enhance beneficiary participation in planning, implementation and maintenance of water sector schemes; (b) implement a program of rehabilitation/improvement of schemes to improve agricultural income, employment in the scheme areas through control and management of water resources while protecting the environment; (c) redefine the role of Government in the water sector; and (d) develop a replicable model of water management with flexible and demand sensitive system and enhanced beneficiary participation. 19. Status A detailed Project Preparation Report has been prepared by a consortium of national consultants and a reputed national NGO and individual international consultants. A National Water Policy has been approved by Government, and a new institutional framework has been prepared. A new BWDB Act has been recently approved by Parliament. The very important process of dialogue, debate and consensus-building with all the stakeholders is on-going. This process and further preparation activities would culminate in a Project Implementation Plan (PIP) incorporating all these aspects. 20. Impact The PHRD Grant would have significant impact as it is helping the preparation of this important project which would help establish a sustainable institutional framework for managing water resources in Bangladesh, and in developing community-based organizations for managing water resources. The project would be a forerunner for various water sector pipeline projects..08/21/2000 01:36:54 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Nicaragua 2. Project Name: Rural Finance Markets Development 5. Grant Amount: $400,500.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Grant components included the following: a. Improvements of the business environment for financial transactions. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports b. Improvements of Recipient 's regulation and supervision of, and policies for, bank and non-bank financial intermediaries. c. Design of mechanisms for sustainable delivery of financial services to small and microentrepreneurs in rural areas, and d. Policy dialogue to achieve consensus on the need and suitability of reforms necessary to improve the rural financial markets. 19. Status Grant activities have been completed and the Grant has officially closed. However, activities related to the Rural Financial Markets Development analysis and policy dialogue continue in the context of Sector Work and two distinct lending operations (Pension and Financial Market Reform TA and Rainfall Risk Management LIL-- see below). 20. Impact The activities carried out under this Grant have led to the preparation of various components for the development of rural financial markets in Nicaragua via two distinct lending operations, though no one project is dedicated uniquely to this theme. As regards the business environment for financial transactions and use of moveable collateral to secure loans, as well as the supervision and regulation of micro-finance, the Grant has produced substantive policy recommendations which the Government is in the process of implementing. These reforms are being followed-up in the context of wide-reaching financial market reform activities supported by both the International Monetary Fund and World Bank project teams, in the context of the Pension and Financial Market Reform operation. The Rural Financial Markets Development Grant has contributed significantly to the basis of information and analysis regarding agrometeorological risk and their effects on rural incomes and agricultural productivity. Grant activities committed to the creation of financial tools.which more effectively protect against agricultural risks and thereby facilitate the provision of credit to farmers are being pursued via the Rainfall Risk PHRD and a lending operation as such is programmed for this fiscal year..08/21/2000 02:01:02 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkmenistan 2. Project Name: Crop Protection And Veterinary Services Project 5. Grant Amount: USD 165,300.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant is (i) to provide technical know-how in order to enhance the Turkmen Government’s ability in project planning, using appropriate policy and technical know-how; (ii) provide technical assistance for overall project management and completion of a first draft of a detailed Project Implementation Plan; and (iii) to design a pre-Project baseline survey. 19. Status Activities under the grant have been progressing satisfactorily. So far, one consultant, an agronomist, has been hired to update the project design; assist government in implementation of activities funded under the grant; and to prepare project documents including a project implementation plan. In addition, a small number of computers has been procured and is being installed presently. 20. Impact The grant will be invaluable to facilitate project preparation activities through provisions of technical know how and appropriate policies for project design and implementation..08/21/2000 04:06:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam 2. Project Name: Safe Blood 5. Grant Amount: $224,130 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components There are five components: 1) Survey of Blood Transfusion (BT) equipment, supplies and facilities needs; 2) Review of BT training needs; 3) Review of policy requirements for a national BT system; 4) Analysis of BT organizational/managerial structures; 5) Analysis and design of a voluntary Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports donor recruitment system 19. Status The above-mentioned analyses all have been carried out with varying degrees of finalization. The translation of these findings into specific programmatic recommendations is awaiting MOH/government decisions on the organization of the national BT system it wishes to develop. 20. Impact The grant has been used to provide important information on shortcomings and needs with respect to existing BT activities. This information is critical for the design of the proposed new system. These findings have been quite helpful in the MOH's formulation of a draft national blood transfusion program document, which is currently under review..08/21/2000 03:43:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: El Salvador 2. Project Name: National Environmental Management Project (Nemp) 5. Grant Amount: $ 350,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purposes of this Grant are to assist the Government of El Salvador (GOES) in the preparation of the National Environmental Management Project (the project). In summary the following project preparation activities are envisaged: (i) institutional strengthening of MARN in project preparation; (ii) technical assistance for an environmental assessment program and technical assistance on the evaluation of possible damage to the environment caused by natural disasters; (iii) technical assistance on ensuring that environmental management is applied to other sectors; and (iv) technical assistance for the preparation of environmentally sound projects. 19. Status A first draft of a project concept document (PCD) has been prepared. The PCD is being further developed to be reviewed by Bank management in September 2000 (FY01). Then the project would be assessed by the Bank by the end of 2000 or in early 2001, and finally approved in the second half of 2001. Among the preparatory activities implemented during FY00, it is important to mention that through an institutional consultancy funded by this Grant, the Bank has assisted MARN in the design of a new organizational chart to address some of the institutional weaknesses that could limit their effectiveness during the preparation of the project. Implementation of the new organizational structure and the adoption of new administrative and operational manuals was successfully launched in March 2000 and fully operational by May 2000. It is expected that during the rest of this year the new institutional model will be consolidated. The next step for MARN is to improve its computerized and information management systems for which additional financial support will be sought. Technical assistance was also provided to MARN under this Grant by five individual consultants to address project preparation activities in the fields of Natural Resources Planning, Toxic Waste Management, Biology, Ecology, Management and Administration, Environment and Sustainable Development, Project Design and Economic Instruments. It is important to note that the grant became effective in FY99, but did not.have any disbursements until after June 30, 1999 (FY00). 20. Impact GOES has set in motion important policy initiatives to mainstream environmental and natural resource management considerations into its development plans. The policies of MARN under the new government focus mainly on two principal sets of issues: 1) The need to tackle critical water and air pollution problems and urban environmental management. 2) The protection, enhancement and restoration of natural habitats to safeguard and tap associated environmental services. Since the new government took office in June 1999, MARN has issued a number of rules, regulations and environmental policies under the national environmental law (i.e. a general regulation of the national environmental Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports law was published as executive decree No. 17 on April 12, 2000) and special regulations for ozone layer-depleting substances, waste water management, hazardous materials and substances, solid waste management, etc. Policies have been issued on solid waste management, water resources including waste water management, and some municipal technical evaluations and regulations. On the second set of issues MARN also has issued national policies for natural protected areas, forestry , use of marine and coastal resources. MARN has also adopted the National Biodiversity Strategy (ENB), and the National Strategy for the Conservation and Protection of Sea Turtles. MARN has enacted organizational changes to implement these tasks more cost-effectively, evolving into a more efficient and result-oriented organization. The institutional consultancy funded by this PHRD grant (described in point 19) provided MARN with two critical tools to enable this transformation: (a) An Organizational Structure Manual that included an analysis of MARN’s strengths and weaknesses in addressing national environmental issues and participating in international environmental conventions and initiatives. (b) An Administrative Procedures Manual that provides clear rules on internal administrative procedures while providing MARN with the necessary flexibility to respond to the country's environmental needs. Based on these new manuals and as part of an action plan for their implementation, MARN obtained an executive decree (No. 16 of February 22, 2000) that contains the organizational regulation and general functions of MARN. These institutional changes were not only accepted by the Ministry of Finance in March 2000 but, thanks to a cost-benefit approach, were made without increasing MARN’s general budget and offer better contractual conditions to its employees (i.e. stability and better salaries in some cases). During the implementation of this grant MARN highlighted its interest for a close coordination of the financial and technical cooperation activities with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), The World Bank and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in support of its activities and particularly called for IDB to focus on the "brown and blue agenda" (pollution and water management issues) whereas the Bank should concentrate on the "green" (biodiversity and natural resource management issues). Their initiative led to the establishment of a "Steering Committee".(grupo timón) presided by the Minister of Environment and the respective task managers of IDB, the Bank and UNDP as a mechanism for exchange of information and identification of synergies..08/21/2000 05:19:30 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam 2. Project Name: Curative Care For The Poor 5. Grant Amount: $336,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components There are six components: 1) analysis of hospital service production and use, including costs; 2) analysis of hospital finances; 3) study of the incentives and motivations of hospital service providers; 4) analysis of the administration of hospital subsidies for the poor; 5) assessment of the mandates and capabilities of government agencies involved in formulation of policies critical to project objectives; and 6) review of the proposed investments in civil works, equipment and technology. 19. Status Most major project analyses have been completed and these are being fed into the government's pre-feasiblity report that is now under preparation. The analyses that remain (e.g., further refinement of proposals for subsidies) will be undertaken as part of the run up to the appraisal process. 20. Impact The analyses that have been completed have made a significant contribution to project design. The facilities assessments are judged by the Ministry to be some of the most thoroughly done for any donor-funded project. Similarly, the quality of care assessments have made it possible to Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports have an unprecedented depth of discussions about actual clinical needs, which then can be addressed through the project..08/21/2000 04:05:24 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Bangladesh Water Sector Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: $349080 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Development of Institutional Improvement Program for BWDB; (b) Development of Project Financial Management System 19. Status Grant Agreement has been signed. Terms of reference for consultants have been agreed for component (b) and the proposed component (c). Dialogue with Government is ongoing on the BWDB institutional improvement program. Studies on component (a) will be based on progress on this dialogue. 20. Impact The grant is expected to have substantial impact as it would help in addressing some of the most critical institutional and decentralization issues in the water sector in Bangladesh.08/21/2000 08:36:15 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Ecuador 2. Project Name: Education Ii: Quality, Equity And Efficiency Improvement 5. Grant Amount: US$ 705,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist the Recipient in the preparation of the second education project which will be designed to improve the quality, equity, and efficiency of education in the Recipient's territory. Specifically, the Grant will assist the Recipient in the following areas: (a) design of staffing requirements for the Ministry of Education (MEC); (b) development of guidelines for personnel in data gathering, processing, and consolidation and analysis for education expenditure analysis; (c) development of indicators of coverage and efficiency; (d) design of networks to be included in the next phase of expansion of the model Centros Educativos Matrices (CEMs); (e) definition of criteria for constitution of school networks; (f) development of organizational models adapted to differing circumstances; (g) various studies on secondary education; (h) planning and design of secondary-level institutions using the studies mentioned in (g); (i) evaluation and selection of teaching materials, books, and textbooks for primary and secondary schools; (j) establishment of baseline measurement indicators based on achievement testing as well as its monitoring mechanism; (k) design of pre-service and in-service training programs and materials for teachers, school network administrators, and selected staff at provincial and central levels of MEC; (l) development of a new system for teacher management and accreditation; and (m) carrying out other studies and design work judged necessary on the basis of the work carried out under (a) through (l) above. 19. Status The process of project preparation has been delayed beyond the date that was originally planned due to several factors. First, the severe economic crisis that has deepened over the past year has forced the Government to prioritize the development of emergency programs in order to respond to the social impacts of the crisis. These requirements have resulted in the temporary postponement of work related to the preparation of development projects. Second, political unrest (including a series of teachers' strikes) and changes in ministry personnel ( including three changes of education minister since the Grant was signed in January 1998) have resulted in delays in the preparation of education projects, including the proposed project..Despite these disruptions, progress has been made. A long-term strategy has been developed for the reform and development of the education sector and a series of background studies are being conducted as inputs for the new project. Detailed plans for the remaining studies needed to Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports prepare the first phase of the long-term strategy have been agreed, and terms of reference have been approved for a series of studies to be contracted and completed in the next four months. The process of selection consultants is now under way. These reason have caused delay in contracting the studies and additional time was requested and granted for execution of pending activities. In December 1999, agreement was made to extend the grant for one year until December 31,2000. Since January 2000, there has been yet another change of Minister and senior staff and further delay came with a change in the technical coordinator. The new coordinator had to develop a new administrative team to administer the consultants and studies under the PHRD grant, and since the World Bank-supported Education Project (EB-PRODEC) closed in December 1999, the new team could not rely on the Project for the administrative support as it had done in the past. Under the present circumstances, the Bank's strategy in the short term has been adjusted to focus on assisting the Government in both dealing with the structural causes of the current economic crisis and mitigating its immediate social impacts. As the country moves into a period of crisis recovery, projects and programs focusing on reform and development of the social sectors, such as the project being developed under this PHRD Grant, will be given priority in our lending program. In accordance with the education sector strategy recently defined through our ongoing dialogue with the Government, the studies funded under this Grant have now been modified to reflect and provide information on the new national priorities. We believe that the various studies planned under the PHRD grant will be executed before the closing date for the Grant. In close collaboration with the Ministry, we will continue to closely monitor the process of these studies and the collation of the findings into a Project Proposal by December 31, 2000. 20. Impact The Grant will support the design of reform of the education system and of several innovative approaches to solve problems of access, equity, quality and efficiency at primary and secondary level..08/21/2000 09:03:27 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Colombia 2. Project Name: Rural Education 5. Grant Amount: US$ 191,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purposes of the Grant are to finance consultants and other service providers required for the preparation activities mentioned below. The activities for which the Grant was given are as follows: (i) Information Systems: assisting in analyzing existing statistical data relevant to the sector and identifying eventual gaps. The design of a reliable information system as a management tool and the training of staff on the use of the system will be the final output of this activity; (ii) Distance Education: assisting in exploring different ways of using technology for the provision of distance or tutorial education in the specific setting of Colombia and the rural sector, analyzing impact and cost-effectiveness issues; (iii) Monitoring and Evaluation: assisting in establishing a monitoring and evaluation system for all activities under the Project and the required dissemination strategy. The TA would help define the tools for data collection, support the collection of baseline data, and develop a strategy for impact analysis throughout the life of the Project; (iv) Financial Management: developing a transparent mechanism for timely and reliable financial information and audit control to serve as a management tool and as an early warning system for problems in Project implementation; (v) Project management: developing managerial arrangements for the execution of the proposed Project, designed to grant efficiency vis-à-vis the political, institutional and regulatory setting of the Borrower; and (vi) International Panel of Experts: funding the participation of 5 international experts in rural education in a project specific seminar in Colombia to the perspective of the experiences of other countries of the region with rural Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports education. 19. Status Grant closed officially in July 31, 2000, after an extension granted from April 30, 2000. The request was made since the implementation of the PHRD Grant had been slower than anticipated and that there had also been delays in taking the project through negotiations, board approval, and official startup (loan approved by Board in April 11, 2000). Reference to the slow pace of implementation of the Grant was already given in the last Status Report dated 09/13/99 and that several factors have been responsible for this:.- First, as stated in the last Status Report, a change in Government (July/August 1999) and of the key actors responsible for project preparation resulted in a slowing down of project preparation activities during the period August 1998-March 1999. - Second, given the economic and financial crisis that has affected the country, the Government of Colombia entered a phase of budgetary restraint during which there were considerable cuts in the national budget including reductions in allocations for research activities. 20. Impact In this context, the Japanese Grant assigned to this project was of critical help to the Ministry of Education of Colombia in facing the burden of research costs for Project preparation. Without the continued support of the Grant, it would have been impossible to complete all the preparatory activities and to ensure high quality of outputs. The specific products of research on strategic issues expected to be funded under the Grant, were: (a) Adaptation of the national information system, through the design of an appropriate software package to be used at the level of the Departmental Strategic Partnerships; (b) Design of technical assistance and training modules for the national technical team, and for the technical staff of the Departmental Strategic Partnerships; (c) Design of the Information and Communication Strategy for the Project; (d) Design of the Project Evaluation System; (e) Design of the Evaluation System for the piloting of the two educational innovations of Aceleración del Aprendizaje (Accelerated Learning Program) and Telesecundaria (Distance Education Program for Secondary Education)..08/22/2000 11:48:47 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Pakistan 2. Project Name: National Drainage Program Project 5. Grant Amount: US$500,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant supports Technical Assistance for carrying out: (1) A strategic and policy framework review of the drainage sub-sector, with a review to making appropriate recommendations particularly for improving the regulatory framework and promoting private investment. (2) An institutional framework review, with a view to improving institutional capacity and operational efficiency, with particular reference to project planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation. (3) An evaluation of proposed drainage projects based on technical, economic and environmental criteria, including designing of standard criteria for selection of future projects, formulation of proposals for project finance and carrying out of financial and economic analysis. (4) A thematic review of the operation and maintenance of drainage systems, including of the role played by farmer organizations, with a view to making appropriate recommendations for strengthening such operation and maintenance, including the preparation of a pilot operation and maintenance program. (5) The preparation of statutes and business plans for institutions in the irrigation and drainage sectors. (6) The preparation of investment projects, including resettlement and land acquisition planning, and contract administration activities; institutional programs, including financial management and information systems; and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports research programs." 19. Status The mid-term review of the NDP project was initiated in March 2000 and is expected to be completed by December 2000. The status of various NDP components is as follows: Sector Policy and Planning Studies: 7 sector policy studies are under preparation; Inception reports have been issued. RFP has been issued for 3 key Sector Planning studies and another RFP is under preparation for a second package of sector studies. The research component is proceeding.satisfactorily. Out of a total of 44 proposed research studies, three are ongoing; five proposals are under review by the Research Advisory Committee; and the remaining are in various stages of preparation. Implementation of Small Research Dissemination Grants has commenced. Small Research Grants are being processed for three Ph.D. students. Institutional Reforms: Progress of this component is generally satisfactory. PIDA's have been established and are being gradually staffed and made operational. Punjab PIDA has prepared a Business Plan and other provinces are following suit. Area Water Boards have been established in all the four provinces and are being gradually operationlized. Farmer Organizations are being established in all provinces. Punjab has assigned irrigation operation and maintenance and revenue collection responsibility to 3 FOs. Sindh is expected to do the same for several FOs shortly. Investment Component: While some progress has been made in preparing sub-projects the sub-project pipeline is still weak. Delays in recruiting social mobilization consultants, poor inter-agency coordination during the initial years of implementation, and unclear approval procedures were some of reasons for the slow progress. Three-year Rolling Investments Plans have been revised but need to be rationalized further. Initially the quality of sub-projects prepared by the implementing agencies was deficient but is gradually improving. The investment component is likely to be substantially down-sized during the MTR. 20. Impact During FY2000, Grant funded TA was used mainly for enhancing the quality of borrower preparation of sub-projects. Quality of sub-projects prepared by implementing agency is gradually improving. Consultants are providing inputs in the form of guidelines, review comments and evaluation of sub-project appraisal reports..08/22/2000 03:33:43 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Cambodia 2. Project Name: Rural Electrification And Transmission 5. Grant Amount: $620,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The activities to be funded consist of: · Sector Reform/Private Participation. Support the GOC’s efforts to attract private generation within an open and competitive environment. These activities include the preparation of: (a) procedures for the selection and contracting of Independent Power Producers (IPP); and (b) operational procedures for the power sector regulatory body (EAC). · Rural Electrification. A rural electrification strategy and 10-year RE implementation program will be prepared as part of the project preparation activities. This strategy is intended to assist in creating a practical program which would serve to coordinate both Government and donor-supported RE efforts throughout Cambodia. Main tasks of the study include: (a) survey of the current electrification situation; (b) financial analysis and expected subsidy requirements for a Rural Electrification Program -- in the context of this assessment, the consultant will identify potential local and commercial funding sources to support RE activities; these could include private equity, local finance, international finance, and GOC funds, as well as the establishment of a RE Fund; (c) preparation of a draft RE Strategy and Program for Cambodia -- this strategy will expand on previous work by providing, inter alia, clear recommendations on institutional and financial arrangements and simplification of engineering standards needed for an orderly but rapid expansion of electricity services; (d) a workshop to present Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and discuss the RE Strategy and Program; and (e) preparation of a specific component for IDA funding, including a draft PIP for the RE component of the project. The study is to be completed in a period of nine months. . Transmission Lines. Feasibility study for the transmission link between Phnom Penh and southern Cambodia, including a review of the power market, assessment of alternative schemes, engineering design, environmental impact assessment, project planning, and economic and financial analyses. 19. Status Consultants for RE and transmission line feasibility were selected in March/April 2000 and are working on their asignments 20. Impact RE studies - to develop national strategy fore rural electrification, including.the formulation of institutional and financial arrangements to promote private participation in remote areas. Transmission studies - to define a strategy for the initial investments in transmission in the country..08/22/2000 05:33:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Colombia 2. Project Name: Colombia Youth Development Project 5. Grant Amount: 900,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Technical Assistance to: -- prepare situation analyses (baseline information) on youth in each of the eight municipalities -- mobilize the community -- design service integration models to be tested, analyze best practice experiences -- select the participating municipalities and prepare the ground for a participative preparation process -- introduce systematic monitoring and evaluation systems -- develop communication campaign to increase awareness on the project 19. Status The Japanese Grant closed on November 30,1999. While several of the objectives of the grant have already been met, the time-consuming nature of participatory preparation led to delays in the design of the models. Of the eight models to be piloted, one has been approved, two others are just introducing some minor modifications, and the others should be finalized by October/November. The project is reimbursing a total of US$14,713.00, with the first reimbursement being carried out this week for a total of US$10,894.00. UNDP is arranging for the reimbursement of the final US$ 3,819.00. 20. Impact Activities carried out were instrumental in: - Building community ownership and participation in the project - Contributing to the identification of sustainable interventions - Preparing the information needed to (a) select the communities to participate in the pilot and (b) analize intervention options with the community - Raising public awareness of the goals of the project and generating demand for participation on the part of municipal governments -Contributing to the generation of innovative projects.08/22/2000 06:12:30 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Cambodia 2. Project Name: Rural Electrification And Transmission 5. Grant Amount: $80,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Activities to be funded include all field work to support a Rural Electrification Strategy and the feasibility for the transmission line. These include social surveys for both components and the engineering survey for transmission 19. Status Consulting firms to undertake field surveys will be engaged in late August 2000. Activities will start immediately. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact Social surveys - to provide the basis for a Resettlement Action Plan as well as an evaluation of economic benefits of the rural electrification component Engineering survey - essential to finalize the design and costing of the transmission line..08/22/2000 08:36:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zimbabwe 2. Project Name: National Health Strategy Support (Nhss) Project 5. Grant Amount: $332,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components a) epidemiological studies to assess AIDS magnitude; b) management assessment, review of public expenditures, beneficiary assessment; and c) studies to assess services to be provided by community health workers and to review existing referral practices 19. Status Progress has been very slow due to social, political and economic instability in country, and poor management within Ministry. Ministry is attempting to undertake the epidemiological studies but is having difficulty in identifying consultants. Ministry hired one consultant to estimate costing of proposed project (see name below), but consultant failed to complete the exercise, or to leave a report. This consultant was never paid. a) epidemiological studies to assess AIDS magnitude: looking for consultants b) management assessment, review of public expenditures, beneficiary assessment; on hold until September mission c) studies to assess services to be provided by community health workers and to review existing referral practices: on hold until September mission 20. Impact None so far.08/22/2000 09:31:12 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kazakhstan 2. Project Name: Agricultural Post Privatization Ii Project 5. Grant Amount: USD 368,600 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (1) Design of the Rural Finance Component (2) Design of the Information And Advisory Services Component (3) Design of a Financial Management System for the Project (4) Social Assessment 19. Status The Grant proposal was approved on February, 2000. Text of the Grant Agreement, including annexes and the procurement plan are under preparation. 20. Impact The Agricultural Post Privatization Assistant Programs is included in the CAS and contributes to the CAS objective of supporting the transition to a private market economy by assisting private rural enterprises in Kazakhstan through (i) advisory services; (ii) credit; and (iii) development of the legal and institutional framework for rural financial markets. The second loan for which this PHRD Grant is being requested will build on the first phase by expanding the coverage to additional oblasts..08/22/2000 09:46:35 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Azerbaijan 2. Project Name: Agricultural Development And Credit Project 5. Grant Amount: USD 346,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant is funding technical assistance for design and further development of two project components, credit component and information & advisory component. Under the credit component the grant is financing development of prudential guidelines and a mechanism for the supervision and regulation of the credit cooperatives being established under the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports project. Under the information and advisory component, the grant is financing development of the first year training program. 19. Status Planned activities under the grant are progressing satisfactorily. First year training program under the information and advisory services component has been developed and completed. Technical assistance contract for the establishment of credit union regulation and supervision was awarded in April of 2000. Work for completion of this activity is currently underway. 20. Impact Activities funded by the grant are invaluable in development of a sustainable system of rural credit cooperatives in Azerbaijan..08/22/2000 09:40:46 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Social Services Delivery Project 5. Grant Amount: 389,200 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultants' services Goods Operating Costs 19. Status After a series of delays due to political upheaval and government turnover, the Albania Social Services Delivery Project is now progressing smoothly. A Project Preparation Unit (PPU) has been established, comprising a project manager, subproject design and evaluation specialist, and procurement, management information system, and financial management specialists. A needs and institutional capacity assessment, which provides the baseline data and information for the project, has been completed. The study is now being discussed with Albanian counterparts. A public information campaign has been launched, inviting NGOs, local governments, and other groups to submit proposals for delivering social services in their communities. 20. Impact As selection of community social services subprojects will be undertaken in early fall, the preparation phase is not fully underway. However, the PHRD has helped to staff and to build the capacity of the SSDP Project Preparation Unit so that it is now well prepared to undertake preparation activities..08/22/2000 10:16:31 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Moldova 2. Project Name: Moldova Health Investment Fund Project 5. Grant Amount: US $502,900 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Part A: Detailed Development of Pilot Restructuring Program in 2 or More Regions: (i) a detailed assessment of health care facilities; (ii) development of a restructuring plan for each of the pilot regions including definition of future role of each primary care and hospital facility, recommended size/functional structure and estimation of necessary measures and capital investment required; and (iii) development of evaluation criteria, subproject selection based on overall cost/benefit analysis and preparation of specific project components including design of facilities and specification of equipment. Par B: Establishment of Project Management Unit and Training of Local Staff: (i) training of local staff in approaches to health care reform, health care restructuring and project implementation requirements including procurement and supervision of works and services to be financed under the project; (ii) development of a public information and consultation program to support project design; and (iii) initial start-up of the Project Implementation Unit including purchase of equipment. 19. Status The grant is expected to close when the project becomes effective by the end of November. 20. Impact The grant has had a significant impact. The grant has allowed the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Government/Ministry of Health to prepare the project, which was approved by the Board on August 22, 2000.08/22/2000 10:07:26 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Ukraine 2. Project Name: Coal Mining Restructuring Project 5. Grant Amount: $120,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Physical mine closure plan Environmental mitigation plan Social mitigation package Office supplies/equipment 19. Status The Grant is inactive; no consultants have been selected and no funds have been disbursed. Initially, project preparation could not be started because of unsatisfactory progress in implementing coal sector reform. Project concept and design underwent major changes (as a result, the project name changed from Coal Mining Improvement to Coal Mining Restructuring). Serious project preparation started in early 1999 under the Bank-executed portion of the Grant. The Recipient-executed portion could not be used because the executing agency (Ministry of Coal Industry) was abolished and merged into a new Ministry of Fuel and Energy. In the aftermath of this reshuffling, it has up to now not been possible to attract sufficient attention of the Recipient to the execution of this Trust Fund. 20. Impact NA.08/22/2000 12:34:56 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Slovenia 2. Project Name: Health Sector Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $200,120 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant provides technical assistance in the following areas: (i) restructuring primary health care; (ii) reforming hospital organization and financing; (iii) reforming health finance; and (iv) reforming sector governance. 19. Status The grant was signed in October 1998 with scheduled close date of August 31, 2000. As effectiveness date is October 15, 2000, an extension to the original closing date has been granted through until October 15, 2000. This will enable completion of the National Health Clearinghouse Study carried out under paragraph 1.1 of the Annex to the Grant. 20. Impact The grant has been of benefit in enabling the government/MOH to prepare the project which was approved by the Board on January 20, 2000..08/22/2000 03:08:38 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Algeria 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Adjustment 5. Grant Amount: $577,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The TA comprises four components: (a) development of a new modernized bank payments systems and the required telecom facilities linking banks and the Central Bank; (b) development of an international professional long-term bank training program under the sponsorship of the Central Bank including the telecom support for the provision of the best available distance learning technology; (c) revision of the legal framework and judicial process to improve secured lending; and (d) development of the capital market infrastructure consisting of clearing, settlement, trading and back-up systems for over-the counter Treasury securities and corporate securities listed on the stock exchange. Component (3) and a part of component (4) have been postponed in line with the Government Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports decision to defer the Financial Sector Adjustment Loan. 19. Status The grant was initially associated with a Financial Sector Adjustment Loan which was later split into two projects: the Financial System Infrastructure Development Project and the Financial Sector Adjustment Loan (FSAL). Most studies on telecom, information systems and payment system for preparation of the Financial System Infrastructure project have been completed. This project is expected to be approved this fiscal year. However, preparation of the FSAL has been delayed pending discussions with the Ministry of Finance. 20. Impact The grant has provided significant contribution in the preparation of the project and especially to the Bank of Algeria. The studies on telecom, information systems and payment system design required high level of technical expertise and would have been impossible without grant support..08/22/2000 03:18:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Jordan 2. Project Name: Housing Finance 5. Grant Amount: $60,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant components are: (a) training of JMRC staff and concerned Jordanian officials in mortgage market operations; (b) TA to improve urban land development and management processes; and (c) TA and studies to assist the Government in designing and preparing innovative and cost-effective housing subsidy schemes that separate subsidies from housing finance. 19. Status The grant was used in FY 2000 to fund a consultant to assist the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Finance, and the Central Bank of Jordan in the design of a sustainable and non-distortionary low-income housing subsidy scheme. This work was carried out in November and December, 1999. 20. Impact The impact of this particular task was very positive. The consultant's assistance in the design of a low-income housing subsdiy scheme resulted in strong Government commitment to a rational and sustainable program..08/22/2000 03:22:32 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Jordan 2. Project Name: Housing Finance 5. Grant Amount: $328,300 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The main objective of the PHRD grant is to assist in the preparation of the Second Housing Finance Project. Activities funded by the grant are as follows: (a) Training of JMRC staff and concerned Jordanian officials in mortgage market operations, particularly through twinning arrangements with established secondary mortgage institutions in other countries, and through TA to develop JMRC operating procedures, information systems, and other tools and processes for effective market operations; (b) Technical assistance to the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDC) to assist its reorientation as a policy agency, to improve urban land development and management processes, to further promote private-sector participation in the low- and moderate-income housing markets, and to formulate and implement urban land management policies; and (c) Technical assistance and studies to assist the Government in designing and preparing innovative and cost-effective housing subsidy schemes. 19. Status Implementation of the grant is proceeding as envisioned. Progress is as follows: (a) Technical assistance to JMRC: The grant provided funds for hands-on training of three senior JMRC staff in asset-liability management. This training took place in November 1999. The grant also provided funds for training in primary mortgage markets for JMRC staff and clients. The Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports one-week seminar, led by the U.S. secondary mortgage facility Fannie Mae, was held in April, 2000 and was judged to be very successful. Finally, the grant funded training in secondary mortgage market operations for upper level management in the U.S. The one-week training took place in June, 2000. (b) Technical assistance to HUDC: HUDC issued an RFP for consultants to undertake a study and provide recommendations regarding the development of management information systems that will assist in its reorientation toward a policy-making body. HUDC is currently reviewing proposals submitted by two firms. (c) Alternative housing subsidy schemes: The grant provided funds for two consultants to assist the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Finance, and.the Central Bank of Jordan in the design of a sustainable and non-distortionary low-income housing subsidy scheme. This work was carried out in November and December, 1999. 20. Impact Impact of the grant has been very positive, particularly with respect to expanding housing finance in Jordan. Key skills in both secondary and primary mortgage lending were developed and communicated across a relatively wide audience, and the number of people with a strong stake in housing lending continues to grow. In addition, the work funded in the design of a low-income housing subsidy scheme resulted in strong Government commitment to a rational and sustainable program..08/22/2000 03:24:56 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen 2. Project Name: Privatization Tecnical Assistance 5. Grant Amount: $450,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Grant components are: (a) evaluate enterprise viability, perform enterprise and sector specific economic analysis, and develop restructuring, pricing and/or sale strategies; (b) draft bid and legal documents necessary for privatization; (c) develop marketing and public relations strategies; (d) evaluade bid proposals; (e) prepare strategies and programs to address related social and economic issues such as labor redundancy, sector regulation, land registration, and environmental impact; and (f) develop proposals and a program for establishing a stock market and/or other financial instruments such as privatization funds. 19. Status Several project preparation activities are underway, one of which is the preparation of the Aden Refinery Company (ARC) for privatization. The first phase of consultant activities have been substantially completed and final payments will be due within the next month. The Technical Privatization Office (TPO) in charge of the Government's privatization program, which is supported by consultants financed with the Grant, has been proceeding with the analysis of a number of small transactions for which Grant funds are also being utilized. TPO consultants are also finalizing the invitations to consultants to bid for the other large privatization transactions.. 20. Impact The Privatization Support Project (FY00) supported by the PHRD Grant, forms a major part of the Government's privatization progam covering the period from 1999 to 2002. The privatization program is a priority structural reformmeasure intended to attract private sector growth and investment, raise enterprise efficiency, and reduce the fiscal and monetary burden of the publci enterprise sector. In this regard, the project is an important vehicle for accelerating the privatization process. It is expected to achieve earl progress in privatizing sizeable public secto assets, and, by targeting a diversified list of enterprises, to generate replicable experience in deifferign privatization methods. In addition, it is expected to initiate the development of suitable capital market mechanisms for mobilizing funds for privatization investments...08/22/2000 03:26:22 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen 2. Project Name: Private Sector Support Services 5. Grant Amount: $250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The activities are: (a) strengrthen Yemeni institutions responsible for investment and export promotion activities; (b) formulate strategic business plans for investmetn and export promotion activities in the short- to medium-0term, including stafing and financing plans; (c) assist GIA and YESC in becoming advocates for continued policy and regulatory reform that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of private investment and exporting operations; (d) research and share information on private sector development with other government and private sector agencies; (e) develop processes to package and disseminate information on domestic and international markets and busienss opportunities; (f) develop action plans to identify and address market constraints and segmentation caused by legal and physical impediments; (g) arrange local campaigns to raise awareness and political support for investment and export promotion activities; and (h) initiate other pro-active inestment and export promotion activities, such as "matchmaking" services for domestic and foreign firms, and qualify control workshops for domestic firms to make them aware of developments in international standards and brands. 19. Status Activities under the grant will begin shortly. Substantial agreement has been reached with the Government on the modalities of TA components to: (a) formulate programs to enhance export competitiveness; (b) address strategic issues regarding the General Investment Aurhority's investment promotion functions; and (c) devleop an effective business plan and marketing strategy for the Aden Free Zone. The first component will be carried out by a consulting firm, for which draft terms of reference and procurement documents have been prepared. The second and third components wil be caried out with the assistance of FIAS, for which the required proposal documents have also been prepared. To oversee the implementation of the activities, the Government has recently established a Technical Implementation Committee comprising representation from the concerned government institutions and the private sector. 20. Impact The proposed Project, to be supported by the PHRD Grant, forms a major part of the Government's private sector development program. It is an.important vehicle for accelerating the growth of the private sector that is expected to lead to faster economic growth through activities such as export development and increased private investment..08/22/2000 03:27:46 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Second Policy Reform Support Loan 5. Grant Amount: $495,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant was given to assist in the preparation of two projects: "Second Policy Reform Support Loan (PRSL II) and Information Infrastructure Sector Development Loan (IISDL). It was intended to prepare the following components of the projects: (a) Public Sector Reform (b) Private Sector Development (c) Information Infrastructure Modernization (d) Social Sector Reform 19. Status The Grant was signed by the Moroccan Government on April 3, 2000. Part of the funds are being used to finance a cost benefit analysis of a government initiative to develop inter-administration networks. The consultants have been competitively selected and should be on the field around September 15, 2000 to start the work. 20. Impact The study financed under the PHRD grant will assist the Government in the preparation of a key component of the IISDL operation, which is the use of information technologies in Morocco as part of the efforts of the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Government to modernize the public administration and reduce the burden of cumbersome administrative procedures for private enterprises..08/22/2000 03:30:06 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Export Development 5. Grant Amount: $177,300 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components TA will be provided to: (a) review the appraisal and supervision capacity of eligible banks and prepare action progams so as to facilitate effective and efficient use of the lines of credit; and (b) identify key demands for support by private exporters, particularly in the services sector, and review best practices in other countries to match these demands with a view to the administration's institutional capacity. 19. Status Due to changes of Government, there was a delay in signing the Grant Agreement. The Grant was extended for one year to Jan. 2001 and the two studies on export finance and service export promotion are expected to start shortly once an administrative issue between the Ministries of Finance and Industry is resolved. 20. Impact Will be assessed once the studies begin..08/22/2000 03:39:12 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: West Bank And Gaza 2. Project Name: Financial/Private Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: $337,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The components are: (a) the Palestinian Banking Services Company (PBSC), a company to provide state-of-the-art electronic banking and payment services to the banking sector and its customers; (b) drafting and translating into Arabic the Secured Financing Law which provides the legal framework for leasing and the use of movable assets as collateral and supports the establishment of the electronic Register of Security Interests in Movable Assets (RIMA); (c) support for the development of an effective Bank Supervision Department at the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) including the information systems necessary for effective management of the PMA; (d) development of the land registry department and restarting the land survey activity in core urban areas of the West Bank; and e) feasibility studies and assessments of activities that, after analysis, have not been included in the project (a discount window, small business equity fund and credit guarantee program). 19. Status In September 1999, it was decided to seek fundamental decisions concerning the Palestinian Banking Services Company (PBSC) and the Palestine Land Authority and to advance other components before completing appraisal of the project. Legal agreements have since been drafted to transfer check clearing and payments processing responsibility to the PBSC from the PMA, to commit the shareholders to the operating principles of the company and to revise its Articles of Incorporation to make it consistent with the previously mentioned agreements. Agreement has also been reached that the PMA will take a minority shareholding in the company. Land registry and land survey: Agreement was reached in May 2000 with the ministers concerned and with President Arafat that the land survey and land registration departments, which had been separated under Israeli occupation, should be reunited under one department. Howeve, we are still waiting for the decision to implement this agreement. Unless this institutional decision is made before Board presentation, it is expected that funds for this component would only be disbursed after the PA had met the Bank's institutional conditionality linked to this component..During the past year, the Secured Financing Law, which provides the legal foundation for the Register of Security Interests in Movable Assets (RIMA) Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports was revised in March-May 2000 to make it conform to the pattern of Palestinian legislation. Further minor revisions are anticipated in September and review by the Ministry of Justice is expected in October, after which the Law will be sent to the Palestinian Legislative Council for consideration. We have also agreed that the existing PIU for the Legal Reform Project will manage this component of the FSD project, simplifying the implementation arrangements. Bank Supervision Department of the PMA: work on this component has been ongoing since February 1999 with grant funding in the amount of US$3.4 million from USAID. 20. Impact The Grant has been instrumental in enabling the design of the components to be carried out in a timely and professional manner. As a result, the components are of high quality, responsive and realistic for the Palestinian economy and are considered vital to the needs of the business and banking communities. The PBSC and RIMA components introduce state-of-the-art functions to the local banking sector which will be on a par with such services elsewhere. The project is pioneering the introduction of these services in the Middle East region. These components will enable businesses to utilize the majority of their available capital (working capital/current assets) which have hitherto been unused as collateral for bank credits; the land component will open substantially more land for use as collateral and for development purposes. The impact should facilitate a rapid growth in domestic lending by banks once the systems are in place and once the business environment improves..08/22/2000 06:19:36 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Social Investment Fund Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$494,800 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant was designed to finance the following three components: 1) Identification of areas for the strengthening of local government - This component will finance: a) a study of the local government's legal and administrative issues; and b) consultant services to identify a program of support to the development of the capacity of local councils and urban districts. 2) Identification of a program of support for revenue generating activities in urban areas - Activities covered under this component include: a) a beneficiary assessment of small businesses to identify bottlenecks in the development of the sector; b) consultant services to design a program of support to small-scale businesses involving microcredit and technical advice; and c) study tour to other social funds which have successful microcredit components. 3) Improvement of ASIF methods - This component will finance consultant services to improve microproject monitoring, targeting and participation. 19. Status The Japanese Grant was approved by the Government of Japan on August 7, 1998. It was revised in August 1999 to reflect the Government's request to transfer the administration of the Grant to the Bank. The revised Grant Agreement, under a Bank-executed arrangement, was signed by the Minister of Finance and Economy on October 20, 1999. It became effective in March of this year when it was ratified by the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia on March 8, 2000. On November 11, 1999, an interim budget was approved by ACTTF in the amount of US$100,000 to finance critical preparation activities relating to the improvement of methods and procedures on microproject monitoring and community targeting and participation. These activities have served as a very important input to the preparation of the ASIF II Project Appraisal Document. During the Appraisal mission that took place in February of this year, the Government of Armenia made a strong request to continue these important preparatory activities to enhance the capacity of new staff in the.ASIF Administrative Office. On June 9, 2000 a reallocation proposal was approved by the PHRD Administrator in TFC in support of the expansion of Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports funding for technical assistance activities covering: (i) microproject monitoring; (ii) community targeting; (iii) participatory mechanisms; and (iv) microproject implementation methods and procedures. The proposed plan is to implement these activities prior to the effectiveness of the ASIF II, currently scheduled for September 18, 2000. 20. Impact The technical assistance financed under the PHRD was critical during project preparation providing valuable professional expertise and advice to the ASIF team in strengthening methods and procedures in the areas of microproject monitoring and community targeting and participation. A new ASIF II Operational Manual has been developed focusing on the enhancement of quality of works, community outreach and participation and monitoring and evaluation..08/22/2000 04:58:47 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Honduras 2. Project Name: Economic And Financial Management 5. Grant Amount: US$750,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (i) Economic Management; (ii) Financial Markets; (iii) Private Sector Participation. 19. Status To date, the grant has been instrumental in financing consultancies associated with the preparation of the "Honduras: Economic and Financial Management Technical Assistance Credit" which is set to go to Board under streamlined procedures on September 12, 2000. Specifically, the grant has financed key consultancies related to the strengthening of the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Comptroller General, the Presidential Commission for State Modernization, Consultative Commission for Privatization, and the Honduran Social Security Institute. Currently, a three month extension to the August 31, 2000 closing date is being processed to November 30, 2000, so that the latter date may coincide with the planned effectiveness date of the "Honduras: Economic and Financial Management Project." 20. Impact The grant has provided financing within key sectoral ministries to set the conditions necessary prior to launching the "Honduras Economic and Financial Management Project". It has furthermore been pivotal to the preparation of the above-mentioned project..08/22/2000 08:51:46 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Honduras 2. Project Name: Community Based Education 5. Grant Amount: 532,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Project activities will be organized in three components: (a) Coverage Expansion: The component will finance and implement the development of a community-based system for the expansion of coverage in poor, marginal and isolated communities through the involvement of community committees, grassroots organizations and local institutions. (b) Quality Improvements: The component will finance and implement the required educational and pedagogic inputs to improve the quality of basic education (pre-school to grade 9), in line with the new focus on decentralization and community participation. (c) Institutional Strengthening: The Component will finance and implement the organizational Development and Institutional Strengthening of the Departmental and District Education Offices as key decentralized support units to the schools. Description of PHRD Technical Assistance: Component 1 (a) Community Organization and Development: Key to the design of the project and to its readiness for implementation is a proven strategy for Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports community organization and development. The technical assistance will support in studying other successful programs, and adapting any pertinent concepts to a strategy to be implemented within the project, designing or adapting needed conceptual models, methods, and tools. (b) Strategies and Management Systems for NGO Participation and Subcontracting of Education Services: Subcontracted services from NGOs would guarantee a timely response, local follow up and quality of education inputs. TA would assist in designing the most appropriate strategy to identify, contract, and follow up services contracted from NGOs. (c) Community-Based Financial Management Systems: The key innovation of the development of departmental and district offices is the transferring of financial resources for local management and investments to improve the quality of education. (d) Social Evaluations and Participation Strategies: Both the design of community participation and the evaluation of how is implemented required an appropriate set of methods and tools to evaluate the social impact of the.project and the involvement and satisfaction of direct beneficiaries and local stakeholders. (e) Local Monitoring and Formative Evaluation Systems: Technical Assistance will support the design of a system which allows extensive community participation to learn from the on-going implementation of the project and to find timely solutions to implementation problems. Component 2 (a) Rural Education Curriculum and Pedagogical Practices: Technical Assistance will support in developing an appropriate framework to guide investments in curriculum development and pedagogical practices within the context of isolated rural communities and extensive community participation. (b) Teacher Training and Professional Development: The technical assistance will support the evaluation of teacher training needs related to the successful pedagogical methods and materials to be supported by the project. Component 3 (a) Organizational Development and Management Change: Education system reforms require support from experts in organizational development, restructuring, appropriate sizing, management and administration, team building, staff development, etc. The TA during project design will support in identifying the technical needs, terms of reference, and a guiding strategy for use of technical assistance during project implementation. (b) Political Mapping and Conflict Resolution Strategies: TA would guarantee a mapping of stakeholders, their interests, fears and own agendas. It would also prepare a strategy to overcome people's concern and to dissipate resistance to the needed education reforms. An high quality social marketing campaign will be prepared early in project design to gain support for project implementation. (c) Management Information Systems: Because of hurricane Mitch, all education records were lost in the complete destruction of the headquarters of the Ministry of Education. There is the necessity of creating a reliable statistical data base for the management of the sector. (d) Monitoring and Evaluation: The TA would help define the tools for data collection, support the collection of baseline data, and develop a strategy for impact analysis throughout the life of the Project. (e) Financial Management: The TA would provide assistance in setting up a transparent mechanism for timely and reliable financial information and audit control to serve as an early warning system for problems in Project implementation, and to allow corrective actions to be taken to resolve difficulties before they become major problems. (f) Project Management: The TA will also assist the Project implementing unit in establishing a system of implementation planning and scheduling and in drafting the Project Implementation Manual. (g) International team of experts: This activity aims at financing the participation of international experts in community participation in rural Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports education. The experts will contribute with successful community based education management experiences of other countries of the region: EDUCO in El Salvador, PRONADE in Guatemala, Decentralized Education in Colombia, and Rural School-Based Management in Chile. 19. Status The grant was signed on March 20, 2000. Project identification and preparation has proceed as planned. Consultants with experience on.similar community participation in education programs from Central American have been provided their support, made possible by the PHRD Grant. However, the original closing date, of September 30, 2000, proposed during grant request will need to be extended, to allow for financing of the main period of project preparation October 2000-February 2001. 20. Impact The PHRD grant has been instrumental in having timely TA for project identification and preliminary consultancy support. Most importantly has been the participation of consultants with ample experience in similar projects in El Salvador--and its project EDUCO which has received various excellence awards..08/23/2000 09:53:18 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Social Safety Net 5. Grant Amount: $199,500.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Studies - baseline assessment, implementation capacity, finance and policy framework development; 2. Workshops 19. Status The project preparation is nearing completion and is scheduled for Board presentation in November 2000. 20. Impact The BiH government and the project team benefited from the experience of several highly experienced consultants financed under component 1 of the Grant, which contributed to a very good design and implementation of Social Reform strategy..08/23/2000 09:51:00 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkey 2. Project Name: Social Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $737,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objective of the PHRD grant is to provide technical assistance and resources: (a) for the design of a demand driven project which responds to the needs of the poor and most vulnerable groups currently underserved by existing programs and institutional mechanisms: (b) to support the preparation of three pilot sub-projects which aim at: (i) creating employment opportunities, (ii) providing social service programs, and (iii) expanding on existing productive services; (c) to initiate training and capacity building for communities, NGOs, local Government, and the Social Development project staff; and (d) provide data from the social and institutional assessment to enhance the Government and SDP's targeting and monitoring capacity. 19. Status A mission is tentatively scheduled to take place in September 2000 will evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the proposed social fund mechanism based on findings from implementing three innovative pilots sub-projects. The final project design will reflect lessons learned from the pilots with emphasis on the following areas: (1) community participation in design, sequencing and implementation; (2) training needs and capacity building strategies; (3) operational efficiency and flexibility; (4) efficacy; (5) transparency and accountability; (6) coordination and participation of stakeholders; (7) feasibility of adopting a decentralized approach in delegating authority and responsibility to the regional governors; and (8) sustainability arrangements. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact Technical assistance and resources from the PHRD grant have facilitated the design of a well targeted, demand driven project that serves the poor and disadvantaged communities, lacking access to essential services or with high unemployment or underemployment. Based on experience with other social fund projects, the SDP project is expected to yield tangible, widespread and sustainable benefits relatively quickly and transparently to the targeted regions. The direct benefits of the proposed project would be the sustained physical and human capital improvements generated by the sub-projects. Specifically, project benefits will be in three areas. First,.benefits would accrue directly to the poor through (a) temporary and permanent employment creation; (b) improved standard of living; (c) greater access to essential social services for marginalized groups, (d) upgrading of skills; (e) stimulating locally viable entrepreneurial sub-projects; and (f) increasing integration of women in local development efforts. Second, the project would improve domestic non-governmental and local government capacity to plan and implement development projects, complementing the central government's activities. Community members would also become more active in development activities. Third, the project would also provide a mechanism to mobilize private sector funds for poverty alleviation. It is envisaged that through targeted intervention and consolidated improvements in social, economic and productive services in the selected regions a noticeable shift in rural urban migration might take place during the life of the project. The project will introduce innovative methods especially in the area of infrastructure rehabilitation..08/23/2000 10:03:39 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: El Salvador 2. Project Name: Poverty Alleviation And Local Development 5. Grant Amount: US$900,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components A. Safety net and Social Development Programs 1. Social Sector Investment Needs 2. Interinstitutional Cooperation 3. Institutional Development 4. Environmental Assessments and Subproject design B. Local Productive Capacity 5. Public/Private Partnerships 6. Local Productive Capacity Development 7. Pilot Feasibility Studies C. Municipal/Local Development Strategy 8. Local/Municipal Development Strategy 9. NGOs & Community Participation 10. Special Target Groups D. Targeting, Monitoring, and Evaluation 11. Project Performance Indicators 12. Targeting and Impact Evaluation The grant funds: (a) social, economic, technical, and institutional studies and training (mainly for staff and others associated with the Social Investment Fund for Local Development), to strengthen safety net and social development programs; (b) studies, study tours, workshops, training, aimed at building national consensus on strategies and methodologies for sustainable local, especially rural, private sector development with a focus on the poorest areas of the country; (c) study tours, workshops, training and studies to develop a strategy for local/municipal capacity-building and institutional development, based on broad-based participation of stakeholders; and (d) surveys, studies and seminars to help establish strategies and baselines for targeting interventions and the monitoring and evaluation of program impact. 19. Status Grant is under implementation. US$430,003.50 was disbursed as of June 30, 2000. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact While it is too early to assess the impact of the grant, it is nonetheless.worth noting that the grant has already proved instrumental in assisting FISDL develop an operational strategy to strengthen the role of local actors in planning, implementing, and sustaining investments designed to reduce poverty..08/23/2000 10:28:45 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Moldova 2. Project Name: Public Sector Reform Credit I (Psrci) 5. Grant Amount: $488,300 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A. Upgrading public finance and expenditure management B. Reorienting the role of the state: improving public versus private resources allocation C. Reforming public administration 19. Status A. - partially implemented, reports and sets of recommendations on the budget process, tax policy and tax administration were prepared and submitted to the Government B. - under preparation C. - under preparation 20. Impact PSRCI will be the first of the series of Public Sector Reform Credits and will support the launch of a comprehensive Public Sector Reform Program. PSRCI is expected to improve the public expenditure managemetn, help to create a business environment favourable for economic grwoth, contribute to inreasing efficiency of the public administration..08/23/2000 09:33:17 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Uzbekistan 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Adjustment Loan/Financial Institution Building Loan 5. Grant Amount: USD 414,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Preparation of the foundation for the restucturing of the banks 2. Revision of Government policy as regards the use of credit subsidies 3. Development of the framework for secondary trading in securities (source: Grant Agreement) 19. Status The closing date of the Grant was June 30, 2000. The Government's request for extension is pending CD's approval since March 15, 2000 (see #21). Last FY the Recipient hired a short-term consultant to assist the Government in the preliminary assessment of the prospects and principal issues related to the restructuring/privatization of state-controlled commercial banks (in this case, National Bank of Uzbekistan, Pakhta Bank, Uzpromstroybank, Asakabank). The findings of the limited scope due diligence report identified the strengths and weaknesses of their banks and terms of their potential for attaracting fit and proper foreign strategic investors, as well as defined some generic problems to be addressed for achieving positive results. The Recipient hired a consultant, originally, for one year to support the FSDA, assuring quality and effectiviness of the TA and assistance to provided by the Central Bank under Financial Institutions Building Loan (P009131) and to coordinate the provision of technical advice and assistance to the Central Bank on financial sector development issues, related to the preparation of a proposed Financial Sector Adjustment Loan (P066168). The long-term consultant's assistance has been critical to the success of the FIBL. He is currently being paid from the FIBL as the request for extension of the closing date of the grant is being reviewed (his salary was agreed to be paid from the PHRD and FIBL in a 50/50 relation). Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Due to differences in policy dialogue with the Government (in November 1996 the Government of Uzbekistan introduced the use of multiple.currencies and the rationing of the foreign exchange), the IMF standby program was put on aside and, as a result, the proposed project was put on hold. The above PHRD facility and the Bank-executed PHRD for the FSAl have continued preparations for reform in the financial sector, with the view of submitting the FSAL to the Board as soon as the IMF program is back on track. By now, the Bank-executed PHRD (TF25302) has been disbursed. In December 1998, the government requested that the Bank prepare the FSAL as soon as possible in FY2000. The expected Board date is now on June 5, 2002. 20. Impact The grant has been useful in providing assistance to the Government in initial steps of preparation for bank restructuring and privatization. Also, assistance and guidance provided by the long-term consultant has been critical to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan..08/23/2000 10:56:03 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Honduras 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Adjustment Credit 5. Grant Amount: US$697,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components This grant is to prepare an financial sector adjustment operation in Honduras where a full-blown systemic crisis is looming. The grant components are intended to support: I. On-site banking inspections: Support a program of systematic on-site inspections of banks to gain a reliable understanding of banking practices and problems and in-house capacity for prudential management and compliance with prudential norms. Systematic on-site inspections is a time consuming and highly specialized task for which there is little available expertise in-country. Even internationally, these skills are relatively scarce and in very high demand especially because of the global financial disruptions in the past years. Highly specialized international consultants spending significant periods of time in-country will be required for this component and the concrete output would be an overview of the status of each of the key banks and financial institutions in the country which will not only provide base line information to the banking regulators, but would form the basis for the design of the proposed operation and the required changes to the financial regulation framework. II. Identification and preparation of the changes to the existing regulatory and resolution framework: This includes changes to the relevant laws, regulations and procedures to identify specific changes to be supported through the potential adjustment operation. Specialized international financial sector experts and legal consulting services will be required for this component. The output of this component would be the drafting of specific changes to be supported by the adjustment operation. III. Training: To ensure a successful reform process, the concepts comprised in the operation and specific technical issues, which are not well-known in the country, need to be disseminated through workshops and on the job training. As part of project preparation, the proposed PHRD grant would support training of local bank managers and officials in international best practices of prudential oversight and regulation, incl. implementation of Basle criteria. Training recipients will be officials in the Central Bank (Banco Central de Honduras) and the Superintendency of Banks (Comisión Nacional de Bancos y Seguros - CNBS). Specific areas to be covered are: (i) risk analysis and monitoring; (ii) asset liability management; (iii).governance of financial institutions; and (iv) intervention and control of financial institutions. Though a significant part of such training will be provided on the job by the international consultants working on component 1, additional funds will be required for 4 in- country workshops for the dissemination of international best practice and training in the proposed areas. 19. Status Open Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact N.A..08/23/2000 11:57:00 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Water Sector Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: $255,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Studies to: (a) enhance beneficiary participation in planning, implementation and maintenance of water sector schemes; (b) implement a program of rehabilitation/improvement of schemes to improve agricultural income, employment in the scheme areas through control and management of water resources while protecting the environment; (c) redefine the role of Government in the water sector; and (d) develop a replicable model of water management with flexible and demand sensitive system and enhanced beneficiary participation. 19. Status A detailed Project Preparation Report has been prepared by a consortium of national consultants and a reputed national NGO and individual international consultants. A National Water Policy has been approved by Government, and a new institutional framework has been prepared. A new BWDB Act has been recently approved by Parliament. The very important process of dialogue, debate and consensus-building with all the stakeholders is on-going. This process and further preparation activities would culminate in a Project Implementation Plan (PIP) incorporating all these aspects. Several government officials were provided exposure to participatory water management in practice. An important workshop was help to discuss the recently prepared 'Guidelines for Participatory Water Management' . 20. Impact The PHRD Grant would have significant impact as it is helping the preparation of this important project which would help establish a sustainable institutional framework for managing water resources in Bangladesh, and in developing community-based organizations for managing water resources. The project would be a forerunner for various water sector pipeline projects..08/23/2000 12:06:35 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Agricultural Services Project 5. Grant Amount: $208,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1) Seed Sector Development 2) Agricultural Marketing Support 3) Land Market Development 4) Implementation Strengthening 19. Status The amendment letter showing the new reallocation of the grant was just signed by the Government. The social assessment to be funded by the grant is underway and the environmental assessment is planned to commence in October. 20. Impact The proposed project would contribute to private sector growth by improving agriculture productivity by providing access to better seeds, supporting the establishment of marketing infrastructure managed by farmers and traders, as well as assisting in the creation and operation of farmer associations associated with the piloting of land consolidation. The project would also contribute to improved governance and institution building by liberalizing the regulatory and institutional framework of the seeds subsector by shifting from mandatory and largely unenforceable rules to voluntary compliance; improving market transparency through market information. Finally, by aiming at increasing the marketed surplus of a largely subsistence oriented sector, the project would aim to support many poor rural households in accessing sources of cash income..08/23/2000 12:09:01 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Agricultural Services Project 5. Grant Amount: $107,800 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1) Seed Sector Development 2) Agricultural Marketing Support 3) Land Market Development 4) Implementation Strengthening 19. Status The amendment letter showing the reallocation of the grant was just signed by the Government. The social assessment to be funded by the grant is underway and the environmental assessment is planned to commence in October. 20. Impact The proposed project would contribute to private sector growth by improving agriculture productivity by providing access to better seeds, supporting the establishment of marketing infrastructure managed by farmers and traders, as well as assisting in the creation and operation of farmer associations associated with the piloting of land consolidation. The project would also contribute to improved governance and institution building by liberalizing the regulatory and institutional framework of the seeds subsector by shifting from mandatory and largely unenforceable rules to voluntary compliance; improving market transparency through market information. Finally, by aiming at increasing the marketed surplus of a largely subsistence oriented sector, the project would aim to support many poor rural households in accessing sources of cash income..08/23/2000 02:15:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Poland 2. Project Name: Mine Closure And Site Reclamation Investment Project 5. Grant Amount: $615,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Part 1 Labor Analysis and Social Support - TA for labor market surveys, surveys of unemployed miners and public opinion surveys Part 2 Environmental and Land Use Planning - TA for land use planning, identification of infrastructure/environmental improvement projects and methods for site clean up. 19. Status During FY00 there was steady progress in terms of hiring consultants for the Labor Analysis and Social Support components which are of highest priority at present. 20. Impact Social monitoring reports have been received which provide information on the impact of the coal reform program on the region to help ensure an adequate social safety net.08/23/2000 12:04:48 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Egypt 2. Project Name: Second National Drainage 5. Grant Amount: 250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The activities of the Grant are : (i) An Environmental Assessment and preparation of and Environmental Plan; (ii) Rapid Rural and Social Assessment ; (iii) Studies for Institutional Needs Assessment and Establishment of Drainage System Users' Association; (iv) Other essential preparatory Works; 19. Status Due to delay in getting Grant effective it could not be utilized prior to Board presentation, however some useful preparation work prior to effectiveness can still be implemented. The Grant is now effective and an advance payment of US$ 50,000 has been made to the Special account established for the TF. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact No impact to date as implementation has not yet been completed.08/23/2000 02:30:07 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Nicaragua 2. Project Name: Nicaragua Basic Education Ii 5. Grant Amount: $650,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purposes of the Grant were to assist in the preparation of the Second Basic Education. It was used to finance studies and related preliminary work necessary for the preparation of the above project, including workshops to build consensus among stakeholders, and elicit participation from the main beneficiaries in the design of the Project. Specifically, the grant financed TA in the form of (a) studies and progress review on the expansion of the primary and secondary school decentralization model; (b) an evaluation of the impact to date of non-formal pre-primary education on the development of five-year-olds’ learning skills; (c) a variety of studies on the quality and coverage improvements in basic education; and (d) studies related to the institutional, planning and research capacity of the Ministry of Education. 19. Status The Nicaragua Basic Education II project became effective on June 14, 2000, thus concluding the preparatory phase of it and closing the grant. The above listed activities were concluded by March of this year. 20. Impact The TA financed by this grant was an essential tool for the preparation of this project in two ways: (i) all of the project components were designed after evaluations of sector issues carried out with Japanese financing and (ii) the Ministry of Education's staff was able to receive training by international experts, thus exposing them to different models and realities which could be adapted to Nicaragua. For instance, the findings of the backgrond studies on the impact of informal preschool education, and the decentralization of primary and secondary education study shaped the access and quality components of the project and provided the Government of Nicaragua with essential information about their education system. Without the funds of the PHRD, this project could not have been prepared within the same time frame and standards..08/23/2000 05:49:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Jordan 2. Project Name: Cooperative Sector Restructuring 5. Grant Amount: USD 350,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Assessment of cooperative legislation and drafting new cooperative law 2&3. TA for 20 Model Cooperatives 4. Formulation of a Project Implementation Plan (PIP) 19. Status The Grant Agreement has been signed and the initial deposit has been requested. 20. Impact NA.08/24/2000 04:36:54 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: River Basin And Watershed Management 5. Grant Amount: US$890,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Preparation of a framework plan for development and management of the Mindanao River Basin, laying groundwork for detailed comprehensive river basin master planning under the project implementation. The basin planning will be developed involving indigenous people, central and local stakeholders and interested groups to ensure that the plan would fit the needs of local residents and integrate development and protection Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports measures appropriate for the basin; (ii) Identification and preparation of the first phase investment activities to be financed under this Project, including detail feasibility studies based on the basin development and management framework plan; and (iii) Preparation and recommendation of policy, regulatory and institutional support activities. Initial work will include review of responsibilities of organizations involved in the basin and development of proposals for policy changes, institutional strengthening and possible establishment of a river basin organization. This will be done using a participatory approach under the TA support with extensive stakeholder and indigenous people's participation. The TA will be used to identify, evaluate and recommend institutional alternatives, some of which are expected to be later included under the proposed project. It will recommend suitable policy and legal framework required in the mid-to-long terms. 19. Status The implementing agency (NEDA) prepared TOR for procuring major consultant services to undertake component (a)---formulation of river basin management framework plan. Bids were called in early 2000 and consultant selection was completed. However, security conditions in the project area (Mindanao region) deteriorated in April 2000 and UNDP temporarily banned traveling to the area. Although the contract (valued at around US$750,000) was negotiated, the Bank advised GOVP to hold the signing of the contract until the GOVP is reasonably sure of the security situation and the prospects in Mindanao so that the consultants can start field works soon after contract signing. The GOVP was requested to assess the situation and confirm to the Bank by September its assessment so that the Bank and GOVP can jointly decide the next cause of action. As.a result, disbursement of the grant is on hold. NEDA has set up a special account to cover expenditures for necessary information dissemination and workshops. 20. Impact N/A.08/24/2000 08:41:29 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkmenistan 2. Project Name: Health 5. Grant Amount: US$474,250.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant financed preparation activities which included (i) sector reform policy development, economic and financialy analysis, development of facilities and equipment rationalization and refurbishment and training plans; and (ii) design of the project coordination unit, project implementation plan and a project management information system. 19. Status The only activity carried out in FY2000 was the audit of the grant.This grant was expected to close on August 31, 1999, but the project team was planning to ask for an extension if project processing would resume. However, this has not happened, and it is unlikely to happen in the near future, and therefore, the grant will be closed. 20. Impact This grant enabled the Government of Turkmenistan to prepare the project satisfactorily. The grant was instrumental in building capacity of the PCU staff in project management, implementation, procurement and financial management, and the development of the financial management system and the project implementation manual. The grant also financed the financial and economic analysis of the project..08/24/2000 08:50:49 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Ukraine 2. Project Name: Tb And Aids Control Project 5. Grant Amount: US$416,915.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant would be used to finance technical assistance for project preparation in the follow areas: (1) TB Control and Treatment Control (a) Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Strengthening commitment & national strategy; (b) Case detection and diagnosis; (c) Directly Observed Treatment, short course; (DOTS), (d) Surveillance; (2) AIDS Control and Treatment (a) Public Education and Training; (b) Prevention; (c) Treatment and care; (d) Coordination and national strategy; (3) Social and Institutional Assessment; (4) Economic and Financial Analysis; (5) Project management, and (6) Project Evaluation. 19. Status The grant agreement is expected to be signed shortly. 20. Impact Not applicable at this stage..08/24/2000 08:18:29 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Pakistan 2. Project Name: Second Banking Sector Adjustment Loan 5. Grant Amount: $858,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Grant activities include: (a) preparation of a privatization program for Nationalized Commercial Banks (NCBs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) including a detailed restructuring plan, (b) strengthening of the Privatization Commission's technical capacity, (c) provision of technical assistance to the affected NCBs and DFIs and the State Bank of Pakistan on privatization issues, and (d) training, seminars and study tours in privatization and banking reform fields and carrying out of public information campaign. 19. Status The Grant was extended last year for a period of one year. However, due to political change during the year and persisting weak investor climate, implementation progress remained unsatisfactory. 20. Impact Assistance has had very little impact in some capacity building and marketing efforts..08/24/2000 10:02:13 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Macedonia - Former Yugoslav Republic Of 2. Project Name: Second Financial And Enterprise Sector Adjustment Loan (Fesal 2) 5. Grant Amount: $436,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant was provided to support the preparation of the proposed FESAL II project, and has six major components: (i) Legal framework and enforcement of laws; taxation issues, (ii) Privatization, governance, and ownership, (iii) financial discipline of loss making enterprises, (iv) strengthening the supervision and governance of financial institutions; accounting, auditing, internal controls and disclosure standards of financial intermediaries, (v) payment system and deposit insurance reform, and (vi) capital markets. 19. Status The grant has been extended beyond the end of FY 2000, as project preparation went beyond the earlier envisaged timetable, mostly due to a temporary halt in Bank operations in FYR Macedonia during the period of the Kosovo crisis. Although the proposed FESAL II project was slightly revised and updated post-Kosovo in light of the changing situation and emerging new developments, the major reform priorities and project components have not changed. In FY2000, the grant was used to finance consultants to work on a comprehensive overhaul of financial sector legislation, and to arrange and monitor the implementation of comprehensive bank diagnostic studies for four large banks. 20. Impact The grant's impact is positive. The grant-financed consultant work contributed to a large extent to the project being successfully appraised in June 2000, and most of the initial conditions (for the project to be presented to the Bank's Executive Board) being satisfied by the authorities of the Borrower. Specific impact can be noted in the areas of financial legislation (a new commercial banking law, a new deposit insurance law and a new mortgage Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports law (for immovable property) have been approved by the Parliament, and amendments to the Law on Pledges (for movable property) have been prepared) and improvement in banking system transparency (diagnostics studies of four major banks have been conducted, providing a number of recommendations for the banks to follow/NBM supervisors to enforce)..Additional work, constituting project preparation activities, will be needed in FY 2001 (up until the project's presentation to the Executive Board) in the areas of resolution of large loss making enterprises, completion of the reform of financial sector legislation, follow-up on the findings/recommendations of the bank diagnostic studies for the four large banks, and payment system development..08/24/2000 11:35:29 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Papua New Guinea 2. Project Name: Highlands Highway Rehabilitation Project 5. Grant Amount: US$695,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultants' services: $695,000 to assist in the preparation of the Highlands Highway Rehabilitation Project (HHRP) by carrying out: (1) engineering studies for its rehabilitation or realignment; (2) institutional study including recommendations for effective financial and technical administration, and (3) evaluation of the environmental and social impacts of the proposed rehabilitation on the Highlands Region. 19. Status The SRFP was released to the short listed consultants in June 1999. Completed RFPs were to be received in September 1999 but the RFP was canceled by DoWI and a revised RFP was reissued in December 1999 with a closing date in February 2000. On Bank's request an addendum was issued to the short listed firms and the deadline for submittal of proposals was extended to March 27, 2000. The report submitted by DoWI for evaluation of technical proposals was finally cleared by the Bank in June 2000. The financial proposals were opened on July 11, 2000 and the Bank has not yet cleared the report on evaluation of the financial proposals. It is expected that this report will be cleared in early September 2000, a contract signed with the successful consultants by late September 2000 and consulting services would commence in October 2000. The studies are expected to be completed by end of December 2001. 20. Impact The preparation of the HHRP has suffered long delays and the expected presentation of the proposed loan to the Board in FY 2001 is not possible and will be delayed to end of FY 2002. Also, the closing date of this PHRD grant had to be extended from June 30, 2000 to March 31, 2002 to help ensure that the studies would be completed..08/24/2000 01:16:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Slovak Republic 2. Project Name: Social Safety Net Project (Social Benefit Administration Reform Loan) 5. Grant Amount: JPY 112,100,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Employment Services, Social Safety Net, Health Care, Project Management. 19. Status Project is being appraised. 20. Impact Poverty reduction..08/24/2000 03:00:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kazakhstan 2. Project Name: Health Reform Program Phase Ii Project. 5. Grant Amount: US$500,000 13. Executed by: World Bank Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 16. Grant Components Implementation of phase II of the project. 19. Status Grant is with the Government for signature. 20. Impact Improved health status and services in Kazakhstan..08/24/2000 03:16:57 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Papua New Guinea 2. Project Name: Highlands Highway Rehabilitation Project 5. Grant Amount: US$700,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultant's Services $643,000 Project Management Costs $57,000 Assist in the preparation of the Highlands Highway Rehabilitation Project (HHRP) by carrying out: (1) engineering studies for its rehabilitation or realignment; (2) institutional study including recommendations for effective financial and technical administration, and (3) evaluation of the environmental and social impacts of the proposed rehabilitation on the Highlands Region. 19. Status The SRFP was released to the short listed consultants in June 1999. Completed RFPs were to be received in September 1999 but this RFP was canceled by DoWI and a revised RFP was reissued in December 1999 with a closing date in February 2000. On Bank's request an addendum was issued to the short listed firms and the deadline for submittal of proposals was extended to March 27, 2000. The report submitted by DoWI for evaluation of technical proposals was finally cleared by the Bank in June 2000. The financial proposals were opened on July 11, 2000 and the Bank has not yet cleared the report on evaluation of the financial proposals. It is expected that this report will be cleared in early September 2000, a contract signed with the successful consultants by late September 2000 and consulting services would commence in October 2000. The studies are expected to be completed by end of December 2001. 20. Impact The preparation of the HHRP has suffered long delays and the expected presentation of the proposed loan to the Board in FY 2001 is not possible and will be delayed to end of FY2002. Also, the closing date of this PHRD grant has to be extended from October 31, 2001 to March 31, 2002 to ensure that the studies will be completed..08/24/2000 04:11:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Macedonia - Former Yugoslav Republic Of 2. Project Name: Second Financial And Enterprise Sector Adjustment Loan (Fesal 2) 5. Grant Amount: $200,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The activities for which the grant is given are as follows: (i) to assess and analyze the restructuring and privatization of 25 large and politically sensitive enterprises and the privatization and downsizing of commercial banks, (ii) to formulate and design the second phase of post privatization restructuring of enterprises and banks, and, for implementation of this strategic policy, implement an information campaign to attract potential business partners and investors, and (iii) to build institutional capacity and political consensus on a private sector development strategy. 19. Status The grant has been extended beyond the end of FY 2000, as project preparation went beyond the earlier envisaged timetable, mostly due to a temporary halt in Bank operations in FYR Macedonia during the period of the Kosovo crisis. Although the proposed FESAL II project was slightly revised and updated post-Kosovo in light of the changing situation and emerging new developments, the major reform priorities and project components have not changed. In FY2000, the grant was used to finance consultants to work on the resolution of large loss-making enterprises and on improvement of the regime for foreign direct investment, specifically overhaul of existing company legislation, in cooperation with FIAS. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact The grant-financed consultant work contributed to a large extent to the project being successfully appraised in June 2000, and most of the conditions for the project to be presented to the Bank's Executive Board being satisfied by the authorities of the Borrower. Specific impact can be noted in the areas of resolution of large loss-making companies (lists of large loss-makers slated for privatization or closure have been compiled, new international best practice privatization rules have been adopted, design of a fiscal cap on budget support to loss-makers is nearing completion), and the foreign direct investment regime (follow-up of the recommendations of a major study on the FDI environment and legal framework by FIAS, an affiliate of the World Bank, specifically engineering the necessary momentum for a major overhaul of existing company.legislation)..08/24/2000 04:10:58 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria 2. Project Name: District Heating 5. Grant Amount: US$580,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the grant is to assist with preparation of a District Heating II Project. The main activities which will be funded by the grant are: (i) technical assistance to develop regulatory capacity at central and municipal levels for regulation of heat, power and gas; (ii) technical assistance to beneficiary DH enterprises to prepare financial recovery plans, put in place modern accounting systems and design management information systems that could be funded under the project; (iii) technical assistance to develop and promote energy conversation and demand-side measures to reduce energy intensity in the economy; and (iv) technical assistance for the Government's Project Preparation Unit established in the Government's Committee of Energy to prepare the project and implement the government's district heating restructuring action plan. 19. Status The grant agreement was signed in May 1999. International consultants (assisted by local consultants) were hired to advance the following activities (section 23): (i) assist newly-created State Energy Regulatory Commission (SERC) become operational; i.e. define workprogram, staffing, budget and price methodology for electricity (completed); (ii) model licenses of energy enterprises (completed); (iii) district heating strategy for financial recovery of enterprises (completed), district heating strategy to provide legal and institutional framework for proposed district heating project and guidance to local authorities and local consultants on preparing energy efficiency strategy for household heating and demand-side measures (ongoing) ; and (iv) monitoring system for energy electricity prices and financial flows. Activities that are still to be completed (and recently hired consultants) are listed in section 24. Commitments and disbursements to date are about US$300,000.00 20. Impact The grant has made a major contribution in quickly helping to create the regulatory framework for the energy sector (following the passage of the Energy and energy Efficiency Act in August 1999) and in designing and.building consensus around a financial recovery strategy for the district heating sub-sector necessary to support investments, including investments under the proposed project. The grant has proved most timely and has been vital for institution-building (providing the SERC with the means to get started) and for providing a financial framework for sustainable provision of heating in urban areas of the country..08/24/2000 04:13:04 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Eastern Indonesia Region Transport Project 5. Grant Amount: US$930,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultants' services $930,000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 19. Status Because of the delay in the procurement of the consulting services for the East Indonesia Transport Priority Analysis (EITPA) and the need to expedite preparation of the East Indonesia Region Transport Project, consulting advisory services to cover the period till December 31, 2000 (when the consultant for EITPA would be on board) were procured on sole source basis. Two contracts were signed on June 28, 2000. The consultants have commenced operations and are performing well, and the first interim report is expected to be completed by the end of August 2000. The technical and financial proposals for EITPA were received by the Directorate General of Regional Infrastructure Development on August 11, 2000. It is expected that a consultant (to the Bank's satisfaction) would be selected by the end of December 2000 and would take over from the two consultants who are undertaking the bridging services in early January 2001. 20. Impact Delay in procurement of consulting services has resulted in postponing the presentation of the EIRTP from fiscal year 2001 to 2002. Also, the closing date of the grant was extended from June 30, 1999 to December 31, 2000. However, in view of the slow progress in procurement in FY 2001, the closing date of the grant would have to be extended to December 31, 2001..08/24/2000 04:42:32 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Lesotho 2. Project Name: Lesotho Public Sector Improvement And Reform 5. Grant Amount: $330,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Vision workshops, civil service census, institutional arrangements, pension and termination options, regulatory reform plan, financial management reform plan 19. Status Signed by Government; signed by Country Director 20. Impact None yet, as grant is not effective..08/24/2000 05:11:37 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Cote D'ivoire 2. Project Name: Economic Management Training 5. Grant Amount: $2,000,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components training 19. Status Training is underway. 20. Impact Training is successful, but impact will depend on placements and utilization of skills..08/24/2000 05:14:24 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Uganda 2. Project Name: Economic Policy Management 5. Grant Amount: $2,000,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components training 19. Status training is underway 20. Impact training is successful, but impact will depend on placements and utilization of skills..08/24/2000 04:52:56 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Power & Gas Restructuring 5. Grant Amount: US$414,000 13. Executed by: Government Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 16. Grant Components The activities for which the grant is given are: (i) preparation of pre-feasibility studies to define priority investments to promote privatization of power sector enterprises; (ii) preparation of pre-feasibility studies for the rehabilitation of the gas sub-sector; (iii) preparation of pre-feasibility studies for the rehabilitation of the district heating; (iv) provision of consulting services to coordinate project preparation (establishment and operation of the Project Preparation and Implementation Unit (PPIU); and (v) provision of trining and equipment required for the preparation of the project. 19. Status The grant, initially approved by the Executive Director for Japan in 1998, was modified in 1999 to include a district heating component. The grant agreement was signed in May 1999; however, following political upheaval in Armenia, including the assasination of the Prime Minister in October 1999, the Grant Agreement was finally ratified by Parliament in March 2000. During the visit of a World Bank mission in Armenia, in June 2000, the Ministry of Energy agreed with the Bank on an action plan. Activities, especially on the district heating component, are scheduled to start in October after the Project Preparation Unit is established. There are no disbursement to date from this grant. 20. Impact It is too early to assess the impact as implementation of activities has not yet started..08/24/2000 06:27:06 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Ecuador 2. Project Name: Rural Roads 5. Grant Amount: $694,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components To assist the Government of Ecuador in providing improved road access for poor rural areas by financing the following activities: (i) elaboration of the technical specifications and engineering designs for road rehabilitation and maintenance works in rural areas; (ii) preparation of social and environmental impact studies related to the project works; (iii) review of the institutional arrangements for the management of environmental issues in the road sector; (iv) preparation of guidelines for the formation of microenterprises for road maintenance; (v) technical assistance to the local and supporting national government institutions involved in the administration of rural roads; and (vi) elaboration of cost recovery mechanisms for the rural roads sub-sector. 19. Status Grant Agreement has not been signed yet. It is expected that it will be signed within the next one month. The consultants for the required studies will be procured thereafter. 20. Impact It will be reported after the Grant is effective..08/24/2000 06:42:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Nicaragua 2. Project Name: Second Rural Municipalities Project 5. Grant Amount: US$620,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Inter-Institutional Decentralization Strategy 2. Management Capacity and Typology 3. Municipal Revenue Sources & Revenue Equalization 4. Municipal Annual Investment Plans 5. Participation, Social Assessment and Indigenous Peoples 6. Local Private Sector Providers 7. INIFOM Institutional Development 8. Assistance to AMUNIC 9. Project Preparation Unit 19. Status Since the previous Status Report, several new studies were carried out with financing from the trust fund. Several of them were geared to evaluate the on-going project, since the quality of the approach was required to proceed with a follow-up project. Specifically, evaluation of (i) participatory planning Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports activities, by Leonardo Romeo, (ii) institutional impact by Paola Perez-Aleman; (iii) economic impact by Juan Morelli; (iv) social impact, by Mary Lisbeth Gonzales; (v) cost effectiveness, by Dagoberto Rivera. A publication summarizing the above was done by Gabriela Boyer, with Pedro Belli as peer reviewer. Eileen Finucane reviewed the potential for private sector development in eco-tourism Jose' Parra is currently preparing the MARENA decentralization strategy 20. Impact Three studies were completed during the previous fiscal year (covered under the previous status report). Five new studies were completed during this fiscal year, and they were summarized in a publication of the evaluation called "Local Governments and Sustainable Rural Development". Without this evaluation, a follow-up phase would not have been possible. Now, the project concept has been fully endorsed..08/24/2000 07:47:35 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Panama 2. Project Name: Panama Rural Municipal Development 5. Grant Amount: 403,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (i) Analysis of the institutional and legal framework (ii) Design of decentralization strategy (iii) Evaluation of fiscal decentralization (iv) Project Financial & Economic Analysis and Social Assessment (v) Project preparation unit 19. Status Inactive 20. Impact N/A.08/24/2000 08:08:36 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Panama 2. Project Name: Panama - Rural Poverty And Natural Resources Project, And Nicaragua - Rural Municipalities Project 5. Grant Amount: US$281,00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Analysis to develop a methodology for measuring project impact on social capital and evaluation of on-going participatory mechanisms at the municipal and community level (b) Design of Project Management Information Systems, Information Dissemination and Communication Campaign, (c) Design of partnership mechanisms to increase collaboration and cross-fertilization between line ministries, local governments, and development agencies. 19. Status Active. The Trsut fund became active in April 2000, and no consultants have been hired as yet. A mid-term evaluation is planned to leave for Panama in October 2000 20. Impact Not yet applicable.08/25/2000 12:23:07 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: India 2. Project Name: Uttar Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project (Upwsrp) 5. Grant Amount: $ 902,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components To assist the Government of Uttar Pradesh (GoUP) to prepare the UP Water Sector Restructuring Project for Bank financing. 19. Status Not yet commissioned. GOUP has submitted a request to the GOI, Department of Economic Affairs. 20. Impact Well prepared PAD and creation of necessary capabilities in UPID.08/24/2000 11:48:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Laguna Lake Environment & Water Management 5. Grant Amount: $499,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Formulation of a comprehensive environment and watershed management strategy for Laguna de Bay and preparation of an action plan to achieve such a strategy 2. Development of a revenue mobilization strategy for Laguna de Bay including the existing effluent charge and a potential water intake charge and preparation of an action plan to achieve such a strategy 3. Development of an organization plan for LLDA which would facilitate implementation of the strategies referred to above. 19. Status On-going. Interntational Firm recruited, and the first part of the TA will be completed in January 2001. 20. Impact Significant. LLDA restructuring program supported by the TA is widely supported by most stakeholders in the watershed.08/25/2000 01:54:39 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Laguna Lake Environment And Water Management 5. Grant Amount: $99600 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Formulation of a comprehensive environment and watershed management strategy for Laguna de Bay and preparation of an action plan to achieve such a strategy 2. Development of a revenue mobilization strategy for Laguna de Bay including the existing effluent charge and a potential water intake charge and preparation of an action plan to achieve such a strategy 3. Development of an organization plan for LLDA which would facilitate implementation of the strategies referred to above. 19. Status Institutional Advisor was recruited in February 2000. He is currently providing guidance and advice to the LLDA Institutional Team and the Consultant Firm 20. Impact Significant.08/24/2000 08:22:53 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Second Social Expenditure Management Project 5. Grant Amount: 918,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Component 1: Development of a textbook provision plan, nationwide mapping of schools; teacher inventory and deployment, and a review of DECS’ scholarship program For DOH: Component 2: Recommend measures for Health financing to include health insurance and hospital reform; regulation of the pharmaceutical industry and pricing of drugs For DECS, DOH, DSWD, and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM): Component 3: Developing baseline information on quantities and distribution of key inputs within the departments 19. Status The grant is now effective and an identification mission has just been completed for the health component with the help of a health finance expert and a pharmacoeconomist. Total disbursement for the Health Mission is expected to be about $30,000. Preparations are underway to undertake missions for Components 1 and 3. 20. Impact Discussions are still ongoing within government as to what they will propose to be the final coverage areas of the project. It is too early for the project to Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports have any real impact as yet..08/25/2000 09:50:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Local Initiatives Project 5. Grant Amount: 2,000,000 US$ 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Provision of Microcredit Loan funds to NGO Microcredit Service Providers (MCSPs) financed under the project in the Federation BH (Federation) and Republika Srpska (RS). 2. Provision of Management Fees (operating costs) for NGO MCSPs financed under the project in Republika Srpska. 3. Project management - Operating costs for the Local Initiatives Department (LID) of the Republika Srpska Employment and Training Foundation (RETF). 19. Status The closing date for TF024768 was December 31, 1999, by which date all grant proceeds were fully disbursed. The Grant Agreement was extended once from December 31, 1998 to December 31, 1999. Such an extension was necessary to allow the Microcredit Service Providers sufficient time to develop the institutional capacity required to carry out microfinance operations on a long-term sustainable basis. 20. Impact By providing financing under the above mentioned components, the Japan PHRD Grant has contributed to the achievement of the following overall results (as of June 30, 2000): - 50,261 microcredits have been disbursed (30,372 in the Federation and 19,889 in the RS) for a total value of KM 148.3 million. Average loan size disbursed - KM 2,952; - 19,361 current microenterprise clients with a total outstanding portfolio of KM 38.6 million; - 64,853 jobs created or sustained at a cost of 2,288 KM per job created or sustained; - Repayment rates are very high, with only 0.66% of the overall outstanding portfolio at risk (over 30 days past due); - 21% of loans have been disbursed to displaced persons and 5% to returnees; - 49% of borrowers are women; - 34% of loans disbursed are for services, 45% for trade, 13% for agriculture and 8% for small-scale production; - All 8 MCSPs have reached operational sustainability and are expected to.become fully financially sustainable by the end of 2000; - Recently adopted Law on Microcredit Organizations (MCOs) will provide an appropriate legal framework for current operations of these non-governmental, non-profit, non-deposit, credit-only institutions. Registration of MCOs, in accordance with the new law, is currently ongoing in the Federation and is expected to start in the RS by the end of 2000. Grant proceeds have been allocated and disbursed to the following MCOs: Category 1 - Microcredit Loan Funds 1a - Federation BH (700,000 US$) AMK, Posusje - 165,932 US$ BOSPO, Tuzla - 83,489 US$ Sunrise, Sarajevo - 387,561 US$ MC/SEA, Tuzla - 63,018 US$ 1b - Republika Srpska (1,000,932 US$) Benefit, Lukavica - 294,709 US$ Microfin, Banja Luka - 193,105 US$ Sinergija, Banja Luka - 513,118 US$ Category 2 - Management Fees 2b - Republika Srpska (299,068 US$) Benefit, Lukavica - 65,185 US$ Microfin, Banja Luka - 94,927 US$ Pliva,Sipovo - 8,550 US$ Sinergija, Banja Luka - 105,885 US$ Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports World Vision, Doboj - 24,521 US$.08/25/2000 11:31:35 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Local Initiatives Project Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$ 193,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Assist the Federation and Republika Srpska Local Initiatives Departments with the preparation of the project through the provision of technical assistance in designing the appropriate institutional, financial and legal arrangements for project implementation. 19. Status Ongoing. An identification mission was carried out by the World Bank mission from July 10-21, 2000. This mission included Ruth Goodwin, a microfinance expert, financed by the PHRD Grant. The mission was conducted in a participatory manner involving all stakeholders. Ms. Goodwin was responsible for facilitating two all day workshops with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and with the Local Initiative Project (LIP) staff from both entities; and met individually with appropriate government officials in both entities, the major donors to the sector, business development service providers and local experts. She also facilitated a full stakeholder workshop at which the team’s preliminary findings and conclusions were discussed and general agreement was reached among all stakeholders. 20. Impact The project identification process focused on the following four areas identified by Microfinance Institutions as the main barriers to the development of a strong microfinance and micro and small enterprise sector: 1. Financing of MFIs -- to ensure sustainable financing of micro and small enterprises 2. Capacity Building for MFIs 3. Legal and Regulatory Framework for MFIs 4. Business Environment for micro and small entrepreneurs, including availability of Business Development Services The findings and recommendations from the mission are currently being written up into a report on the microfinance sector in BiH and future role of the World Bank. This report will provide input into the design of the project. Currently itis envisaged that the LIP II will focus on:.· market-driven financing of MFIs, and · further development of the legal and regulatory framework for MFIs to include finance companies, savings and credit associations, and microfinance banks. The overall project goal would be to support a larger range of financial products to more low-income clients as originally proposed in the PHRD grant application. The remaining consultants to be financed out of the grant will be hired during the next two months..08/25/2000 10:59:14 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Urban Water Sector Loan 5. Grant Amount: $910,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Development of detailed technical, financial and economic criteria for the evaluation of investment proposals of water utilities during the implementation of the project; and (b) development of the phased sectoral reform program, covering institutional and regulatory issues, financing (including private sector participation), capacity building, environmental and social aspects, and performance indicators to monitor and evaluate project progress. 19. Status The Grant Agreement was just signed in June 2000. 20. Impact None yet..08/25/2000 11:26:05 AM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Zhejiang Urban Environment Project 5. Grant Amount: US$500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Review of feasibility studies and project designs; (b) assistance with the preparation of project implementation and management plans; (c) identification of industrial pollution roblems and development of pollution control management and monitoring plans; (d) development of utility institutional reform action plans; (e) preparation of detailed financial and economic analyses, financial forecasts for each project utility, and financial plan for the project; and (f) development of environmental assessments and resettlement action plans. 19. Status The Grant Agreement is not yet signed. 20. Impact None yet.08/25/2000 11:15:01 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Costa Rica 2. Project Name: Ecomarkets Project 5. Grant Amount: US$500,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Grant components are: (a) design of a technical assistance program to create monitoring, information and dissemination mechanisms on the status of protected areas and forests; (b) design of a technical assistance program for conflict resolution in disputes involving environmental conservation and to enhance private sector participation in environmental conservation; and (c) design of a financial mechanism to assist the Borrower meet its financial obligations for private investments in environment conservation. The Grant is financing: (i) consultant services; (ii) training; and (iii) office equipment required for the Activities. 19. Status The Ecomarkets Project was approved by the Board of Directors of the World Bank on June 6, 2000. The project is currently being debated in the Costa Rican National Assembly and is pending approval to become fully effective. Nonetheless, in December 1999, the Global Environment Facility Secretariat requested that one project component be removed from the project. That component has evolved into a free-standing project (Facility for Renewable Energy Resources, or FRER) which is nearing project appraisal. One of the grant components -- design of a technical assistance program for conflict resolution in disputes involving environmental conservation and to enhance private sector participation in environmental conservation -- falls within the scope of the FRER Project rather than within the scope of the Ecomarkets Project. As such, the PHRD resources are assisting to prepare two related projects relating to forest conservation rather than one, given that the PHRD grant components cross over the two projects The FRER project, which will be financed in part by the Prototype Carbon Fund, is expected to be appraised in November 2000 and presented for approval to the Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean in December 2000..20. Impact The PHRD has had a significant impact in preparing the first IBRD loan project in the environmental/natural resources sector in Costa Rican in more than a decade..08/25/2000 12:44:49 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Aden Urban Development Program 5. Grant Amount: $364,000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant would be used to finance the services of international and local consultants for the preparation of the proposed project under the guidance of a joint Government/Municipalities/Private Sector task force. The components include: (a) development of an overall development plan for the city of Aden; (b) institutional capacity building; and (c) infrastructure development and improvement (water, drainage, roads, solid waste, etc.) 19. Status TOR for the grant are being prepared. Contract expected to be processed before end of calendar year. 20. Impact Too early to determine.08/25/2000 12:23:25 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Thailand Natural Resources Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $540,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Irrigation Management Modernization (ii) Chao Phraya Basin Organization (iii) Groundwater Management 19. Status The work on all components is expected to be completed by end of September, 2000. 20. Impact The grant is funding preparation work for the NRMP, which is scheduled to go to the Bank's Board in the first half of FY02..08/25/2000 12:28:54 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Ukraine 2. Project Name: Ukraine Export Development 5. Grant Amount: 2 500 000,00USD 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The PHRD Grant was designed to finance a Twinning Agreement between the Japanese Eximbank and the Eximbank of Ukraine.Within the framework of the twinning agreement,Jeximbank was supposed to provide its own experts, outside consultants and general guidance to the Ukrainian Eximbank in its institution building and MIS creation process. 19. Status The twinning agreement had a term of 24 months after the date of effectiveness and was finished as of February 11,1999.However, Eximbank received permission from Jeximbank to use the undisbursed balance for the development of their Management Information System in the Treasury Department in the year of 2000.The grant now still has an undisbursed balance of 106,803.040 USD as of July 31 2000.It is expected that all current work will be completed by the consultants by the end of September 2000. Eximbank of Ukraine will then sign the acceptance of the latest progress report and the grant agreement will then formally be closed. 20. Impact The implementation of the Grant has had a very positive impact on the institutional development of the Ukrainian Eximbank.The bank has established a Treasury Risk Management System(TMIS) with the help of the Grant.This system includes an operating system that is used to centralize market risks and apply required capital to risk assets.It also includes methodological suggestions for managing the bank's balance sheet and algorythms for pricing different risks..08/25/2000 11:35:17 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Mozambique 2. Project Name: Mineral Resources Management Capacity Building 5. Grant Amount: $375,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Legal reform: improve the regulatory framework of the sector in order to establish an enabling environment to attract foreign direct Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports investment in mining, which would ensure a real and sustainable contribution to economic growth, and integrate small-scale mining into the formal economy, which would contribute to increase employment and reduce poverty in rural areas. Outputs of this component would include an updated mining law and its revised regulations (including the preparation of application decrees for health and safety in mining, to be financed by other bilateral donors), and a model agreement for investments in natural resources. (b) Environmental Management and Information System: (i) assess present respective roles and capabilities of the Mineral Resources and Environmental ministries and make recommendations on necessary actions and needed improvements to establish satisfactory institutional arrangements and capabilities within the two ministries; (ii) make specific recommendations regarding procedures and guidelines for the preparation of environmental impact studies in mining (including the definition of content and procedures for the mining environmental management plan), baseline studies and audits; and (iii) design a GIS-based data bank for the management of environmental data related to mining. Outputs of this component would include an action plan to improve MIREME’s capacity for monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations (in coordination with the Ministry of Environment), to be implemented by the proposed Bank project, specific guidelines for the preparation and evaluation of audits, baseline studies and environmental impact studies in mining, and the design of the GIS data bank whose implementation would also be funded by the proposed Bank project. (c) Minerals Information System (MIS) and Mining Cadastre: (i) examine presently available information and take the adequate measures to preserve it or recuperate it; (ii) design a geoscientific and geological data system, including the compilation, treatment, and updating of geological information, and its integration into a proper computerized MIS database; and (iii) assist the government in improving the mining titles registry and management system (cadastre) including improving criteria and non.discretionary procedures for the granting and foreclosing of mining rights, and designing and establishing proper computer based cadastre and mine reporting systems. Outputs of this component would include the design of the MIS database and of the Cadastre, to be funded under the proposed Bank project, the complete assessment of all geo-scientific information available on Mozambique and an action plan for its compilation and treatment under the MIS database. This would include the assessment of the institutional capabilities needed to implement the action program and the required measures to implement it. (d) Artizanal mining baseline survey: conduct technical, environmental and socio-economic baseline studies in selected mining areas with intense concentration of artizanal activities as a basis for development of methodology and capacity to integrate artizanal miners in the formal economy, promote the sustainable development of the activity, and to assess and monitor social, cultural and economic impacts of mining on local communities. 19. Status (a) Legal reform: The international consultant for this assignment has been selected (Prof. Jim Otto, from the Colorado School of Mines) and his counterpart team has been created. A first workshop was held on Mozambique in July and a first draft of the mining law will be submitted for discussion soon. (b) Environmental Management and Information System: The international consultant selected for this assignment (Meredith Sasson) has made her first trip to Mozambique in April and is on the process of preparing draft environmental regulations for mining and an institutional capacity building program for mining environmental management systems. The counterpart team is operational. (c) Minerals Information System (MIS) and Mining Cadastre: The international consultants selected for this assignment (Enrique Ortega and Claude Ginet) have made their first trip to Mozambique on March and both have produced interim reports. A second mission is expected in November. (d) Artizanal mining baseline survey: All the consultants have been Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports selected and the first part of the baseline study has been completed. The second phase is scheduled for September. 20. Impact Activities funded under the Grant are helping the Government of Mozambique to address the most urgent needs in terms of improving the regulatory framework for mining and strengthening the capacity of public mining agencies to manage the sector on a sustainable way. The Grant is expected to lay the basis upon which the proposed TA Project will build upon to modernize the Mozambican institutions..08/25/2000 01:25:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Child Development Project 5. Grant Amount: TF025331- $345,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant supports the following activities: (i) technical assistance for designing project's scope and components; estimate costs; assess financial sustainability of the proposed interventions; and help prepare project/ financial management set-ups; (ii) study tours for government counterparts as part of a process to enhance their knowledge on project relevant activities. 19. Status Most of the activities have been completed including (i) international, regional, and local consultancies on district health systems, community schools, nutrition, textbooks production and distribution, oral rehydration therapy, economic analysis, donor's support, early childhood development, social assessment, financial management systems set-up, and (ii) study tours to Sudan, Oman, and Egypt for key government staff in the areas of teacher training, community nutrition and community schooling - all relevant to the project's objectives. 20. Impact The Grant has been extremely useful in identifying issues, exploring strategic approaches, assessing the project context and feasibility, developing project and financial management systems, bringing the major partners and the government counterparts together for discussions on policy reform and project design..08/25/2000 12:58:33 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Urban Management For San'a And Taiz 5. Grant Amount: $550,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The activities for which the grant is given is: (a) Development of terms of reference and bidding documents for the preparation of the necessary urban planning instruments; (b) preparation of feasibility studies and engineering designs for physical investments for both the infrastructure improvements and flood protection;(c) preparation of feasibility studies, including environmental assessment for the waste disposal treatement plans. A workshop presenting the studies will also be held. 19. Status A consulting contract was awarded to Washington Testing & Consulting Services for preparing a diagnostic study for urban strategies for San'a and Taiz. The draft of the first phase of the study has been received and approved. The draft of the second phase has been received but not yet approved. 20. Impact The technical assistance fo the City Development Strategy being financed by the PHRD grant will guide urban development and investment strategies, identify key capital investment priorities, and recommend the financing and institutional options for improving eh institutional capacity of San'a and Taiz city administration to implement the strategy. This will be the centerpiece of the Urban Management Project for San'a and Taiz.08/25/2000 12:24:35 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama 2. Project Name: Gender Capacity Building In Central America 5. Grant Amount: 339,800 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grants is to assist in the capacity building of government agencies in Central America to mainstream gender in the human development, social protection, infrastructure and urban development, public sector modernization, and rural development operations, by (a) improving the quality of publicly-funded services and programs in the Participating Countries so that they can take into account gender roles and respond to gender differentiated needs; (b) improving the quality of the Participating Countries' governmental agencies to deliver services and programs that take into account gender roles and respond to gender differentiated needs; and (c) identifying institutional constraints to applying gender in the delivery of publicly financed services and programs, and designing strategies and actions overcoming these constraints. 19. Status Letter of Agreements have been signed in April and grant was activated in May, 2000. With interim budget, a three day workshop was organized in Antigua, Guatemala in November 1999. During the workshop, highly specialized experts on health, education, agriculture, poverty and local development were trained as gender consultants for eventual technical support in World Bank projects. 20. Impact Impact of grant will be compiled once local gender specialists are providing technical assistance for World Bank projects..08/25/2000 01:53:31 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Power & Gas Restructuring 5. Grant Amount: US$600,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Grant components are: (i) provision of technical assistance for privatization of the power industry, efficient functioning and orderly evolution of the power market (i.e. market studies, development of market rules, formulation of strategies to address environmental and labor constraints to privatization, development of social mitigation strategies, elaboration of public information campaigns and financial analysis); (ii) identification of priority investments and possibly guarantees in support of development of a competitive power market and privatization (pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, development of tariff methodology, design of contracts and guarantee agreements); (iii) development of the gas industry structure, legal and regulatory framework and capacity building in regulatory institutions (i.e. definition of market structure, accounting requirements, legal and regulatory reform); (iv) identification of priority investments for the rehabilitation of gas transmission and distribution network to support restructuring and privatization (i.e. pre-feasibility and feasibility studies); and (v) provision of technical assistance for the preparationn of the Power and Gas Restructuring Project. 19. Status The grant was signed on November 3, 1998. A consulting Firm, Fichtner GmbH& Co., was contracted (QCBS method) in June 1999 to prepare a feasibility study on electricity on rehabilitation and upgrade of system dispatch, communications and metering. The study has been completed. A consultant was also hired to prepare detailed financial analysis of the proposed project beneficiaries and the work has been completed. A consulting firm was hired in July 2000 to prepare the Environmental Monitoring Plan. The closing date of the grant has been extended from June 30, 2000 to March 31, 2001 to enable completion of remaining activities. Disbursements to date are US$427,621.43 20. Impact The grant is instrumental for preparing the Electricity Market Support Project, whose objectives are to advance georgia's energy reform program, privatization of energy industry and rehabilitation of the energy physical infrastructure...08/25/2000 01:39:10 PM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Slovak Republic 2. Project Name: Health Sector Modernization Project 5. Grant Amount: 509,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) analysis of legal and regulatory framework, which is estimated to cost US$ 48,000 equivalent; (b) provision of technical assistance to promote health insurance and financing reform through: (i) design of a compulsory, publicly insured benefits package; and (ii) design of non-reimbursable co-payments; which is estimated to cost US$ 89,500 equivalent; (c) restructuring of health services delivery and provider payment through: (i) design of a new formula for reimbursement of hospitals retaining aggregate caps, and shifting to output based payments; (ii) design of an autonomous organizational form for independence of hospitals; (iii) design of a training program for hospital managers. The above activities are estimated to cost US$ 134,000 equivalent; (d) modernization of health information systems, which is estimated to cost US$ 41,000 equivalent; (e) stakeholder analysis, political mapping and social marketing, which is estimated to cost US$ 34,000 equivalent; (f) economic and financial analysis, which is estimated to cost US$ 20,500 equivalent; and (g) establishment of the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) through staffing, provision of equipment and supplies necessary for Project preparation, training of the PCU staff in the Bank procedures on procurement and implementation, and works on the establishment of a sound project financial management system, which is estimated to cost US$142,400 equivalent. 19. Status The implementation of the Japanese Grant is at a very early stage yet. (hence the inapplicability of evaluating the achievement of objectives.) It took a long time to put all the administrative and institutional settings into place, which is partly due to the fact that Slovakia is a relatively new client..Until end of May 2000, the implementation of the Grant was highly satisfactory: (i) a PCU has been established with a nominated Director (Dr. Stefan Korec) and with two specialists; (ii) a special account has been opened in a commercial bank, where the first proceeds of the Grant has been transferred; (iii) the PCU has been equipped with computers and other office supply and the first TORs have been prepared (hospital autonomy, restructuring of debts accumulated by the health system, MIS). In addition a member of the PCU participated in a 2 week training on National Health Accounts in the US, which was conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health. 20. Impact Not yet applicable..08/25/2000 03:04:49 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Power & Gas Restructuring 5. Grant Amount: US$186,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the grant is to assist with preparation of a Power & Gas Restructuring Project proposed for Bank financing. The activities which will be supported by the Bank-executed part of the grant are: (i) provision of consultant's services and training to assist in the restructuring and privatization of the power sector including preparation of the regulatory framework and secondary legislation; and (ii) provision of consultants' services and training to assist in the restructuring and privatization of the gas and heat supply sub-sectors, including preparation of the regulatory framework and secondary legislation. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 19. Status The grant agreement was signed in May 1999; however, following political upheaval in Armenia, including the assassination of the Prime Minister in October 1999, the Grant Agreement was finally ratified by the Armenian Parliament in March 2000. The following international firms were contracted during the year: (i) ERM Energy of United Kingdom was contracted on a sole-source basis in February 2000 to help define the power market structure to support privatization. The main tasks were: (a) assess potential for competition in power generation to meet domestic electricity demand, (b) appraise Energy Regulatory Commission's stated approach to market structuring and development of market rules, (c) review and comment on proposed "Grid Code" and comment on applicability of participation in "Association of Energy Market Participants, (d) Advise Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on key principles to be incorporated in contracts needed to support adopted market structure, (e) prepare workplan to put in place market rules, (f) assist Energy Commission allocate responsibility for preparation of key elements of market rules to donor-funded consultants, (g) supervise quality of workplan/consultant outputs; (ii) Economic Consulting Associates Ltd. of United Kingdom, was contracted on a sole source basis in August 2000 to help the Energy Regulatory Commission of Armenia (ERC) and other energy sector authorities to: (a) bring the technical norms and standards applicable to the electricity, gas and district heating supply enterprises into conformance with primary legislation adopted over the few years (including the Energy Law, Civil Code, and Standardization Law); and.(b) prepare an action plan aimed at bringing State technical policy in line with international best practices to support an efficient, competitive and private-sector led energy sector, while ensuring safety and environmental protection. The firm Economic Consulting Associates Ltd. has subcontracted a local Armenian firm SISINTEC to assist with the tasks and this will enable local capacity building. An individual local consultant was also hired in October 1999 to perform implementation of survey on consumer satisfaction focused on electricity consumption and household water supply. Commitments and Disbursements to date are US$146,000. 20. Impact The institutional framework and rules to put in place a competitive electricity market have been defined and broadly accepted by the Government and Energy Regulatory Commission. The first phase of implementation is expected to begin by November-December 2000. Other elements of the PHRD-funded program are just beginning and it is too early to assess their impact. However, the proposed work program will be instrumental in designing the technical scope and policy and regulatory framework of the proposed project..08/25/2000 11:45:20 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Bolivia 2. Project Name: Bolivia Decentralization Apc - Formerly Municipal Development Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$830,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objective of the Grant, as expressed in the Letter of Agreement, is to assist the Government of Bolivia in the preparation of a municipal development/decentralization project (originally, this was the proposed Second Municipal Development Project, now named Decentralization Adaptable program Credit) through technical assistance in the following areas: (i) municipal capacity-building (financial and institutional); (ii) municipal borrowing for infrastructure development and rehabilitation, including private sector participation; (iii) dissemination of sector documentation/stakeholder participation. In order to provide assistance in the above areas, the Grant is structured around three broad components: Component 1- Capacity-building for Infrastructure Development (US$ 410,000) Includes various lines of action to support municipalities in the identification of projects and in the preparation of feasibility and other required studies Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports targeted to infrastructure development towards improved municipal services. Funds assigned to this component have been committed in full and disbursements against existing contracts are on schedule. Component 2 - Municipal Institutional Development (US$ 190,000) Targets municipal financial management, local government fiscal discipline, institutional development for strategic municipal planning and improved service delivery. Indirectly, the component also aims to advance accountability and democratic local government development. While the country's ten largest municipalities are the primary benificiaries of this component, medium-sized cities are expected to benefit as well. Funds assigned to this component are nearing full disbursement. Component 3 - Targeted Studies and Diagnostics (US$ 230,000) This component has financed - and is continuing to do so - a number of essential analytical inputs to the proposed Decentralization APC, above all in the following areas: (i) municipal fiscal rationalization in the country's departmental capitals; (ii) the role of prefectures as the middle tier of government; (iii) alternative approaches to the determination of municipal.indebtedness capacity. Here too, earmarked funds were almost fully disbursed. As indicated, all three components are nearing closure. A request for a six-month extension was submitted in order to ensure the execution of the Grant's final activities (the available balance is approximately US$ 81,000). 19. Status The Grant is still open. The current closing date is set at August 31st, 2000. The project team has already submitted a request for extension until the end of the CY (i.e., until December 31st 2000). The request for extension is consistent with the new project Board date, which is being set at mid-December 2000. As indicated above, approximately US$81,000 remain to be committed, (see table uinder section 24 below for a partial list of expected new contracts). Also, please note the changes in task management responsibility reported in the introductory section (Fernando Rojas is now the TM). 20. Impact Because the Grant's primary objective was/is to ensure an adequate preparation of the Decentralization APC, its true overall impact will be measured as a function of the project's future implementation. Nonetheless, some important interim results have already been obtained. Two, above all: First, through the implementation of Grant Component 1 (see above), the prospective project will be able to target well-appraised sub-projects in various large and medium-sized municipalities; both the quality at entry and the expected sustainability of these sub-projects are considerably greater now than they would have been had the Grant not been available to finance feasibility studies and other technical assistance in beneficiary municipalities. Second, the PHRD allowed the completion of ten municipal dignostics, containing the most detailed - and, arguably, the most accurate - analysis of debt structure, deficit and financial management quality in each one of the country's departmental capitals. These diagnostics - ten in total - constitute a crucial input to project preparation, because municipal fiscal rationalization is the entry-point of this proposed APC, the first link in the chain of activities through which the Bank hopes to maximize its development impact on Bolivia's decentralization reform..08/25/2000 05:24:57 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Urban Transport And Air Quality Management Project 5. Grant Amount: US$571,650 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Studies for the formulation of the Air Quality Project II 19. Status Grant resources continue to be utilized in the formulation of the actions and priority interventions that would make part of the air quality management plan and therefore the likely activities to e funded under a project. 20. Impact The Grant resources are being used to finance the formulation of a 10 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports year, multi-sector plan and therefore its impact is likely to trascend one given intervention or project..08/27/2000 01:34:43 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Water Conservation Project 5. Grant Amount: USD600,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist the Recipient in the preparation of a proposed Water Conservation Project, which has as main objective to increase irrigation efficiencies. Based on the Agreement of this Grant, the components or activities are as follows: (a) preparation of surface irrigation and drainage system plans and designs; (b) development of computerized operation models; (c) development of computerized surface water and groundwater models; (d) preparation of the financing, disbursement, and procurement plans, the environmental and social assessments of the Project, and the Project Implementation Plan; development of a prototype computerized management information system for project management and of performance monitoring indicators; (e) development of the procedural, legal, and organizational plans and requirements for the establishment and strengthening of sustainable operation and maintenance operations, and establishment of Project Management Offices; (f) carrying out of study tours for selected government technical and administrative personnel on modern technology and improved design of irrigation and drainage systems, on operation and maintenance of said systems, on institutional development of water users’ organizations; and (g) provision of computer equipment necessary for the preparation of the Project. 19. Status The Grant Agreement was signed on January 25, 1999, and the closing date indicated in the Agreement was April 30, 2000. The Government requested the Bank to extend the closing date to October 31, 2000 in the letter dated March 29, 2000. The Bank approved the extension and confirmed the new closing date as October 31, 2000 in the reply dated April 26, 2000. During the FY2000 (actual period: 09/99 - 06/00), the Grant was used to finance the consulting services for (a) preparation of Feasibility Study Report and PIP report including all the technical aspects and financing, disbursement, and procurement plans, the environmental and social assessments of the Project (US$122,950); (b) special studies including review of National Irrigated Agricultural Water Saving Program, water balance analysis, surface irrigation systems, monitoring and evaluation, and management information systems (US$128,180); and (c) groundwater management plan of Guantao County, Hebei Province (US$25,000). The total disbursement for FY2000 (actual period: 09/99 -.06/00) was US$276,130. Based on the financial and accounting report from Central Project Management Office, as of June 2000, the accumulated total disbursement was US$530,000, accounting for 88% of the total Grant (US$600,000) 20. Impact With the help of the consulting services financed by the Grant, the project met the Bank's appraisal requirements and will be ready for project implementation after due attention to the recommendations included in the Aide Memoire of the Project Appraisal Mission in May, 2000..08/28/2000 07:03:01 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Tunisia 2. Project Name: Agriculture Support Services 5. Grant Amount: $485,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Agricultural research and extension: typology of users, prioriitization and cost sharing review Private sector and farmer organizations: action plan for service transfer and for strengthening farmer organizations Public services: review of support needs Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Human resource development: plan for training Support studies, seminars and participatory workshops 19. Status The bulk of the identification work is carried out under a contract with a consulting consortium CNEA. There have been signiicant delays in implementation, due to the need to keep ownership of each stage of the study through participatory and review processes. The final report is expected in August/September 2000. 20. Impact Technical quality is acceptable, and the level of Tunisian ownership is good. It is expected that a PCD can be finalized on the basis of the CNEA report, and full preparation begin in October 2000..08/28/2000 07:26:13 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Sana'a Basin Water Management Project 5. Grant Amount: US $ 400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Institutional Study US $ 25,000 Economic analysis US $ 20,000 Environmental Impact Assessment US $ 55,000 19. Status The appointment of the Project Preparation Team Leader is expected shortly, following which implemntation of the grant will begin 20. Impact Not yet.08/28/2000 07:35:58 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Sana'a Basin Water Management Project 5. Grant Amount: US $ 400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Rapid Rural Appraisal est US $ 130,000 Studies related to supply management, inlcuding satellite sensing of cropping patterns, testing of aquifer recharge, and underground water storage est US $ 170,000 Detailed preparation of Sana'a Basin Integrated Participatory Groundwater Management, irrugation, as well as water supply and sanitatioin improvement est. US $ 170,000 19. Status Considerable delays in appoointing the preparation team mean that the Grant is not yet disbursing. 20. Impact Not yet.08/28/2000 10:04:54 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Brazil 2. Project Name: Ceará Basic Education Project 5. Grant Amount: 280,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The funds of the proposed technical assistance are being used to undertake studies and provide technical assistance in the following areas: (i) Acceleration courses; (ii) Early Childhood Development; (iii) Teachers training and development; (iv) Participatory Assessment; and (v) Economic evaluation. 19. Status In implementing this grant, the Government of Ceará has focused its efforts in developing an evaluation system of its educational policies to ensure the successful implementation and monitoring of the Basic Education Quality Project. It has also carried out an assessment of existing teacher training programs to develop a strategy to improve the quality of teachers and other education staff and it has hired technical assistance to train management level staff. The following are the specific activities financed by the grant during the last year: (a) assessment of students and communities for the establishment of accelerated education activities to correct age-grade Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports distortion in targeted schools, and training of basic education teachers in accelerated methodologies at both state and municipal levels; (b) establishment of a baseline study to support project monitoring and implementation; (c) development of TORs for the design of a staff development program to the teams involved in the implementation of the project. The TORs reflect the skills gaps identified in the Institutional Analysis and the institutional strengthening development component of the project. (d) The participatory design of a new model of school to be adopted by the project ("school for the new millennium") with the participation of the technicians and managers of the central, regional, and municipal levels as well as the principals of schools who will be involved in project implementation; and (e) training of staff members of the central and regional level, the 700 school principals, and a representation of the Secretariats of Education at the Municipal level. 20. Impact The activities carried out so far have focused on taking stock of the education policies and generating consensus to carry on the government's policies...08/28/2000 12:09:06 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Education Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: $245,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components An assessment of social needs of the targeted beneficiaries Project design work on the following : - education management including identification of cost recovery approaches and MIS system - textbooks - institutional developm - procurement and procurement training for donor procurement procedures - financial management and financial management training for donor procurement procedures - study tours for education officials - provision of equipment for the project preparation team - employment of auditors to carry out the audit of the Grant account 19. Status The Grant has been succesfully implemented and closed. 20. Impact The Grant has been a very important factor in the - so far - successful implementation of the project. The Education Reform Project is the first WB financed Education Project , and there was very little knowlege about the education sector. The Grant gave possibilities to create a sufficient knowledge base and understanding of the challenges during Project Preapration..08/28/2000 12:11:22 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Colombia 2. Project Name: National Roads Project 5. Grant Amount: US$850,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components As reported in previous status reports, the initial project (National Roads), was split into two operations: (a) Low Income Regional Transport Project, a project for improving communications and lower transport costs in the Mompox Region in order to support sustainable social and economic development in that region and reduce poverty levels, and (b) Buenaventura-Bogota Road Export Corridor Project, a project of upgrading the reliability of transport infrastructure and services along a key strategic transport corridor of Colombia. The components to be financed under the grant remain the same, as follows: (i) Study on toll road collection and specifications (ii) Environmental and social assessment of the Bogota-Buenaventura Corridor Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports (iii) Road safety technical assistance and audit for the Buenaventura-Bogota Corridor (iv) Review of designs and operation standards for the Buenaventura-Bogota Corridor (v) Review of engineering structures for Buenaventura-Bogota Corridor (vi) Social assessment study for the Low Income Regional Transport Project (vii) Economic/demand evaluation for the Low Income Regional Transport Project (viii) Infrastructure design for the Low Income Regional Transport Project (ix) Institutional/environmental management study for the Low Income Regional Transport Project 19. Status During the last six months, INVIAS (the executing institution) has awarded only one more contract, the one for the environmental assessment of the Bogota-Buenaventura Road Export Corridor Project. Before then another contract had been finalized: the one related to the study on toll road collection and specifications. Several other studies--Economic Analysis of the Low Income Regional Transport Project, Social Assessment of this same project, Road Safety Technical Assistance and Audit, and a study on Operations of Toll Roads (to complement the completed study on toll collection)--are well underway (with complete terms of reference and short.lists) and their awarding is expected during the next four months. The reason for further delays in the implementation of the studies is explained below. The Social Assessment of the Low Income Regional Transport Project is being undertaken in two phases as additional resources were secured from the Social Compact, allowing in this manner to have a more encompassing and thorough analysis of a project that is located in a region with difficult social conflicts and a need for extensive consultations and community participation. The first phase of the study was completed in June 2000. On the basis of that first phase, the terms of reference and contract for the second phase--to be funded with the grant resources--are being finalized. This second phase is expected to start in September 2000. The unsatisfactory ratings given to both "implementation progress" and "procurement" are based exclusively on the delays in selecting and hiring the consultants. In line with the revised schedule, an extension of the current grant closing date (December 31, 2000) will be needed. 20. Impact The Low Income Regional Transport Project aims at reducing poverty reduction and spurring local development through the provision of a will-integrated regional transport system than can support local development projects and rural productive activities and promote peace. The Bogota-Buenaventura Road Export Corridor Project aims at improving infrastructure services along a key strategic corridor in Colombia in order to lower transport costs and ensure reliable transport services that can help achieve greater and more sustainable rates of economic growth in the country..08/28/2000 12:24:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Bolivia 2. Project Name: San Jose-Pto. Suarez Highway Corridor Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US$1,635,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant would finance the following activities related to the preparation of the San Jose-Puerto Suarez Road Corridor Development Project: (a) environmental management, social development and resettlement analysis studies; (b) calculation of economic performance of the project; and (c) elaboration of engineering designs and technical specifications of the project. 19. Status Grant Agreement is not yet signed. Terms of reference for the elaboration of engineering designs and technical specifications have been prepared. 20. Impact The project will help reduce transport costs along the corridor and, with the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports proper environmental management actions and social/community development initiatives, support both the economic development of the Easternmost region of Bolivia, and the reduction of poverty in this region and in the country as a whole..08/28/2000 12:35:11 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Second Poverty Alleviation Project 5. Grant Amount: $250,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Provision of technical assistance for strengthening the ongoing micro projects program relating to community participation. The provision of technical assistance for engineering work under the micro projects program The provision of technical assistance for institutional development, and procurement for TASIF The provision of technical assistance for monitoring and evaluation for TASIF The provision of office equipment. The provsion of training and study tours. 19. Status The grant has been extended till February 28, 2001 in keeping with the preparation of the second Poverty Alleviation project which is expected to go the Board by early 2001. 20. Impact The grant has been critical to institutional development of TASIF and to development of the procurement procedures. The grant has been critical for inhouse training of staff by the technical advisors on issues of managment of micro projects, community participation and the preparation of the procurement procedures manual for the second project and for the inhouse training of staff in the procurement procedures in keeping with the concept of community development and community participation. The impact of the grant has been in the form of a procurement operations manual and trained staff, a micro project operations manual and trained staff, a montioring and evaluation systems and procedures for TASIF and trained staff for this purpose..08/28/2000 01:49:03 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Social Protection 5. Grant Amount: US$458,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components N/A 19. Status The grant was cancelled because the project was cancelled. No expenses were charge to the grant. 20. Impact N/A.08/28/2000 02:04:46 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Second Poverty Alleviation Project 5. Grant Amount: $250,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Technical assitance for: on going micro projects programs micro credit program financial management development MIS Monitoring and Evaluation Study tours. Office Equipment Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Audits 19. Status The closing date for the grant has been extended to February 28, 2001 in keeping with the Board date of the Second Poverty Alleviaiton Project which is scheduled for February 2001. 20. Impact The grant has been critical for the development of a strong financial managment system and micro finance program for TASIF. As a result of the grant TASIF has managed to emerge as a strong institution due to the internation techincal assistance it has recieve through out its operations and at critical junctures. Staff have received training in financial management, micro finance, community development, micro projects and monitoring and evaluation..08/28/2000 01:14:45 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kyrgyz Republic 2. Project Name: Social Sector Adjustment Credit 5. Grant Amount: US$480,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A. Social Policy; B. Pension Reform; C. Workshops, Dissemination and Study Tours 19. Status All components were completed effectively well before Board on 12/98, and no activities have been supported since. This grant is only showing as 'active' in FY2000 because the unspent balance of the grant was refunded by the Government in spring, 2000. 20. Impact N/A.08/28/2000 01:41:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kazakhstan 2. Project Name: Atyrau Water Supply Project 5. Grant Amount: US$486,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) updating the city development and investment plan which would be the basis for further prioritization of municipal infrastructure and city water sector investment program, through the provision of consultants’ services; (b) undertaking an assessment of the administrative capacity, training and computerization needs, carrying out an in-depth financial assessment of the city/regional budget, their uses and application to better understand the role of government and to make recommendations to the city/regional authorities on institutional restructuring to be implemented under the Project, through the provision of consultants’ services, (c) establishment of community participation and involvement of local authorities in improving the physical environment of common areas of the housing complexes through self-help efforts, through the provision of goods and consultants services. 19. Status The three activities that were envisaged under the Grant were financed by other sources which was secured by the Government. Thus the Grant financing was never used. The Grant Letter of Agreement was signed by the Country Director on November 25, 1998 and sent to the Government shortly there after. There was confusion within the Government as to which ministry/agency was authorize to sign the Grant. By the time this confusion was resolved, there was a Cabinet reshuffle, including the change in the Minister of Finance. All these changes delayed the initiation of activities by six months. In the mean time, the local government authorities received grant financing from two bilateral donors to carry out activities (a) and (b). Also at the request of the Government, the project was presented to the Board for approval three months ahead of original schedule (i.e. in June 1999). Given the above noted events, the Grant Letter of Agreement was never signed and no funds were used. The Government unofficially requested that the Grant funds be used for other activities related to the Atyrau project, but the Bank has informed them that the Grant can be used only for Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports the specific activities that are noted in the Letter of Agreement..The Bank team expresses its regret for not being able to use the Grant funds. 20. Impact None.08/28/2000 03:22:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Nepal 2. Project Name: Terai Groundwater Project 5. Grant Amount: $260, 500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Consultants' services; (ii) Public Dissemination Workshops; (iii) Incremental Operating Costs 19. Status The Grant signing was delayed by about six months due to the change of Government in Nepal. After the Grant Agreement signing on November 5, 1999, the initial progress was slow in hiring consultants for drafting the GW legislation as proposed. Instead the new Government has initiated to prepare a first draft legislation using its own resources, and decided to use the Grant provision only in further refining the draft Bill and translating it to final Bill and Regulation. The progress in the last year had been rated unsatisfactory. However, as the first draft Groundwater Bill has been received by the Bank since May 26, 2000, the implementation status has thus been improved. The Bank has proposed for a Tripartite Review of the draft Bill involving international panel. 20. Impact Under the existing Nepal legislation, water authorities have insufficient legal tools to regulate the extraction or use of Ground Water Resources even where the use is detrimental to water resources (pollution, depletion, land subsidence etc.). After adoption of the Agriculture Perspective Plan 1997, extensive use of GW is being planned to carry out in the country through multi-lateral and bi-lateral assistance in domestic water supply and irrigated agriculture. The legislation would be an essential element to monitor and regulate groundwater to prevent from mining and pollution, which are witnessed at present. There is an urgent need for a clear institutional policy framework for proper planning as well as a mechanism for collecting groundwater data, collating and analyzing it, and dissemination of the results for public use and awareness. The project would address the groundwater management issues in the context of establishment of Groundwater Legislation through Participatory Public Consultations Process.08/28/2000 10:33:24 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Ethiopia 2. Project Name: Cultural Heritage Project 5. Grant Amount: 177,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Consultant Services: Cultural Heritage Institutional and Technical Specialists to assist with project design and development; Community-development Specialist ; Tourism-development Specialist. 2. Project Implementation Workshops (two 3-day). 3. Community-based Consultations. 19. Status Preparation and approval of the proposed IDA-funded Cultural Heritage project has been delayed because of the conflict with Eritrea. It is unlikely at this stage that the LIL will move forward before next year, or at least until a binding ceasefire is in place. The PHRD grant has been used to carry out planned activities, however, in preparation for the eventual project. In particular, technical specialists have been employed to complete preparation activities with regard to the Artisanal Crafts Development component of the proposed LIL, and the Inventory and Documentation component (in particular, with regard to the proposed Rapid Assessment and Mitigation Unit of archeological sites threatened by development). 20. Impact For the activities which have been undertaken, the impact has been good. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports An archeological survey of the Gilgil Gibe hydroelectric dam site identified a number of important sites, and the survey has been used to develop a methodology for rapid assessment and mitigation of archeological sites, which will be more fully piloted by the project. An Artisanal Crafts Development Specialist has been employed to lay the groundwork for the planned craft development centers..08/28/2000 04:02:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Private Sector Development (Lil) 5. Grant Amount: USD 209,075.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consulting services 19. Status Considerable delays occurred in obtaining the necessary ratification by the Armenian parliament to make this grant effective, which finally occurred on March 22, 2000. Since then the Government has made one withdrawal in the amount of of USD 50,000 on August 7, 2000. Part of these funds are being used to pay for local consultants working on the "Gateway to Armenia" website, an inernet portal which is part of the recently launched Global Gateway, a major World Bank initiative. Other funds are expected to be used by the Armenian Ministry of Industry and Trade to finance local consultants undertaking PSD work related to the development of an IT strategy for Armenia. 20. Impact Not yet assessed..08/28/2000 04:32:07 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Social Fund For Development 5. Grant Amount: US$470,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant was to support technical assistance for the Social Fund project, for the selection and training of different intermediaries such as NGOs and local community organizations and the carrying out of a sample of client consultations in selected communities in various geographical locations. 19. Status Implementation of the grant did not take place. Because the total expected funding for the project from the Bank dropped to $US 5 million, the grant is expected to be cancelled (due to the 1/20 rule). Notice of cancellation is unofficial at this time. 20. Impact N/A.08/28/2000 04:24:26 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Tanzania 2. Project Name: Forest Conservation And Management 5. Grant Amount: 481,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Technical assistance is being provided to carry out the following activities: (a) Institutional Reform Planning. This activity, involving technical assistance from institutional change specialists, human resource development specialists, forest industries planners, and infrastructure planners, will develop proposals to map out the process of developing and introducing new institutional and management structures for forest protection and management. The Institutional Reform Planning component will also provide resources for consultant’s service to examine the need to retrench staff, to estimate the costs of retrenchment, to identify the key positions which will need to be created and filled in the new institution, and will develop a retrenchment plan. Finally, this activity will provide consultants to examine the needs of the timber industry viz. an alternative institutional structure and the potential role of the private sector in plantation Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports management, and specific infrastructure needs to meet the demands of a new institution, including headquarters and field accommodation. (b) Forest Cover Benchmark Assessment. This component will provide technical assistance resources to prepare a benchmark evaluation of forest and woodland cover (based on remote sensing information) to identify priority areas for project investment, and to begin to identify the scope of the encroachment problem and resettlement needs in possible project areas. In addition, this component will provide a benchmark against which past forest management efforts can be measured, as well as for evaluating the impacts of future investments. Proposed technical assistance funds will be used to employ a remote sensing specialist, as well as field staff to carry out ground truthing activities. Additional resources are budgeted for the purchase of the needed satellite images which are essential for providing the information to fully inform the assessment process. (c) Environmental Assessment and Mitigation Planning. Technical assistance will be provided by a socio-economist, an economist, and a planner to evaluate the likely environmental impacts of proposed project investments on forest and woodland cover. In addition, this component will also involve preparation of a fully-costed resettlement plan. The Forest Cover Benchmark Assessment and the remote sensing imagery on which it is based will provide important information for this task..19. Status Extensive work has been carried out with regard to the Institutional Planning component. Support is on-going and effective. 20. Impact Several consultancies which are in place have been extremely effective at providing inputs for project preparation..08/28/2000 04:31:38 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Enterprise Support 5. Grant Amount: $1,000,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components As approved by the Japanese authorities and TFC on June 18, 1999, the program supported by the grant was restructured. The restructuring provided that the then exisitng balance of the grant -- $255,763 -- be devoted exclusively to carrying out analytical and policy work for the Russian authorities on Barriers to Business Transactions. (The earlier activities supported by this grant, which date back to 1993 and accounted for the previous $744,237 expenditures, were reported in earlier reports by previous task managers. Thus this report, like last year's, concerns only the $255,763 balance as of June 18, 1999.) The centerpiece of the project supported by the restructured grant is the design, implementation and analysis of a major firm-level survey of Russian enterprises across several regions of Russia on barriers to business transactions. This involves three steps. The first was procurement of preliminary "deskwork" data of official statistics from Goskomstat (Russia's statistical agency) to determine the size and characteristics of the prospective survey sample. The second was engagement of two experts on institutional and legal matters to assist the Bank team on the project. The third was contracting with a firm to carry out the survey. 19. Status The acquisition of the "deskwork" data and the engagement of the two experts has been effected satisfactorily. The contracting of the survey firm has been problematic, contributing to delays in the implementation of the survey. 20. Impact It had been planned that the survey would have been completed by August 1, 2000; however, the firm under contract has failed to perform as agreed, and we now expect the survey to be conducted no earlier than December 2000..08/28/2000 04:54:59 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 2. Project Name: Government Administration Modernization 5. Grant Amount: US$677,375 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant is not broken down into components. It is aimed to support a variety of activities promoting legal and administrative reform. 19. Status The Bulgarian Government made an impressive progress in public sector reform during 1999-2000, and the dialogue between the Bank and the Bulgarian Government over legal and administrative reform gained an unprecedented momentum. 20. Impact The Grant has been instrumental in assessing the status of the entire spectrum of public sector reform including: (i) public administration and human resources management; (ii) public expenditure management; (iii) center of government decision making; (iv) legal reform and (vi) anti-corruption activities..08/28/2000 04:57:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Private Sector Development (Lil) 5. Grant Amount: USD 209,075.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Consulting services 19. Status Considerable delays occurred in obtaining the necessary Government countersignatures to make this grant effective, which finally occurred in January 2000. Since then the grant has been well utilized, and by 08/23/2000 USD 115,313.97 had been drawn and/or committed. Of this amount USD 90,760 was used to fund the feasibility study of a Pilot Technological Incubator in Armenia. Most of the remaining amount drawn or committed was used to pay consultants working on the "Gateway to Armenia" website, an internet portal which is part of the recently launched Global Gateway, a major World Bank initiative. Other funds are expected to be used to finance foreign consultants undertaking PSD work related to the development of an IT starategy for Armenia, in close collaboration with the Armenian Ministry of Industry and Trade. 20. Impact Noy yet assessed..08/28/2000 04:59:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Solomon Islands 2. Project Name: Fourth Education Project 5. Grant Amount: US$ 218.560 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Advisory services on junior secondary high school construction and maintenance 2. Advisory services on strategy design for systemic quality improvement 3. Advisory services on teacher training 4. Advisory services on textbook selection and distribution 5. Advisory services on exam reform issues 6. Advisory services on implementation and revision of mixed-mode junior-high school curriculum 7. Advisory services on organization and management of Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development 8. Advisory services on training for MEHRD and school staff on budgeting, record keeping and financial management 19. Status 1. Advisory services on junior secondary high school construction and maintenance: Island Architecture conducted a community high school assessment survey. Solomon Islands Association of Rural Training Centre conducted an RTC institutional survey. Nigel Wakeham has conducted an initial review of school present conditions and upgrade proposals. Advisory services from an architect will be required to recost proposed civil works. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 2. Advisory services on strategy design for systemic quality improvement: Peter Morrison and Judith Parker provided some initial advisory services for the development of an Education Sector Plan. Government is continuing to develop the sector plan with support from AusAid. A World Bank consultant will conduct a post-review once a preliminary draft of the Education Sector Plan is completed. 3. Advisory services on teacher training: Judith Parker has conducted a review of teacher training opportunities and proposed recommendations for reform. Further advisory services will be required to address implementation issues. 4. Advisory services on textbook selection and distribution: John Sayer provided advisory services to the Education Resource Unit on.textbook distribution logistics, organization and management. Additional advisory services for effective delivery of textbooks/materials will be necessary. 5. Advisory services on exam reform issues: Not implemented yet. Consultant identified. 6. Advisory services on implementation and revision of mixed-mode junior-high school curriculum: Janet Davy, a curriculum adviser sponsored by AusAid, conducted a review of junior-high school curricula. 7. Advisory services on organization and management of Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development: Institutional strengthening and support for the Project Implementation and Research Unit will be assessed. 8. Advisory services on training for MEHRD and school staff on budgeting, record keeping and financial management: A study on the financing of primary and secondary education was completed. 20. Impact The grant has helped expedite project preparation..08/28/2000 05:31:26 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Banking Privatization Project 5. Grant Amount: $740,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Activities for which the Grant is (currently) given are: (a) carrying out a credit and market risk analysis to establish the actual value of the Savings Bank assets and liabilities; (b) provision of advisory services to complete the due diligence of the banks and subsequently to define a privatization strategy based on the findings and recommendations of the due diligence; (c) institutional strengthening, including training; (d) carrying out of an assessment of currently available banking services, constraints and recommendations for development of new instruments; (e) carrying out of an assessment of the legal and institutional constraints to, and recommendations for, capital market development; (f) provision of advisory services to strengthen project implementation capacity and management; and (g) provision of lap-top computers, small printers and essential office supplies, needed by the PIU to help implement grant-financed activities. 19. Status Due to unforeseen delays in the privatization of the National Commercial Bank (NCB), the first of the two State-owned banks to be privatized, the preparation of the project has been delayed because of the need to first complete the privatization of NCB. This transaction has now been concluded and attention is shifting to the successful privatization of the Savings Bank (SvB). The Government plans to offer the bank to strategic investors as early as November this year. Given these delays, the official Board date has been moved to February 2002. But it is very likely that the project would be ready for Board presentation earlier. The closing date of the grant has been extended to June 30, 2001. Some preparation activity has begun. These include, inter alia, the audits of the 1998 and 1999 accounts of the bank (funded by the PHRD grant) Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and appointment of a COO and CAO, for the SvB, funded by the IDA Financial Sector Institutional Building Credit. This activity was originally intended to be funded by the PHRD, and was included in the description of the grant. However, after initial procurement steps were undertaken, Legal and TF ruled that this activity, if funded unde a Bank executed PHRD, could not be considered preparation and was more of implementation in.nature and hence the procurement activities were stopped. It was decided at that point, given the urgency of the matter, to include this in the IBTA project which went to Board in June 2000. This shift in financing, substantially delayed the utilization of the grant. 20. Impact The impact to date has been marginal given the restrictions imposed on Bank executed PHRD trust funds and the cancellation of financing of the US$500,000 COO and CAO package, which was to help prepare the bank for privatization..08/28/2000 04:07:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Fisheries Development Project 5. Grant Amount: USD 250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components a) Preparation for Establishing Regional Fishermen's Associations - $53,500 for Consulting Services and $4,000 for workshops b) Development of Fishery Sector Strategy - $50,500 c) Support for the Project Preparation Unit - $40,000 d) Engineering Study for Aquaculture Training Centers and Fishing Port Facilities - $46,000 (see no. 22 below) e) Social and Environmental Assessments - $56,000 19. Status Grant Agreement was cleared by LEG, TFC and ACT end of July, 2000 and subsequently discussed with the client. It is currently being reviewed by the government and their lawyers. The grant is expected to be signed by mid September 2000. 20. Impact not applicable.08/28/2000 06:05:10 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Colombia 2. Project Name: Judicial Reform 5. Grant Amount: $646,400 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant supports three preparatory phases of a proposed Judicial Reform Project, i.e. the strategic planning , the logical framework construction and the detailed project preparation. In each of this phases it finances consulting services and participatory events, and in the latter phase, it finances in addition study tours and a communications strtaegy. 19. Status The Grant is at the latter stages of implementation. It is expected that the project preparation process be completed by the end of this calendar year. 20. Impact The Grant has had a substantial impact in enabling an intense participatory preparation process, particularly during the year under review of the cultural change and judicial training components. The hiring of local and international consultants and the carrying out of a number of events in various cities in Colombia has enabled the preparation of sound components but also build consensus for the proposed organizational change proposed by the project..08/28/2000 05:51:49 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Solomon Islands 2. Project Name: Fourth Education Project 5. Grant Amount: US$ 54,151 13. Executed by: Government Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 16. Grant Components 1. Advisory services on survey of existing community high schools 2. Advisory services on strategy design for systemic quality improvement 3. Advisory services on secondary school teacher training 4. Advisory services on exam reform issues 5. Advisory services on implementation and revision of mixed-mode junior-high school curriculum 6. Advisory services on management and training for Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development 7. Conduct a workshop to discuss with local stakeholders activities above 19. Status 1. Advisory services on survey of existing community high schools: A survey of school conditions and upgrade proposals has been conducted. A recosting of civil works will be necessary. 2. Advisory services on strategy design for systemic quality improvement: AusAid is currently providing support for the development of an Education Sector Plan. 3. Advisory services on teacher training: A study has been conducted and recommendations put forward. Further assistance will be required to address implementation issues. 4. Advisory services on exam reform issues: Not yet implemented. A consultant has been identified. 5. Advisory services on implementation and revision of mixed-mode junior-high school curriculum: An AusAid consultant has provided advisory services to conduct a curriculum review. 6. Advisory services on management and training for Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development: Not yet implemented. 7. Conduct a workshop to discuss with local stakeholders activities above:.Not yet implemented. 20. Impact This grant has helped expedite project preparation..08/09/2000 07:04:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Bolivia 2. Project Name: Indigenous Peoples Development 5. Grant Amount: $599,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components a) Diagnostic Phase. On the basis of existing research and consultations with indigenous peoples, to provide recommendations on how to reform institutional mechanisms, the legal framework and government policies, and increasing indigenous people's opprotunities to participate in their social, political and economic development. b) National Indigenous Peoples Development Plan. This Plan would be formulated based upon the results of the consultations and diagnostic studies. c) Biodiversity and Cultural Patrimony Program. To identify ways to support indigenous communities in the design and implementation of tdevelopment strategies based on the interconnection between biodiversity and cultural patrimony. d) Indigenous Peoples Capacity Building Program. To identify the needs and strategies necessary for strengthening indigenous organizations' administrative and organizational capacities. 19. Status a) Diagnostic. This component will be completed shortly with the publication of the National Diagnostic of Indigenous Peoples. b) Development Plan. The process of consultations began in March and will be concluded by mid-October. Three regional workshops with indigenous producers and economic delegates of indigenous organizations, and a national workshop with indigenous representatives will be held during September. The Indigenous Peoples Development LIL will be designed on this basis, and taking into account the Diagnostic and specific studies. c) Biodiversity and cultural patrimony. The focus in this component has been sharpened to concentrate on income-generating opportunities for indigenous peoples and will feed into project design. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports d) Capacity Building Program. This project component will be designed on the basis of the consultations and studies being carried out during project preparation. 20. Impact The project is expected to experiment with innovative ways of supporting productive and small-enterprise initiatives identified by indigenous peoples and based on their own cultures...08/29/2000 01:55:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Social Sector Management Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: $503,495.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) preparation of a detailed scope of work for the systems development T.A.; (ii) systems development and installation for financial management; (iii) procurement systems development and installation; and (iv) the development of communications systems. The TA will include hands-on training of departmental staff and fees for short training courses offered by local management institutes and accounting firms for key government personnel involved in implementing the new systems. The Description of Proposed Technical Assistance states: "As the TA will involve the installation of new systems and processes, it is proposed that in addition to on-the-job training, a core group of staff involved in implementing the changes would receive classroom training instruction from training courses developed by local management and accounting firms. The TA will finance the fees for such training." 19. Status In line with the Proposed Budget for the TA, the majority of the TA funds will support financial management and procurement improvement plans and development of communications systems in the social sector departments of DECS and DSWD. For the recently approved Social Expenditure Management Project (SEMP), consultants were recruited under World Bank procedures for this work and the contract for these services has been awarded. The TOR of the consultants reflects the objectives of the TA and the TA grant will be used to finance part of this consultancy contract (the total cost of the contract is estimated at about $1.5 million with the government financing the remainder from the SEMP). Additional drawdowns will therefore be made when the technical assistance for the Social Expenditure Management Project (SEMP) 1 becomes operative and implementation gets underway..20. Impact Procurement training for officers and staff of the Dept of Social Welfare and Development was very well received. Impacts are expected in about a year's time..08/29/2000 02:50:51 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Agriculture And Rural Development 5. Grant Amount: $365,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Studies on: (a) "Economics of Irrigation", to study costs and benefits of different methods of irrigation, examine existing institutional, legal and policy framework for irrigation availability and quality, suggest appropriate investment climate for rapid expansion of irrigation, and recommend proper roles of GOB, NGOs, private sector and stakeholders for commercially operated and sustainable irrigation system in Bangladesh. (b) "Rice - falling real price of rice", to examine reasons for the declining real price of rice, and provide a proper understanding of the rice market and the implications for government polices. (c) "Rice - statistical issues", to suggest appropriate ways to establish dependability and credibility of the rice statistics in Bangladesh. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports (d) "Declining soil fertility", to work out appropriate methodology for measuring soil fertility, examine evidences of soil degradation in Bangladesh and suggest ways and means for addressing the problem. (e) "Fertilizer - costs and sustainability of current system of distribution", to estimate the costs and benefits of the various modalities of fertilizer distribution that have prevailed in Bangladesh, find out the extent of subsidies in fertilizer and ascertain shares of farmers and middlemen in the subsidies, examine the sustainability of the current distribution system in light of the costs involved, and suggest appropriate mechanisms for economically efficient fertilizer distribution and marketing. (f) "Seeds - increasing private sector participation in seed business", to focus on factors deterring private sector participation, and to suggest appropriate measures for promoting private sector participation in all seeds. (f). "Food - possible effects of monetization of food-aid", to examine the rationale of monetization of food aid in Bangladesh focusing on both efficiency and equity concerns as well as reaching the target groups and minimizing scopes for leakage. (g) "Food aid distribution among vulnerable groups", to focus on targeted feeding programs, to examine administrative and logistical matters in order to find out how efficiently the food aid is distributed among the targeted beneficiaries. (h) "Local government - sustaining and strengthening of current reforms", to examine the local government system in Bangladesh and identify forces for and against democratic governance of local bodies, and suggest ways and means for sustaining as well as strengthening current reforms in this area..(i) "Local government - making them self- financing and self-governing institutions", to suggest appropriate ways and means to make local government institutions self-financing and self-governing institutions to speed up the processes and forces for economic development of the country. (j) "Local Government - promoting beneficiary/community/NGO participation", to examine the interface of local governments, NGOs, other community organizations and civil societies in rural areas in order to suggest appropriate mechanisms to facilitate productive contribution of everyone to rural development programs. (k) "Rural Development - Analysis of Rural Institutions, Programs and Policies", to focus on successes and failures of different approaches/models pursued by both government and non-government bodies in order to glean lessons that could be useful for designing appropriate strategies for rural development in Bangladesh. The TORs may be subject to revision. Also, other studies may be introduced as felt justified in the light of project objectives.. 19. Status The Grant Agreement has been signed by the Country Director and is now awaiting the Government’s concurrence. Earlier a series of interchanges between the Government and the Bank established full agreement of the Government on the scope, nature and wording of the Grant Agreement. The important process of dialogue, debate and consensus-building with all stakeholders regarding the project concept is on-going. The studies to be undertaken will significantly add to knowledge of the issues involved. 20. Impact The PHRD Grant is expected to have significant impact as it is helping the preparation of the Agricultural and Rural Development Project, which will be an important policy-based lending as well as investment project, that will help Bangladesh’s rural sector to grow and thence aid in poverty reduction..08/29/2000 09:44:14 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Egypt 2. Project Name: Skills Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US$550,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Stakeholder workshops 2. Feasibility studies 3. Quality Improvement Assessment Measures Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Information System 5. Study Tours 19. Status Component 1 of the grant has resulted in the preparation of a comprehensive report on strategy for the sector (Education, Training and Employment Subcommittee Report, ETES). A policy matrix has been elaborated and this document is now the basis for all dialogue between Government and Donors. For component 2 of the Grant, four organizations have been identified for feasibility studies: Chamber of Engineering Industries, Chamber of Leather Industries, Manufacturer's Association and the Federation of Tourism. 20. Impact The ETES report has opened the discussion on strategy for the sector, with participation of the Government, private sector and Donors. The pilot sites for alternative forms of management will define the reform, both institutional and legislative..08/29/2000 10:05:06 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Ecuador 2. Project Name: Water Resource Management 5. Grant Amount: $450,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Grant components include the following: (a) Assessment of the legal, regulatory and institutional reforms needed for efficient and sustainable water resources management policies; (b) formulation of institutional linkages between central, local and watershed level authorities; (c) identify viable mechanisms to promote participatory watershed investment project planning and execution; (d) develop strategies to promote on-going maintenance and sustainability of water works transferred to Water User Organizations; (e) preparation of local flood risk assessment and disaster prevention planning tools; (f) evaluation of optional water quality controls and central-local information feedback mechanisms. 19. Status The Grant became effective near the end of the fiscal year, thus very few activities have been executed thus far. The precarious political and economic situation in the country continues to divert attention from issues of water resouce management, though key decision-makers have indicated their comittment to pursuing Grant activities in earnest over the next year. 20. Impact Activities undertaken thus far, including initial assessments of the legal, institutional and regulatory framework for water resource management; and consolidation of water sector analysis and strategy documents, have served to emphasize the need for continued dialogue regarding priority actions and policy reforms..08/29/2000 03:46:01 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Mozambique 2. Project Name: Mozambique: Coastal And Marine Biodiversity Management Project 5. Grant Amount: US$930,000.00 (Based on original allocation) (YEN 98,400,000.00) 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Technical Assistance (Consultant fees and Travel; Contractrual Services; Miscellaneous) for (1) Institutional Support (2) Environment and natural Resources Reclamation and Maintenance (3) Technology and Development Options 19. Status The Grant is now closed. 20. Impact The Grant has been very useful in assisting the government of Mozambique in carrying out preparatory activities leading to IDA Credit approval and Credit effectiveness..08/29/2000 10:33:28 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Health System Project 5. Grant Amount: $418,260.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant provided technical assistance in the following areas: (i) reform of the Croatian pharmaceutical sector; (ii) piloting new innovations and models in secondary services and hospital care; (iii) consensus building for reform process within the profession and community at large; (iv) purchase of office equipment, software upgrades and hardware improvements required for project preparation and implementation. 19. Status The grant was signed August 25, 1998, with an original closing date of of August 31, 1999. The closing date was extended by three months to December 31, 1999 to provide sufficient time for consultancy contracts for Program Director and PMU Director to be completed. 20. Impact The grant has benefited the Government/Ministry of Health by enabling preparation of the Health System Project which was approved by the Bank's Board of Directors on October 5, 1999..08/29/2000 10:37:25 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Tb And Aids Control Project 5. Grant Amount: US$543,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components This grant has not yet been signed 19. Status This grant has not yet been signed 20. Impact The project is expected to help the government control the epidemics of tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Russia. In the case of TB, effective TB diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring would be available for 55 percent of the civilian population and 45 percent of the prison population. In the case of HIV/AIDS and STDs, the main objectives of the project would be to: (i) implement the national policy on prevention, diagnosis, management, monitoring and reporting; (ii) provide education and information to change behavior in order to prevent transmission of HIV; and (iii) improve the management of HIV-infected and AIDS cases..08/29/2000 10:59:11 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Social Protection Reform Support Project 5. Grant Amount: $469,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The project would comprise the following four components: a) Social Safety Nets Reform – Focusing on Poverty Alleviation aims at reforming the current social assistance programs in cash, in order to provide affordable, efficiently targeted, well administered social assistance to the poorest of the poor through policy adjustments (by (re)defining benefits, eligibility criteria, improving targeting mechanism, improving outreach; limiting duration of benefit, developing monitoring procedures that would allow for direct community participation in the monitoring process; improving transparency through better designed community involvement in the decision making process; developing appeal procedures; improving regional targeting; developing evaluation procedures; develop effective work incentives; developing, piloting and gradually introducing well targeted, small scale work-fare programs) and capacity building (by improving organizational, functional, technical and material capacity). b) Social Insurance Reform – Promoting Consumption Smoothing/Risk Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Mitigation/ Sustainable Growth aims at developing a modest, affordable, financially sustainable, well administered social insurance, including public pensions. The component would support the following key policy and institutional changes: (i) the simplification and down-sizing, both administratively and financially, of the existing complex, financially insolvent, fiscally unsustainable, inequitable and distortive public pension system, bringing it more in line with the Albanian level of income through changes in the benefit and eligibility provisions, and changes in financing arrangements; (ii) the development of the long term plan for the introduction of the multi-pillar pension system; (iii) strengthening the financial management of the Social Insurance Institute; (iv) strengthening institutional capacity; (v) the development of the public information campaign for the public pensions reform; and (vi) a rationalization, downsizing and reduction of the social insurance benefits other than public pensions through separation of non-contributory (welfare) from contributory benefits; introduction of control and monitoring mechanisms; restriction of coverage, eligibility and benefits; and a decrease in contribution rates..c) Labor Market Policies Reform – Promoting Risk Reduction/Sustainable Growth aims at providing modest public protection against loss of a job, while focusing on the provision of basic, well targeted employment services. The component would support: (i) downsizing of the unemployment compensation program through restricting eligibility and entitlements, increasing poverty focus (flat rate benefit), reducing tax rate, introducing strict control and monitoring mechanisms, introducing transparent financing system; (ii) provision of basic employment services (job matching, information gathering and provision, career counseling services); (iii) strengthening and developing institutional capacity through developing policy analysis and prognoses unit; developing monitoring and evaluation capacity; improving management information system; restructuring labor offices (from local to the central level); improving accounting and auditing; and human resources development. d) Planning and Management Component would support the design, management (including financial management), and supervision of project activities. 19. Status The Grant is still awaiting signature from the Government; expected to have signed by October, 2000. 20. Impact The project is a part of the Government’s strategy for human development and poverty alleviation (Albania Country Assistance Strategy, July 8, 1998). It is also an integral part of the Bank’s, as well as the ECA Region’s social protection strategy. It will build on the preparation and implementation experiences of other similar IDA-financed projects in the ECA Region and other donor and government-financed projects in this sector. It is expected to improve Government's capacity to design and implement poverty alleviation and reduction policies..08/29/2000 11:08:06 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Child Development Project 5. Grant Amount: TF025384 - $105,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant supports the following activities: (i) participatory workshops and related activities with donors and local counterparts including community members for project design and implementation; (ii) local technical assistance for designing project's management and financial management systems. 19. Status Most activities such as workshops and TA for setting up the management and financial management systems are ongoing and expected to end by the end of September, prior to the effectiveness date of the project, now set for October 31, 2000. 20. Impact The grant has been very useful in bringing together stakeholders at different levels in workshops and also in getting the management structure for the project ready prior to project effectiveness..08/29/2000 11:31:24 AM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Papua New Guinea 2. Project Name: Forestry And Conservation Project 5. Grant Amount: $739,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Social impact analysis; Landowner consultation activities; Consultations with stakeholders on project design; Review of legislation on establishment of an environment protection authority; Advisory services on design of operations monitoring system and training needs 19. Status The grant is still operative. 20. Impact The impact of this grant has been major - not just in that it has enabled the complex dialogue and analyses for project design to be supported satisfactorily, but also because, the process of this work, some major issues which have arisen in the sector in the course of preparation were able to be addressed. The preparation team was able to advise Government accordingly on these issues. Also, the basis of conditionalities on the sector to be included in the current Structural Reform Program loan that the Bank has established was able to be defined in detail, at no additional cost to the Grant..08/29/2000 11:09:17 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkey 2. Project Name: Higher/Secondary & Vocational Education Project 5. Grant Amount: $503,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultant studies, seminars, study visits 19. Status The Grant has not yet been activated because of prolonged indecision by the Government as to which Government agency should implement the Grant. Thus, no Grant Agreement has yet been drafted. The Governmemnt recently provided its agreement on implementation by the State Planning Organization, which is working with the agencies concerned to draft and agree on a procurement plan. As soon as the procurement plan is agreed, a Grant Agreement will be prepared and the work initiated. 20. Impact NA.08/29/2000 11:04:04 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Solomon Islands 2. Project Name: Solomon Islands Health Sector Development Project 5. Grant Amount: 232,825 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant was to support for community studies, workshops, designing of IEC programs and building institutional framework to support project components aimed at improving the performance of the health system by increasing utilization of cost-effective and essential health services (malaria prevention and control, maternal health services). 19. Status The project supports phased entry of project provinces - activities for one province and central level were appraised prior to project negotiations; preparation activities are still scheduled for other provinces which are expected to join in the early part of the project. The grant continues to support these preparation activities. 20. Impact The technical assistance provided by the grant was of high quality, appropriate to the pacific, and well accepted by the recipient government and major stakeholders..08/29/2000 10:41:17 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Country: Ecuador 2. Project Name: Second Municipal Development (Pdm Il) 5. Grant Amount: US$192,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Study of: (i) GOE decentralization/reorganization program and BEDE's role; (ii) constraints on performance of municipalities; (iii) GOE's regulatory, supervisory and privatization framework and (iv) needed TA. 19. Status Ecuador is still suffering the effects of several socio-economic, political and geological problems. After some delay in getting the study started, the consultant is well-advanced in the task and it is now expected that the final report will be completed before the end of December 2000, one year after the originally planned date. 20. Impact The PHRD study is one of about fourteen preparatory studies. Other financing comes from the IDB, BEDE, the Government of Spain and GTZ for the PDM II project. Upon completion, this study will provide details on seventeen municipalities, making use of recent decentralization, privatization, new regulatory and other changes, to provide more efficient coverage, operation and maintenance for water, sanitation and solid waste systems under the PDM II program..08/29/2000 09:10:36 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Djibouti 2. Project Name: Structural Adjustment Credit Project 5. Grant Amount: 289,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (1) Reviewing current port fees and proposing appropriate ones to support the transport sector ($15,000) (2) Reviewing the actual allocation of budgetary resources and the public investment program, assessing the quality and equity of public expenditures and preparing recommendations for improving public expenditures management ($80,000) (3) building a computerized data base of the pension funds preparing a detailed study of the parameters of the pension system and drafting a proposal for the pension reform ($74,000) (4) preparing a strategy for the privatization program, including the institutional capacity for carrying out the program and the privatization options for enterprises such as the airport, telecommunications, water and power utilities ($70,000) (5) preparing a study to develop various scenarios for public expenditure policy and to determine the economic and social effect of such scenarios ($50,000). 19. Status On May 17, 2000, the reallocation of funds request was approved by the Government of Japan. The Grant agreement was signed on July 12, 2000 and countersigned by the Government of Djibouti on July 23, 2000. Following the transfer of Djibouti to the Middle East and North Africa Region in October 2000 the country team met with the Government of Djibouti to define the country's priority needs. As a result, the focus of the Adjustment operation which the PHRD was envisaged to support, has been modified to reflect the country's changing priority needs and implementation capacity. Addressing the issue of macro-adjustment which is critical to regaining fiscal sustainability and restoring some level of competitiveness to the economy, and laying the basis for sustained growth were identified as top priorities. Therefore a reallocation of funds was requested and approved. 20. Impact The grant was not effective in FY2000 and therefore no activity took place during the year. The Grant is expected to progress quickly and close in December 2000 (expected Board Date of the adjustment)...08/29/2000 01:01:31 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Samoa 2. Project Name: Samoa Health Sector Management Project Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 5. Grant Amount: 69,780.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant was to support local technical assistance and workshops in the four component areas: (a) institutional development, (ii) strengthening service delivery, (iii) health care financing and (iv) disease control risk factor surveillance. 19. Status The grant is being used to support preparation activities which are expected to be completed by closing date. 20. Impact The grant has helped ensure timely preparation of project activities..08/29/2000 12:43:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Second Public Sector Management Adjustment Credit 5. Grant Amount: $358,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Carrying out of a review of the special audits of publicly-owned specialized banks and, on the basis of the findings of said audits, the preparation of suitable plans for their privatization, restructuring, liquidation, or merger. 2. Carrying out of an assessment of the non-bank financial sector, and, on the basis of the findings of said assessment, the preparation of a report that shall recommend ways to modernize the sector's regulatory framework, strengthen the Recipient's supervisory capacity, and develop a suitable sector institutional framework. 3. Carrying out of an analysis of the institutional and legal constraints to capital market financing and, on the basis of the findings of said assessment, the preparation of a report, together with an implementation plan, that shall recommend ways to develop the legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks to facilitate capital market financing. 4. Carrying out of a review of information systems and data dissemination practices within the Recipient's Ministry of Planning and, on the basis of the findings of said review, the preparation of a report, together with an implementation plan, that shall recommend ways to improve data management, computerization, and timely dissemination of information to the public. 5. Preparation of draft accounting and auditing standards, together with a work program and operating procedures for the Accounting Standards Board. 19. Status Grant implementation has been far slower than expected. Tasks related to task (1) -- publicly-owned specialized banks -- were successfully completed approximately one year ago, and the initial assessment under task (2) -- the non-bank financial sector -- was undertaken in March, 2000. The remaining three tasks have not been aggressively pursued. The Government has taken some steps to move forward on task (3) -- capital market development. A steering committee and a technical committee on capital market development was recently (July, 2000) established by Cabinet decree, but it will not be possible for the technical committee to define (i) its objectives and (ii) the next steps it would like to pursue in the near future. Draft terms of reference for technical assistance have been.prepared, but have not yet been discussed, pending formation of the technical committee. At best, terms of reference for technical assistance could be agreed and identification of a consultant made prior to the current closing date of December 31, 2000. Assuming that the technical committee seriously pursues their work, a request for extension of the grant could be made. Task (4) -- information systems within the Ministry of Planning -- has not been pursued using these PHRD funds. Similar work was completed with assistance from a bilateral donor. Task (5) -- preparation of accounting and auditing standards -- has been seriously delayed by the continued non-establishment of the Accounting Standards Board (ASB), for which the assistance was designed. The Government has not actively pursued establishment of the ASB, and further Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports progress will likely only occur in the context of detailed discussions with the Government on continued financial sector reforms. 20. Impact The grant has thus far had limited impact, largely due to non-action on several key tasks and a mis-match between recipient needs and grant specifications. If the technical committee on capital market development is successfully formed and pursues its mandate, it is possible that the grant will contribute to the necessary foundations of capital market access. However, it should be noted that there is still no agreement regarding the appropriate path toward the development of capital markets, and significant technical discussions will need to take place in the meantime between the Bank and key stakeholders in Yemen..08/29/2000 09:05:51 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Macedonia - Former Yugoslav Republic Of 2. Project Name: Public Sector Management Adjustment Loan/Credit 5. Grant Amount: $612,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Budget Management Reform, Refocusing the role of the State, Civil Service Reform 19. Status Pending -- the grant has not yet been signed. 20. Impact The expected impact : the grant will assist the GoM in implementing reforms in public resource management. In particular, the grant will contribute significantly in raising GoM's capacity in budget management, civil service management, as well as assist the GoM in refocusing the activities of the GoM towards a more focused public sector. Activities to be financed under the grant will form the basis for the adjustment operation reform measures..08/29/2000 02:18:58 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Panama 2. Project Name: Second Basic Education Project 5. Grant Amount: US$450,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The two main components are: (a) improved access and quality of basic education; and (b) strengthened administrative capacity of the Ministry of Education and promotion of community participation in the construction and maintenance of local schools. 19. Status As mentioned in the previous supervision report, the new administration has continued to use the resources from the grant to complete preparation of all of the project components. Most of the scheduled activities were finalized including: (i) training of local and central level staff on issues related to the implementation of the Early Childhood Education component, (ii) assessing the school infrastructure rehabilitation needs; and (iii) improving the management information system, specifically the preparation of the modules to deal with human resources and statistics at the central level. 20. Impact This grant has allowed the current administration to continue to carry out studies already scheduled and to obtain specialized assistance to finalize project preparation. Without the grant it would have been almost impossible to have the project prepared due to the economic constraints at the central level. The project was negotiated in July 2000 and will go to the Board in September 2000..08/29/2000 02:21:14 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Lithuania 2. Project Name: Education Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: US$198,524 13. Executed by: Government Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 16. Grant Components 1. Reducing Energy Consumption 2. Improving the Teaching Environment 19. Status On August 21st, the World Bank sent the Grant Agreement to the Government for signature. 20. Impact n/a.08/29/2000 03:24:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Agriculture Development 2 Project 5. Grant Amount: US $915,150 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A. Project Cost Determination; B. Design of Water User Associations; C. Agricultural Research and Extension; D. Training; E. Computer Hardware and software 19. Status Grant implementation is progressing very well - the June 2000 Bank Pre-appraisal mission for the IDCD Project evaluated all Grant activities as satisfactory. During FY00, the Grant agreement disbursement table was amended to reflect the split of the original Agriculture Development II Project into two distinct lending operations: a) Agricultural Research, Extension and Training (ARET) Project; and b) Irrigation and Drainage Community Development (IDCD) Project. The amendment was solely for administrative purposes, to better allocate Grant monies to the distinct operations, and did not affect the implementation of the Grant. The ARET Project has been approved by the Board, and signed, with Effectiveness expected by October 2000. The remaining funds in the Grant are now solely being utilized for the continuing preparation work of the IDCD Project. All activities previously funded from the Grant are the same as approved by the Government of Japan, as are the remaining activities to be funded during preparation of the IDCD Project. . Specifically, most of the detailed engineering design work, for both on-farm networks and large, complex structures, has been completed, as has the majority of the cost determination for the project. Also, establishment of Water User Associations has met with a high level of success, though some work remains to be completed. There is also still work to be done on finalizing project costs, and developing the detailed designs for the first year of construction. Snapshot by Component: A. Ongoing B. Ongoing C. Concluded D. Ongoing.E. Concluded 20. Impact Significant. Without the PHRD Grant, necessary resources to quickly carry the ARET Project through to Board approval would not have been available. The Grant allowed the preparation team to hire the best qualified international experts to assist with the designs of the reform plan, and carry out the participatory meetings necessary to arrive at the priorities for the future of the research system. As for the IDCD Project, grant impact is also significant. The international experts hired have changed the 'mindset' of the PIU engineers, bringing understanding of recent engineering methods, thereby creating new professional capabilities within the DAWE engineering staff. These capabilities are particularly necessary, as, during Soviet times, the engineers were not required to have the detailed cost/benefit thinking that will be required in the future, not just for this project, but in the longer--term. Further, as noted above, the Grant component on establishment of Water User Associations is considered highly successful, and these Associations will be the cornerstone of the project..08/29/2000 03:11:01 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Poland 2. Project Name: Social Security Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: US$778,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The primary objective of the grant was to help prepare a Social Security Project that would support the implementation of the pension reform and strengthen ZUS institutional capacity to meet the challenges and new responsibilities brought about by the reform. Main grant activities included the following: (a) strengthen the capacity of ZUS and other agencies concerned with pensions; (b) improve social assistance provision; and (c) assist with project coordination. 19. Status The grant closed on December 31, 1999 and a completion report was submitted on August 10, 2000. 20. Impact Grant assistance help strengthen the capacity of ZUS and other agencies concerned with pension reform, improve social assistance provision and project coordination. It is noteworthy to mention that the Strategic Plan prepared by ZUS management was with grant assistance. For the first time, ZUS management has developed a strategic vision for the institution, established strategic objectives, and outlined a series of action plans to begin to achieve those objectives. The Strategic Plan was approved by ZUS Board of Directors and is already under implementation. The plan will support critical institutional changes that will dramatically improve resource allocation and service delivery. The plan could become a model for other social security agencies in the region to follow..08/29/2000 03:33:11 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: This Is A Stand Alone Grant 5. Grant Amount: $231,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Development of regulatory framework and guidelines for reform of municipal health insurance systems; and dissemination of the framework and guidelines 2. Technical Assistance to train a core national expert panel to advise on municipal health insurance systems 19. Status The implementation of this grant has been delayed due to changes of personnel responsibilities in the World Bank and in the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. The grant proposal and draft agreement were reviewed in detail by new staff involved in May/June 2000 in Beijing. The final draft of the grant agreement has been approved by all parties and sent for signing in China. 20. Impact No observable impact at this stage.08/29/2000 03:19:17 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Cambodia 2. Project Name: Northeast Village Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US$702,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant supports: (a) provision of advisory services to the Project Implementing Unit (PIU) and the provincial authorities on the establishment of Provincial Project Implementing Units (PPIU) in the Project Provinces; (b) provision of advisory services to the PIU on local community development and sub-project selection and planning through a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) process; (c) provision of training to local staff on PRA methods financial management and the organization of small-scale rural engineering works; (d) carrying out of socio-economic surveys; (e) testing of the sub-project selection financing procurement and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports operation systems outlined in a Project Operational Manual and formulation of recommendations on any necessary modification of such systems; and (f) provision of advisory services to the PIU and PPIU on the preparation of an initial pipeline of sub-projects in each of the Project Provinces. 19. Status Effective (as of 6/03/99) 20. Impact Satisfactory.08/29/2000 03:07:55 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Poland 2. Project Name: Education Opportunities Project 5. Grant Amount: US$509,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Studies of Education Finance. 2. Survey of Stakeholders. 3. Studies of Curriculum Development. 4. Studies for Learning Assessment and Teacher Training. 5. Studies in Education Statistics. 19. Status Not very active. The Ministry of Education is in the process of opening the Special Account for the Grant. 20. Impact None so far.08/29/2000 03:21:18 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Enterprise Privatization & Restructuring Program 5. Grant Amount: US $13,300,117. 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultant and Audit Services and PIU Operating Expenses 19. Status Use of grant resources has proceeded in a satisfactory manner over the past year, funding needed consultant services and support costs within the FERFID. The Government has taken a number of positive steps to assess the condition of commercial banks following the financial crisis of 1998, and has created an organization for the restructuring and/or liquidation of failed banks. The grant has been an important resource in funding the specialized consulting services needed to conceptualize appropriate institutional actions, determine the condition of surviving banks, and to help the Government create and/or improve the legislative framework for reforming the Federation's banking sector. Consultant services supported by this grant have also been instrumental in improving banking sector administration, such as improved accounting and banking laws and policies and procedures to be used by Government and/or Central Bank units to deal with banking supervision and the administration and/or restructuring of problem banks. Consultant services have also been important for assessing which surviving banks will be potentially able to resume credit line activities to support the continuing development and/or expansion of qualifying private, productive enterprises. As part of the restructured FIDP Loan (approved by the Bank Board in june, 2000), the Government has decided to require commercial banks to borrow FIDP Loan funds to pay for their in-house consulting advice. Thus, the Government proposes that funds that were positioned within the grant to finance such activities are designated to be reallocated to finance more of the direct, bank diagnostic and supervision / oversight services. Thus, a Grant amendment has been prepared and is pending approval to relocate US$ 5.3 million from Category (1)(a) to Category (1)(c). As a result, the intended institutional development and banking oversight consulting services (originally applied under grant Category 1(a) as 'twinning' support), will instead be applied to the Participating Banks, but under the close administration of the expertise assembled in the FER / Bank Review Unit. The grant Amendment would also extend the Closing Date of the grant from 12/31/00 to 12/31/02..20. Impact The grant has had a very positive and significant impact on Federation Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports efforts to develop and restructure its banking sector and create an improved legislative framework for banking reform within Russia. Grant-financed consultants have also played a key role in advising the Ministry of Finance on elements needing reform within the banking sector, the Central Bank of Russia regarding improved banking supervision, and on the importance of reviewing and possibly restructuring significant public sector banks to reduce risks across the sector as a whole..08/29/2000 04:20:15 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: West Bank And Gaza 2. Project Name: Second Financial Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: 455,300 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant objective will be to expand the work accomplished under the First FSD, mainly increasing the number of assets which can be accepted as collateral by banks. The first FSD project was greatly helped during preparation by a PHRD grant. The second FSD project will be focused on expanding the registration of immovable assets as the first FSD project is focused primarily on movable assets. 19. Status The grant agreement has been signed. However, since the first FSD project has not been approved yet by the Board, the Second FSD is on hold. 20. Impact Too early to determine.08/29/2000 04:00:39 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Solomon Islands 2. Project Name: Health Sector Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $199,530 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Qualitative Community Surveys; (b) Development of Comprehensive Action Plan; and (c)Development of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Methodologies. 19. Status Not yet started 20. Impact To be determined.08/29/2000 04:42:14 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Enterprise Privatization & Restructuring Program 5. Grant Amount: 7,700,000. 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components This Grant finances consulting services and related expenses to advise the World Bank and Government officials about the condition of commercial banks and issues / risks / opportunities related to the functioning of public and commercial banks within the Russian Federation. 19. Status Funds from this grant have been instrumental in identifying risks and issues associated with the operations and financial integrity of Russian private and public sector banks. Consultants have advised the Bank on areas of bank operations and oversight that have to be improved to enable sustainable bank functioning and restore public and investor confidence in the Federation banking sector. Consultants also provided advice and guidance on issues such as: donor coordination mechanisms, and ways to strengthen Federation institutions responsible for the financial sector, bank supervision, and the performance and financial integrity of licensed banks. Due to delays encountered in the restructuring Bank Loans in the financial sector, activities and expenditures under the subject grant were very reduced during the just-ended Fiscal Year. However, given new commitment by the recently elected Government, as already indicated in the expeditious restructuring of the Bank Loans, it is expected that sector Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports activities will accelerate and funds remaining available under this grant will be disbursed at a more rapid rate. The two serviced Loan Projects (i.e., the Bank's FIDP and ESP Loans) have now been extensively restructured and their Closing Dates extended. The Bank therefore recommends that this grant also be extended to December 31, 2002. 20. Impact The grant-funded services have enabled the Bank to effect timely assessments of issues and barriers to improved banking and bank supervision within the Russian Federation, and explore how best to coordinate Government and donors' inputs to the overall banking sector reform program. Banks are now beginning to function again in Russia, and institutional improvements have been initiated with the objective of realizing the timely supervision, administration and/or liquidation of banks. This grant is an important source of services to strengthen these capacities.and/or activities..08/29/2000 05:18:33 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Ukraine 2. Project Name: Title Registration Project 5. Grant Amount: US $539,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A. finalize the design of a national title registration system; B. prepare an investment plan for establishment of a national title registration system; C. pilot and test the design of title registration system (prepared in A. above); D. design and test training programs for both private institutions and public institutions involved in title registration. 19. Status There have been some delays in starting Grant activities, and an extension of the original closing date was given in June 2000. However, with the new title registration law in place, Grant activities are finally beginning. The expected Board Date for the project has now been moved to FY 2002. The project would go to the Board in July 2002 at the earliest. The reason for the delay in project processing is that there was a delay in submission of the title registration law to Parliament. Since the law defines the institutional arrangements for the project, preparation has not been able to proceed as quickly as hoped. The law has now been submitted to Parliament and we now feel that it is appropriate to proceed with preparation. 20. Impact It is too soon yet to see a definite impact of the Grant. However, the majority of the Grant monies have already been allocated to contracts, and consultant work is underway. All reports since contracts were signed in April/May are positive..08/29/2000 05:48:23 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Venezuela 2. Project Name: Second Student Loan Reform And Higher Education Improvement 5. Grant Amount: US$ 211,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objectives of the Grant are to assist in the preparation of a project aiming (i) to sustain and strengthen the student loan reform program; (ii) to provide Venezuelan students (especially those with lower socioeconomic background) with adequate financing options to pay for their shares of higher eduction; (iii) to increase demand-side financing sources to improve access to higher education; (iv) to strengthen policy research on higher education finance and management; and (v) to increase the financial sustainability and administrative efficiency of the Fundación Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho (Fundayacucho) through a consolidated student loan program (the Project). 19. Status The pace of preparations for the Project has slowed. Currently, the Grant is being used for a general background study of the Venezuelan higher Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports education system (Sector Profile). 20. Impact This is too early to assess..08/29/2000 06:03:34 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Venezuela 2. Project Name: Second Student Loan Reform And Higher Education Improvement 5. Grant Amount: US$ 211,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The objectives of the Grant are to assist in the preparation of a project aiming (i) to sustain and strengthen the student loan reform program; (ii) to provide Venezuelan students (especially those with lower socioeconomic background) with adequate financing options to pay for their shares of higher eduction; (iii) to increase demand-side financing sources to improve access to higher education; (iv) to strengthen policy research on higher education finance and management; and (v) to increase the financial sustainability and administrative efficiency of the Fundación Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho (Fundayacucho) through a consolidated student loan program (the Project). 19. Status The pace of preparations for the Project has slowed. Currently, the Grant is being used for a general background study of the Venezuela higher education system (Sector Profile). 20. Impact This is too early to assess..08/29/2000 05:18:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kyrgyz Republic 2. Project Name: Health Il 5. Grant Amount: US$534,420 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant was designed to finance the following four components: 1) Strengthening Health Financing; 2) Improving Primary Health Care Services and Facilities; 3) Developing Disease Prevention and a Health Promotion Strategy; and 4) Education Campaign. 19. Status The Japanese Grant was approved by the Government of Japan on April 13, 1999 and became effective in May 1999. The proposed plan is to implement the activities outlined in the proposal prior to the effectiveness of the Health II project, currently scheduled for approximately July 1, 2001. 20. Impact The technical assistance financed under the PHRD has been critical during the project preparation providing valuable professional expertise and advice to the Health II project team in the areas of training, pharmaceuticals management, procurement, improving effectiveness and efficiency of care delivery, health financing, and public health (health protection and health promotion)..08/29/2000 05:43:23 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Brazil 2. Project Name: Paraiba Do Sul Water Resources Management 5. Grant Amount: $804,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant is designed to assist the Government of Brazil (GOB) with the preparation of the proposed Paraiba do Sul Water Resources Management Project. The main objective of the Project would be to assist the GOB to design, and test on a pilot basis, a long-term Integrated Water Resources Management Program (WRMP) to alleviate the serious water quality problems of the Paraiba do Sul River Basin (“the Basin”). To date, the traditional approach of financing discrete investments in individual States, without adequate attention to institutional factors at the Basin-wide level, has not resolved these problems. As such, the WRMP would: (i) establish Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and strengthen Basin-wide institutional and economic mechanisms which rationalize and improve water resource use investments; and (ii) invest in priority water quality infrastructure identified and selected by a Basin water resource management entity consisting of multi-sector representatives from relevant States. To help prepare the Project, the Grant is expected to support: (i) continued design and refinement of the legal, institutional, and management framework for water resources; (ii) identification and mapping of priority infrastructure required to improve water quality for populations in the Basin; (iii) evaluation of the priority infrastructure plan to clearly identify public, public/private, and private investments, as well as relevant regulatory and financial instruments; and (iv) preparation of small-scale water quality investments to demonstrate the social, economic and financial value of Basin water quality improvement. 19. Status Due to administrative changes at the Federal level within the Secretariat of Water Resources, under the Ministry of Environment, the Grant Agreement was not signed until May/99. Since then, however, Grant implementation picked up speed rapidly and the project reached pre-appraisal ready status on target. Results from Grant implementation are listed below. Unfortunately, despite these impressive results, and overall project readiness, macro level policy decisions at the Federal Government level have precluded this project from entering the Bank's current lending pipeline as initially anticipated. However, the moment the Government's international lending agency (SEAIN/COFIEX) decides to officially endorse the project loan,.advancement towards full appraisal and Board approval can occur rapidly. Grant implementation results include: (a) full implementation of the Grant Agreement components; (b) inclusion of the project in Government multi-year and annual budgets, as well as strong signals from MMA regarding the priority nature of the project; (c) commitments from the three States involved to provide counterpart funding amounting to 30 percent of total project costs; (d) preparation of the Carta Consulta (Government equivalent of a Bank Project Concept Document) and submission to SEAIN; (e) positive feedback from SEAIN regarding the objectives, scope and design of the project; (f) establishment and initial operation of the PdoSul River Basin Commission (CEIVAP). 20. Impact High. The Grant has unequivocally and significantly elevated the status, visibility, and priority of this project. It is very likely that the recently established National Water Agency (ANA), once it is fully operational, will make this project its first priority..08/29/2000 11:32:45 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Lesotho 2. Project Name: Lesotho Water Sector Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: $500,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Urban and Peri-Urban Components (b) Rural Water Components 19. Status The fund has been used to hire a consultant to work on a coordination and technical meeting which was took place in May 2-3, 2000 in Maseru. The consultant assisted in preparing and scheduling a road map to progress the project. The next step will be the October identification mission. 20. Impact The purposes of the Grant are to assist in the preparation of the Water Sector Reform Project, which has as a main objective the improvement and expansion of water supply and sewerage services within the Recipient's territory through institutional reform, capacity strengthening and rehabilitation and expansion of existing water schemes (the Project)..08/29/2000 07:04:50 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Uruguay 2. Project Name: Water Supply Project 5. Grant Amount: JPY 32,600,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Preparation of a water supply and sewerage project through the provision of technical assistance with respect to (i) Secondary Cities; (ii) City of Montevideo; (iii) Institutional Development; and (iv) Analysis. 19. Status Complete 20. Impact Implementation of this grant allowed OSE a very detailed preparation of the APL OSE Modernization and Systems Rehabilitation Program, including selection of and technical, economic, financial and social investment activities to be financed under the project..08/29/2000 05:31:13 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Colombia 2. Project Name: Decentralized Human Capital Development 5. Grant Amount: US$400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant's purpose is to assist the Borrower in the preparation of a project would initiate an alliance between the Bank, the Government and Fundacion Social (NGO), to develop viable mechanisms to facilitate the financing of decentralized operations in the health, education and social protection sectors in poor communities. The Grant will finance the provision of technical assistance for: (a) the design of a strategic planning process for assessment of organizational, technical and operational issues at municipal and local levels; (b) the preparation, in a participatory way, of a logical framework for articulation of the objectives, activities, results and impact indicators for each of the areas that will be covered under the Project; (c) the preparation of detailed plans and programs, including cost estimates, for community-based interventions proposed to be carried out under the Project, which will require: (i) the employment of education, health and social protection experts to develop Project components which are technically sound and consistent with the logical framework referred to in (b) above; (ii) the design of the financial, operational and administrative arrangements for Project implementation; and (iii) the development of a communications strategy to reach the main Project stakeholders and beneficiaries. 19. Status The Grant legal agreement was signed in September 22, 1999. The closing date is December 31, 2000. The competitive process was made to select an agency for the administration of Grant funds. The Internamerican States Organization (Organizacion de Estados Interamericanos, OEI) was selected and a legal agreement was signed between ACCI and OEI, per Bank's non objection. As a result of the agreement, one disbursement has been made in May 2000 on behalf of OEI for US$100,000. The Government and the Bank are negotiating the possibility of postponing the preparation of this project to a later undetermined date, due to identified fiscal constraints in the country. However, final decision has not been taken given the potentially high social importance of this project. Nevertheless, the possibility remains that the project may be drop from this.FY's lending program. If this is the case, the project team will discuss a possible cancellation of the remaining grant with the PHRD committee. 20. Impact The PHRD grant was allowing an innovative approach in social development project formulation in Colombia, based on an alliance of civil society partners. Project preparation was to be accomplished by support of the central governmet, local governments, and a social development foundation from the private sector..08/30/2000 08:22:47 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Second Water And Sanitation For Low Income Communities Project 5. Grant Amount: US$594,400 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Community Capacity Building, 2. Improving Health Behavior and Services, 3. Developing Water and Sanitation Infrastructure, 19. Status The grant has largely achieved the objective of preparing the Second Water and Sanitation for Low Income Communities Project. 13 consultants were mobilized for preparation of the project components outlined above. Major field activities included participatory institutional capacity analysis and project planning consultations with project stakeholders from the community, sub-district, district, and provincial levels in four provinces. All PHRD grant-financed project preparation activities will be completed before 20 September 2000, the expected date of Project Effectiveness. 20. Impact PHRD grant funds facilitated the execution, in a very short time frame, of a highly participatory project preparation methodology which has led to a high level of project ownership and understanding by expected beneficiaries and local government implementing agencies..08/30/2000 08:31:14 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zimbabwe 2. Project Name: Private Sector Power Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US $300,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components System Development Plan for the power sector, identifying the least cost generation option for Zimbabwe; review of tariff structure and levels 19. Status The closing date of the grant was extended a final time, to October 31, 2000 to allow completion of follow-up tariff studies given the proposed sector reform and restructuring program which will entail unbundling of ZESA. 20. Impact This grant has been instrumental in determining the least cost generation plant for Zimbabwe, and in rationalizing ZESA's tariff structure..08/30/2000 09:18:51 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kazakhstan 2. Project Name: Aral Sea Community Rehabilitation 5. Grant Amount: Yen 80,600,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant components are as follows: (a) establishment of community participation and involvement of the local authorities and NGOs in the design and implementation of water supply, sanitation, hygiene and health education systems; (b) improvement of sanitation conditions through introduction of new and low cost sanitation systems supported by hygiene and health education campaign and streamlined system for health data handling; (c) preparation of feasibility studies for wastewater and sanitation to determine cost-effective physical interventions and institutional arrangements necessary to build capacity and sustain operation of the water supply and sanitation systems; (d) preparation of final designs and documents for sanitation facilities; and (e) establishment of project implementation units to assist in project preparation. 19. Status Work under components (a), (c), (d) and (e) has been completed. Work under component (b) is in the final stages of completion. Component (a): The beneficiary communitie, NGOs, and the local authorities were involved in the design of the project throughout project preparation. Component (b): The $330,000 pilot sanitation and health component is under final stages of completion. The consultant have undertaken health and hygiene awareness programs, collected data, and involved the local Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports communities in the construction of demonstration facilities in selected rural settlements in Kazalinsk and Aralsk. Component (c): The feasibility study funded by Kuwait Fund was completed in February 1998. Component (d): The final designs and documents for the sanitation facilities have been prepared. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU), with offices in Almaty and Kzylorda, has satisfactorily managed project preparation since April 1996 and will continue their activities until grant closing..20. Impact The technical assistance provided has helped the recipient to: (a) gain early hands-on experience in donor procurement and disbursement procedures, as well as project design, management and implementation issues; (b) experience the usefulness of community participation in project design and discussion of public health issues; and (c) build institutional capacity for implementation of a larger, more complex follow-up project. The impact of the health pilot program is evident in the selected communities, in the form of increased health and hygiene awareness and experience in the construction of appropriate sanitation systems. With the use of these systems, health conditions in the area will improve. The Government has committed to undertaking the full scale project with the assistance of KfW, Kuwait Fund and the World Bank, with the Bank playing a coordinating role..08/30/2000 09:25:25 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkmenistan 2. Project Name: Environmental Capacity Building And Management 5. Grant Amount: US$210,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Institutional Needs Assessment: Examine current organization and capacity of the environmental agencies and recommend capacity building measures, including: (i) capacity to conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and environmental audits (EAs); (ii) strengthening enforcement capabilities; (iii) assisting in the development of an oil spill mitigation plan (Caspian Sea Program); (iv) increasing enforcement capabilities of the necessary safeguard measures related to development of oil and gas industry; and (v) increasing Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public participation in the sector. (b) Regulatory and Legal Framework Review: Review and analyze the regulatory and legal framework in the environment sector and recommend measures for improvement including: (i) economic instruments for pollution control; (ii) procedures to address liability for past pollution or environmental damage; (iii) policy changes to encourage polluters to invest in clean technologies; and (iv) environmental audits for the polluting enterprises. (c) National Environmental Strategy: Formulation of a national environmental strategy that will assess the current state of the environment in Turkmenistan and develop action programs to address priority environmental concerns. Approximately nine local working groups will be organized to analyze and address the following themes: (i) Industry; (ii) Water resource management; (iii) Energy - Environmental issues related to oil and gas; (iv) Waste management; (v) Agriculture; (vi) Irrigation and drainage; (vii) soil protection; (viii) Desertification; (ix) Wetlands and Biodiversity 19. Status The Grant Agreement was signed by the government on June 12, 2000. Currently preparations to initiate grant implementation are underway. The beneficiary is in the process of establishing the Special Account. A local core team in the Ministry of Environment is reparing the terms of reference for the procurement of consultant services under the three components. 20. Impact The receipt of the grant has mobilized the Ministry of Environment to.prepare for new activities in the environment sector and initiated an inter-sectoral dialogue with other pertinent ministries on environmental issues and their potential involvement in the grant financed studies..08/30/2000 09:59:49 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Strengthening Environmental Enforcement And Compliance Capacity 5. Grant Amount: $74892 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) provision of advisory services on mainstreaming the Recipient’s use of market based instruments in environmental management through (i) review of the on going environmental user fee programs in Laguna Lake; (ii) assisting in the development of a strategy for mainstreaming with the participation of Industry Associations and other interested parties; (iii) assisting in the preparation of an implementation program with supporting institutional arrangements; (iv) assisting in the preparation and dissemination of an operations manual; and (v) assisting the Recipient’s Business for Environment organization in the dissemination of materials on the application of International Standards Organization (IS0) 1400. (b) provision of advisory services on strengthening public disclosure by expanding Ecowatch and community monitoring programs through: (i) assessment of the performance of Ecowatch and assisting in the preparation of an implementation program for its expansion; (ii) assisting in the development of an operations manual for the use of Ecowatch and the community in environmental monitoring, and subsequent training in its application; (iii) testing the participation of enterprises and communities as part of the consultative process in the monitoring program; and (iv) advising on the drafting of the appropriate regulatory framework 19. Status Terms of Reference for Consultant Assistance being finalized 20. Impact Too early to determine the impact, but expected to be very beneficial.08/30/2000 10:11:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Strengthening Environmental Enforcement And Compliance Capacity 5. Grant Amount: $224678 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) strengthening of the Recipient’s environmental enforcement mechanism, through (i) review of the existing enforcement regime and compliance record, and subsequent development of an improved regulatory framework and implementation plan; and (ii) identification of clear organizational roles and mandate for DENR and the Local Government Units (LGUs) (b) mainstreaming the Recipient’s use of market based instruments in environmental management through (i) review of the on going environmental userfee programs in Laguna Lake; (ii) development of a strategy for mainstreaming with the participation of Industry Associations and other interested parties; (iii) preparation of an implementation program with supporting institutional arrangements; (iv) preparation and dissemination of an operations manual; and (v) provision of assistance to the Recipient’s Business for Environment organization in the dissemination of materials on the application of International Standards Organization (IS0) 14001 (c) strengthening public disclosure by expanding Ecowatch and community monitoring programs through: (i) assessment of the performance of Ecowatch and preparation of an implementation program for its expansion; (ii) development of an operations manual for the use of Ecowatch and the community in environmental monitoring and subsequent training in its application; (iii) testing the participation of enterprises and communities as part of the consultative process in the monitoring program; and (iv) provision of advisory services on the drafting of the appropriate regulatory framework, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 19. Status Terms of Reference for Consultant Assistance being finalized 20. Impact Too early to determine the impact, but expected to be very beneficial..08/30/2000 08:51:18 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand 2. Project Name: Social Safety Net And Poverty Monitoring 5. Grant Amount: $700,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components N.A. 19. Status The grant is now in the beginning stages of activation. An interim budget has been approved and have begun to be utilized. Grant Agreements were distributed to governments, and the Government of Indonesia signed and returned their GA. Unfortunately, the GA was out of date and unacceptable to TFC and LEGOP. LEGOP has now drafted new agreements and these are being re-submitted to governments for signature. Indonesian participants are ready to begin and are preparing for consultations with their Thai and Philippino counterparts; plans for specific activities in the Philippines are being developed; and meetings are planned for Sept 6 & 7 in Bangkok to finalize the details of work plans there. Key project staff have been identified and are now being contracted. 20. Impact N.A..08/30/2000 11:07:28 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Land Development 2 5. Grant Amount: $ 346,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) preparation of a study on the feasibility and appropriateness of creating a secondary mortgage agency; (b) preparation and implementation of a new subsidy scheme for low-income families; and (c) preparation of a methodology for the design and implementation of progressive land development projects (ZAP) and new area development projects (ZUN) 19. Status The Grant Agreement, signed by the Bank, was sent to the Minister of Finance on September 15, 1999. However, it has not been countersigned by the Minister of Finance, because the Ministry of Finance and the State Secretariat for Housing failed to reach an agreement to include the Land Development II Project in the Bank's lending program to Morocco. The Bank has thus decided to cancel the Grant. A letter to the Minister of Finance, signed by the Country Director, will be sent during the first week of September, 2000. 20. Impact NA.08/30/2000 12:07:06 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Tourism Development 5. Grant Amount: $220,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components There is only one component: Preparation of a strategic audit and reengineering plan of the two existing coastal sites development agencies; Société Nationale d'Aménagement de la Baie d'Agadir (SONABA) in Agadir and Société Nationale d'Aménagement de la Baie de Tanger (SNABT) in Tangiers, and proposals for a new institutional framework at national and regional levels, in charge of developing and managing new coastal sites. 19. Status The Grant Agreement was signed by the Bank and sent to the Moroccan Government on February 22, 2000. It was countersigned by the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Finance on April 24 and May 19, 2000, respectively. The Bank gave its non objection to the shortlist of consultants and to the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Request for Proposals (with the terms of reference) on May 19, 2000. The Consultant should be selected before the end of September, 2000. 20. Impact NA.08/30/2000 11:23:14 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Latvia 2. Project Name: Education Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: $370,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant was designed to finance the following three components: (1) Energy Conservation; (2) Education Reform; and (3) Miscellaneous. 19. Status The grant has been fully disbursed and was implemented satisfactorily. 20. Impact The Grant has provided significant technical assistance and training to develop the capacity of the MOE staff in education planning and program development. Specifically, the Grant provided extensive technical assistance to prepare all components of the project, mainly to: build and strengthen institutional management capacity to assess and promote quality learning; and to improve the energy efficiency and space utilization of education facilities..08/30/2000 11:49:52 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Poland 2. Project Name: Project For Air Protection In Silesia (Paps) 5. Grant Amount: $356,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Demand Analysis and Social Assessment ($171,800). The study will be carried out to assess households’ willingness to pay for converting their heating systems. The analysis will be used to determine the optimal loan/grant combination to achieve the maximum amount of pollution reduction. This work will also comprise a social assessment to understand the attitudes of beneficiaries to changing their heating system, and to develop ways to protect poor beneficiaries from unmanageable increases in rent or heating bills. 2. Analysis of Municipal Housing and Municipal Finance ($63,400). This analysis is needed to ensure that the conversion in municipally owned housing blocks will be undertaken in the most efficient manner, taking into account the financial situation of the different municipalities affected. As poor households tend to live in municipal housing, this will pay particular attention to whether municipalities will raise rents if they modernize heating systems. 3. Policy Analysis ($121,200). The study will determine local policy options such as smokeless zones, timing, needs to adapt the air quality monitoring system, public information and reporting arrangements and enforcement capacity particularly in light of the EU air quality directive. Under this component, the project preparation team will also contract experts in other coal areas in Eastern and Western Europe who have been part of implementing similar schemes. 19. Status Grant Agreement has been drafted and is currently being reviewed by the Borrower. The implementation of the Grant is planned to start around September 15, 2000. 20. Impact N/A..08/30/2000 06:38:37 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Algeria 2. Project Name: Housing Finance Project 5. Grant Amount: $269,600 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Study of mortgage collateral; Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports (b) Study of key functions and participants in the Primary Mortgage market; (c) Review of main banks; (d) Studies of secondary mortgage market activities; (e) Analysis of the recently created Mortgage Refinance Corporation; and (f) Review of new contractual savings schemes. 19. Status Work on all the above studies is being carried out by a group of international and local consultants (SOGEMA). Interim reports have been prepared and the consultants are expected to complete the studies by the end of September. 20. Impact The studies should determine the feasibility of undertaking the proposed project, the reforms needed to ensure success and the size of project that can reasonably be achieved within the time frame envisaged..08/30/2000 01:51:33 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Lgu Urban Water And Sanitation Project (Apl2) Preparation 5. Grant Amount: $1,000,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Preparation of feasibility studies in 38 municipalities, financing of consultants for environmental, financial and economic appraisal of subprojects, and supervision of project preparation activities by DBP 19. Status The activity has been under implementation since April 2000 20. Impact The completion of activities by the end of November will prepare the project for Board approval. This will result in a major expansion in financing water supply investments through the project.08/30/2000 02:43:50 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria 2. Project Name: Asal2 - Irrigation Restructuring & Rehabilitation Component 5. Grant Amount: Yen 41, 900, 000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Part A: Completion of a feasibility study relating to the engineering, economic, agronomic, institutional, organizational and environmental aspects of the Project Part B: Establishment of a pilot program of about 20 water user organizations in selected areas of the recipient country and promotion of establishment of water user organizations and transfer of part of irrigation systems management. Part C: Completion of training program for farmers and government officials in support of activities identified under Parts A and B 19. Status Part A and C have been implemented. Part B is formally completed; but the WUAs are not functioning as expected. 20. Impact Due to the PHRD support, the Government is moving forward with processing a draft WUA law. The Government is now considering the preparation of a formal project for this subsector based on the feasibility study and models prepared with the PHRD support. This work will continue under the proposed ASAL2..08/30/2000 11:06:29 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Jordan 2. Project Name: Jordan- Samra First Independent Power Project 5. Grant Amount: US$500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Three main components defined in the Grant Agreement comprise technical assistance (TA) to the Government for: (a) preparation of the guarantee security package for the Project, consisting of project implementation, land lease, power purchase, concession, water supply, and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports fuel purchase agreements; (b) carrying out a study to examine alternatives for fuel supply for the Project, and timing, sourcing and availability of either diesel fuel or natural gas; and (c) provision of specialized legal, project finance, regulatory, and financial technical assistance services for the establishment of an independent power sector regulatory authority, and formulation of legal and financial rules and sector regulatory guidelines, and training of local staff in the administration of said authority. 19. Status Fieldstone Private Capital Group (FPCG) was appointed as consultants by the Government in April 1999 to provide technical, financial , and legal services through the process of evaluation of bids submitted by the pre-qualified bidders, negotiations with the selected prefered bidder, and assistance to financial close of the transaction as covered under part (a) of the TA defined above. Since then, work has been carried out in a highly professional manner , with all programmed activities completed on schedule. Clarifications/negotiations are presently in progress with the selected prefered bidder. However, as a result of change in the choice of technology from combined-cycle power station to an oil-fired steam technology, a number of the technical clarifications already conducted needed to be repeated for the oil-fired steam option. Work is progressing satisfactorily in the usual highly professional manner, however, the time frame for reaching financial close of the transaction, and , therefore, for completing the services would need to be extended. 20. Impact The grant funds are critical for providing the Government the needed professional expertise for a complicated transaction of this nature, and in which the Government is engaging for the first time. The proposed project, consisting of the construction of a 450MW oil -fired steam plant, will the first foreign direct investment in the Jordan power sector, and will pave the way for future private investments in the infrastructure sectors of the economy..It will help to meeting future demand for electricity in the most cost-effective manner.08/30/2000 02:18:28 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: A Project 5. Grant Amount: US$775,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Analysis of sectoral issues and preparation of strategy for privatizing PWA 19. Status Mobilization of the consultants took place only in June, 2000 because of delays in completing the procurement process in Thailand. A request for extending the grant until June 2001 is pending with the Japanese government 20. Impact The grant will have a major impact in reforming the Thai water sector, and in promoting competition.08/30/2000 03:03:01 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Pollution Abatement 5. Grant Amount: $ 600,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant was to assist Romania prepare a Pollution Abatement project. The preparation of the project would be achieved through identifying investments in selected enterprises that would help reduce pollution and environmental degradation. The preparation included an appraisal of the investments based on environmental, technical, and financial considerations. 19. Status The consultants have successfully completed their feasibility report which was well received by the Government, participating enterprises, and the Bank. 20. Impact The Grant has helped prepare the feasibility report on environmental Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports investments. The Bank's project had envisaged that the Loan funds would be channeled through financial intermediaries for environmental investments. However, given the uncertainties of the financial sector in Romania in late 1998 and 1999, the commercial banks in Romania were not able to lend on a long term basis which was necessary for the investments. As a result it was decided to not proceed with the Bank's project..08/30/2000 03:30:03 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Environmental Infrastructure Project 5. Grant Amount: $US484,250 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Preparation of a solid waste management strategy and action plan; design and costing of proposed region solid waste disposal systems in project regions; development of a training program; preparation of a social assessment; development of a clean up plan; assessment of the environmental impacts; and drafting of terms of reference for technical design and privatization. 19. Status 16.52% of the grant has been disbursed. 20. Impact The technical studies for the Tesanj and Gradacac areas will be completed by September, 2000. These studies plan for an implementation phase to create the multi municipal landfills for these areas. The remaining work is delayed because the Bank was waiting for the completion of the National Master Plan for Solid Waste (funded by EU). To avoid replication of work with other donors, it was determined best to review Master Plan prior to targeting additional study areas. The Master Plan will be completed in September, 2000..08/30/2000 03:28:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Argentina 2. Project Name: Drainage Infrastructure And Management 5. Grant Amount: US$993,300 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Drainage Infrastructure Assessment and Strategy (b) Drainage Master Plans (c) Solid Waste Management (d) Management Strategy and Policy (e) Project Preparation Unit 19. Status Disbursements have not begun yet pending signing of the Letter of Agreement by the new Government Authorities in Argentina 20. Impact The activities to be financed with the Grant will be key in the preparation of the proposed project and are expected to have a very positive impact. The establishment of baseline conditions trough the provincial assessments, which will be carried with the support of this Grant, are essential. So are the diagnosis and prioritization of the hydrological conditions and the establishment of the macro and micro drainage plan guidelines for several locations. The formulation of solid waste management strategies will have an impact beyond the improvements to the drainage operations. Finally, the formulation of policies and regulations for land use has been identified as a high priority by the provincial government officials participating at recent workshops organized under existing flood protection projects and hence will also have a positive impact..08/30/2000 03:00:30 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Legal And Judicial Reform Project Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 5. Grant Amount: 253,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Judicial education: studies for: (i) the improvement of the current training and curriculae for magistrates and auxiliaries of justice; (ii) the development of institutional and pedagogical reforms of the current training system for judges and auxiliaries of justice and; (iii) technical assistance for the elaboration of regulations reforming INEJ’s management and curriculum. (b) Arbitration: study on the current legal framework for arbitration in Morocco and proposals for a unified legal instrument (i.e. an Arbitration Code). As described in H (e) above, the Moroccan Government sees as a top priority the development of the recourse to arbitration in matters of commercial litigation with a view to unburden the commercial courts and give more settlement of disputes options to business operators. (c) Management of the Courts of Commerce: studies aimed at taking stock of the current commercial courts’ and case management situation and proposing alternative systems with a view to improving timeliness, efficiency and responsiveness. (d) Registries of Commerce: in the Moroccan legal system, commercial corporations must, by law, be registered with the “Registry of Commerce”, so as to insure publicity of trade name and security of ownership. The Registries of commerce in Morocco are in a largely recognized state of mismanagement that is the cause of private sector criticism and complaints. The proposed study will take stock of the current specific deficiencies of the Registries of Commerce and propose a set of remedies. (e) Legal Information Management and dissemination. 19. Status 240,000 dollars, out of the 253,500 have been disbursed for payments made to consultants who have finalized their tasks. The remainder is still pending the finalization by an individual consultant of a study on commercial arbitration in Morocco..20. Impact Fully successful. The PHRD Grant has financed studies directly relevant to the Bank project that went to the Board on June 15, 2000..08/30/2000 03:46:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Mostar Water Supply And Sanitation Project 5. Grant Amount: US$367,800 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Design of a rehabilitation plan for the sewage collection system; cost recovery/financial analysis; assessment of the environmental impacts of the development plan; preparation of a public information plan; review of legislation to corporatize the two companies and prepare draft charter for the new commercial company; preparation of a human resources plan; and development of alternative strategies ie. privatization. 19. Status 96.55% of the grant has been disbursed. 20. Impact Grant has been very useful in the legal area to co-ordinate Bosnian laws to the project need's related to corporatiziation of the two companies and draft charter. The human development strategy plan assisted in the development of the new organization structure..08/30/2000 05:21:48 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Economic And Financial Assistance Loan Iv 5. Grant Amount: $492,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Development of a Regulatory Framework for the water sector (ii) Development of 19. Status Mobilization of the consultants took place only in June 2000 because of delays in completing the procurement process in Thailand. 20. Impact The grant will have a major impact in reforming the Thai water sector, and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports in promoting private sector participation.08/30/2000 04:55:11 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zimbabwe 2. Project Name: Power Sector Reform Project (Previously Known As Power Transmission And Distribution Project) 5. Grant Amount: US$396,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Preparation of a regulatory framework basic design (ii) Development and implementation of an asset restructuring strategy and privatization program (iii) Economic evaluation and justification of investment components 19. Status The implementation of the grant has been highly satisfactory. The grant agreement was signed in August 1999. The first consultant funded by the grant started to work in October 1999. Through focused technical assistance and broad public consultation, the White Paper (the power sector policy paper) was finalized in April 2000. The draft report of economic evaluation of the investments was also submitted by the Consultant in June 2000. However, due to political events and economic downturn in Zimbabwe, the preparation for the project has been slowed down. The dialogues on sector reform has been maintained. 20. Impact The grant funded project preparation activities were centered on developing a comprehensive sector reform program. It made a significant impact in building a critical mass of reform minded people in the sector. Very high ownship of the reform program is demonstrated by (i) the Government cancelled a less transparent asset sale, (ii) the Government made a request to the Bank for an advance of Project Preparation Facility (PPF) in an amount of Us$2 million to fund privitization transaction (it is the first application for PPF the Government ever made), and (iii) reform related preparatory work, eg. drafting of new laws, sector unbundling and privatization has continued even during the run-up to election period..08/30/2000 05:33:47 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Uzbekistan 2. Project Name: Small Investments And Micro Credit Fund 5. Grant Amount: US$513970 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A reallocation request has been submitted for reallocation of funds and for the redefinition of components. The original funding proposal suggested the following activities for financing technical assistance to build capacity for the institution of the Social Fund and in the areas of: (a) Small and medium enterprises (b) Institutions capacity building for the Fund as well as partners; © community consultation specialists; micro finance specialists; labor markets economist; MIS specialists; Monitoring and evaluation specialists, social scientists; (d) for training and workshops as well as some computer equipment. (e) audit of the Grant. The original Grant agreement for US$ 513,970 was amended in agreement with the donor to include $80,000 of pilot activities in community infrastructure and $30,000 for micro credit. This was reflected in the Grant agreement with $80,000 reallocated to the Works category. The funds for micro finance were reflected under consultant services. With the aim of advancing the preparation of the proposed SIMF, a request has been submitted that the 80,000 of the grant, currently allocated for pilot activities in community infrastructure be re-allocated towards piloting of micro-credit activities; and that the SME and infrastructure component of the grant be eliminated. This technical assistance would include a number of priority tasks to be Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports undertaken as part of the preparation of the proposed SIMF i.e., with the aim of laying the groundwork for a larger scale assistance program. These tasks include: -- institutional building of the Small Investments and Micro Credit Fund. -- Drafting with the operations manual for implmentation of the micro finance programs. -- Identification of implementing partners. -- Piloting Micro Finance programs with selected partners..-- Training of SIMF staff and partners. 19. Status The grant agreement has been signed. A request for reallocation of funds and redefinition of components has been submitted. An amendment to the grant is required. The grant closing date has been extended. 20. Impact The grant has not been activated..08/30/2000 04:57:48 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zambia 2. Project Name: Zambia Urban Development Project 5. Grant Amount: 479,500.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components -- Facilitation of a participatory project identification workshop with a wide body of stakeholders including donors, central and local government officials and NGOs; -- Studies required for the preparation of urban fiscal/functional decentralization in Zambia; -- Assessment of the planning, organization and management capacities of selected local councils with a view to piloting reform programs; -- Preliminary engineering design of proposed infrastructure elements, including environmental, financial and social assessment studies. 19. Status The fund has been used preliminary for the design of proposed infrastructure elements, including environmental, financial and social assessment studies. 20. Impact The purpose of the project is to reduce poverty through the improved efficiency of the urban sector services delivery in the territory of the Recipient; the project is scheduled for a FY2003 Board..08/30/2000 02:26:22 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam 2. Project Name: Rural Energy Project 5. Grant Amount: $1,413,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant was designed to finance the following activities: (a) technical assistance concerning issues of grid repair and extension to rural areas, including (i) capacity buiding for rural energy expansion planning; (ii) analysis of the financial impact of a national rural electrification program on power companies; (iii) review of the existing power tariff schemes to facilitate formulation of a technically sound tariff regime; (iv) conduct of project economic analysis; (v) preparation of recommendations for the organization for the organization and managerial structure for the implementation of an effective national rural electrification program and (iv) capacity building to manage and operate the rural power network; (b) technical assistance with respect to analysis and development of renewable energy for remote areas, including (i) conduct a study of alternative approaches to renewable energy projects implementation in rural and remote areas; (ii) development of alternative mechanisms for operation, maintenance and management for the off- grid electricity system; (iii) design, implementation and monitoring of renewable pilot projects to test proposed systems and mechanisms; and (iv) capacity building to manage and operate the renewable energy systems. 19. Status All the consultants were hired and most of them have finished their assignment. Upon the results of the consultants' work, project was Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports approved by the Board on May 30, 2000. 20. Impact - Assist in preparation of Rural Energy Project through analytical work in financial, economic, tariff, institutional and technical management issues on rural energy in Vietnam. - Improve recipient's capacity in project economic, financial evaluation and demand forecasting - Improve recipient's capacity in technical expertises by introducing best applicable practice in designing rural network. - Propose options for improving management of rural network - Provide analysis and develop alternative approaches for renewable energy in rural remote areas, and conduct a pilot to demonstrate the.proposed approach..08/31/2000 04:08:48 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Mindanao Rural Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components a) Assessment of needs and outlining project scope, preparation of development plans and implementation arrangements, and formulation of relevant sub-projects; b) organization of consultative and technical workshops for key stakeholders; c) provision of support and on-the-job training to LGUs in preparing and implementing development plans; and 4) establishment and operation of the MRDP Project Coordination Office (PCO). 19. Status The Grant's activities have helped in firming up the MRDP's project design using the Project's initial two provinces. The Grant funds have been used to enable the consultation process with a wide variety of stakeholders, and given the nature of the rural communities of Mindanao, allowing greater creativity in designing the Project components. Grant-supported workshops involving LGU officials, and the outcome of the social assessment, have improved local understanding of key rural issues; in addition, training was provided to local officials in preparing rural development plans. The establishment of the Mindanao-based PCO has been invaluable in facilitating the process of project design and preparation. The program is designed as an APL, and hence, the continued availability of these funds consequently becomes important for the timely completion of the stages of project preparation, and as the additional project provinces are being engaged in intensive project preparation activities. 20. Impact The activities funded by the Grant made it possible for the Project to undertake substantive project preparation activities which has enabled the Project to award contracts and immediately commence actual on-the-ground implementation within four months of the Bank's loan effectiveness. The activities funded by the Grant also served as good training for the Project Coordinating Office to gain enough administrative and management experience which enabled project activities to take off immediately after effectiveness..08/30/2000 03:19:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam 2. Project Name: The System And Energy Efficiency Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: US$771,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) analysis of the Recipient's current energy delivery system to identify problem areas and their solutions, (ii) review of the accounting and management information systems of Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) and EVN's power companies, and subsequent improvement of the said systems, and (iii) conduct of workshops and provision of training to the Recipient's project team, staff from EVN and power companies, officials from Ministries of Industry, Planning and Investment, Science, Technology and Environment, Finance, and any other officials requiring training in this Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports sector 19. Status Bid evaluations were completed. Two contracts will be awarded in August, 2000. Another one will be awarded in September, 2000. 20. Impact - Improving the efficiency of the transmission and distribution system - Decreasing power losses in the existing distribution systems by rehabilitation and upgrading - Improving supply and demand side energy efficiency - Enhancing the performance of the power sector's entities through improving the accounting and Management Information System..08/31/2000 07:44:30 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Mindanao Rural Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $750,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components a) Provision of training to SPCPD and ARMM officials in post-war reconstruction and long-term recovery experiences through workshops and study tours; b) review of development plans developed by the Recipient and of the legal and institutional framework required to underpin such development plans; and c) provision of advisory services to assist the Recipient in formulating the Project's objectives, and in preparing the Project components, detailed costs and financing, and arrangements for the Project's management and implementation. 19. Status The Grant's activities have been used to firm up the MRDP's project design using the Project's initial two provinces. The Grant funds have been used to enable the hiring of consultants which have assisted the Bank team and the GOP in facilitating the process of wide ranging social assessments among various stakeholders and in designing the project and its various components. The program is designed as an APL, and hence, the continued availability of these funds consequently becomes important for the timely completion of the stages of project preparation, and as the additional project provinces are being engaged in intensive project preparation activities. 20. Impact The resources provided by the Grant were critical in ensuring that Project implementation mechanisms (such as operating manuals, proposed processes, etc.) were tested out prior to full scale implementation during Project effectiveness. Lessons learned were generated and incorporated in the final operating manuals adopted by the Project. This facility is a big factor in ensuring the smooth start up of Project activities which led to immediate on-the ground implementation within four months of the Project's effectiveness date..08/30/2000 08:59:48 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: West Bank And Gaza 2. Project Name: Institutional Development Project 5. Grant Amount: USD376,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The PHRD funds would support the following project preparation activities subject to some fine tuning at the margin, once we get agreement with the PA on the scope of the project and get into preparation work: (a) initiation and setup of the proposed TA; (b) establishment of criteria regarding the "rules of the game"; (c) establishment of detailed methodologies for the execution of the human resource planning exercise; (d) definition of required legal/regulatory framework, policies, institutional setting and human resource development needed for institution building; (e) development of an incentive structure that will encourage ministries/agencies to participate in the project; (f) evaluation of various agencies and ministries to determine the ones to be selected; (g) needs assessment for communication and IT requirements in the selected ministries/agencies, and (h) preparation of an investment program for the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports key technical assistance activities envisaged under the proposed investment project. 19. Status The completion of the PER and subsequent discussions did not lead to agreement with the PA on project scope. As a result, it was tentatively decided to drop the project and close the PHRD grant. However, a request for support for a civil service reform program -- a key area for the PA, which the Bank is keen to support -- was then received. The current constraint is budget resources; when this has been resolved, it is expected that the PHRD grant will be put to good use to support project preparation. Current status by component is as follows: (a) initiation and setup of the proposed TA: one mission undertaken in FY99; further work suspended pending agreement with PA on overall project objectives (b) establishment of criteria regarding the "rules of the game": not yet undertaken (c) establishment of detailed methodologies for the execution of the human resource planning exercise: not yet undertaken (d) definition of required legal/regulatory framework, policies, institutional setting and human resource development needed for institution building: not yet undertaken.(e) development of an incentive structure that will encourage ministries/agencies to participate in the project: not yet undetaken (f) evaluation of various agencies and ministries to determine the ones to be selected: not yet undertaken (g) needs assessment for communication and IT requirements in the selected ministries/agencies: not yet undertaken (h) preparation of an investment program for the key technical assistance activities envisaged under the proposed investment project: not yet undertaken 20. Impact The PHRD grant has scarcely been used, so there has been no significant impact to date..08/31/2000 08:57:02 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Ukraine 2. Project Name: Private Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: USD 506,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components To carry out management training and enterprise restructuring exercises on a pilot basis in selected regions of Ukraine in order to move forward the preparation of the Ukraine PSD Loan, and disseminating lessons learned thereby expediting policy reforms. 19. Status The closing date of the Grant was December 31, 2000. The Government's request for extension was approved and extended till August 31, 2001. Grant implementation has proceeded rapidly with excellent results. The implementation agency has been actively involved in restructuring exercises in four regions of Ukraine. Over 100 managers and 70 consultants were trained. 20. Impact Local specialists in the pilot regions of Ukraine are now well trained and are providing the foundation for the Ukraine PSD Loan. Restructuring enterprises in the pilot regions showed the growth and increased their competitiveness that proved case-by-case approach to develop private sector in Ukraine..08/31/2000 09:05:15 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Upgrading The Financial System Framework 5. Grant Amount: $515,962 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist the Government of the Philippines in strengthening implementation and intervention mechanisms in the financial sector. It involves provision of advisory services to: Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports a) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) staff on revision of banks' performance rating (BPR) system, development of guidelines for consolidated supervision and provision of training on effective report writing and computer auditing; b) Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) on claims settlement function, liquidation process, database management systems, receivership and liquidation litigation, revision of claims manual, development of receivership and liquidation manuals; and c) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the development of rules and manuals on suspension of payments and rehabilitation. 19. Status In FY00, significant work has been accomplished under the Grant. For the BSP, work on the BPR has been completed. The consultant has been retained to conduct hands-on training on the software and make some refinements in process for two weeks in September 2000. Likewise, several simulation programs have been conducted for a total of 200 BSP staff on Bank-Executive Roles on supervision and examination. The consultant for this has been retained to conduct trainors training and training on how to make presentations for one month beginning mid-September 2000. For PDIC, a legal expert completed work on consultation, networking and drafting the proposed amendments to the PDIC charter. It has also submitted a request for the engagement of a trainor on records management which is under review by the Bank. A plan to hire an FDIC expert in receivership and liquidation area as a resident advisor was dropped due to changes in PDIC personnel in this area, but will likely be undertaken later..For SEC, a firm consultant has completed its advisory work on upgrading the rules governing the suspension of payments and an individual consultant has been on call to provide advisory services on areas of corporate restructuring and capital markets. Nevertheless, a substantial balance of $348,965 remains undisbursed under the grant with several key activities still to be undertaken, particularly at PDIC. For this purpose, the BSP, PDIC and SEC have been requested to review their advisory services need within the framework of the grant and to submit their priority activities to the Bank soonest. The slow implementation start-up, as noted in the FY99 report, necessitated an extension of the Grant's closing date from April 2000 to June 2001. 20. Impact The impact of the Grant has yet to be felt with the resulting activities still in their early statges of implementation if not still under preparation. Nonetheless, this Grant promises to have a positive impact on (a) improving bank monitoring and early detection of problem banks; (b) introduction of more rapid and efficient procedures for claims settlement and for receivership and orderly liquidation of insolvent banks; and (c) adoption of best practice rules governing the suspension of payments, in order to ensure more rapid restructuring and rehabilitation of corporations..08/31/2000 10:31:32 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Upgrading The Financial System Framework 5. Grant Amount: $514,303 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist the Government of the Philippines in strengthening implementation and intervention mechanisms in the financial sector. It will provided to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the following specific purposes of training: a) through study tours, key BSP staff on credit risk analysis, advanced trust, US Fed Reserve System, information system examination, credit analysis, white collar crime, capital markets, regulatory implications of cyberbanking, emerging issues for multinational financial institutions supervisors, payment system risk, risk management planning, asset-backed securitization and early detection and prevention of bank Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports failures b) through seminars, internships, study tours, key PDIC staff on receivership, rehabilitation and liquidation of banks, purchase of assets and assumption of liabilities for failed banks, claims processing, payment of insured deposits, legal aspects of bank liquidation and rehabilitation, best practices of deposit insurance, investigative and forensic accounting, bank operations audit, problem loan management, credit analysis, portfolio and risk management, records and data management, information storage and retrieval systems, bank supervision and regulation c) through seminars, internships and study tours, key SEC legal staff on financial analysis and shareholder value analysis, project appraisal and finance, company valuation and strategic planning, corporate finance structures, mergers, acquisitions and buy-outs, syndicated loans, project finance documentation, trade finance law and UCP500, mergers and acquisitions, asset securitization, international securities issues, financial derivatives and other related issues 19. Status In FY00, BSP and PDIC actively utilized the grant for various training in areas covered by the Grant. While most of these were foreign training, some were also conducted and/or organized locally such as the Real Estate Appraisal seminar at PDIC, 34th SEACEN course on Bank Supervision, and Distressed Assets Management/Collection Administration.at BSP. For its part, SEC allocated most of its funds for the proposed training in the US of its hearing officers in handling suspension of payment procedures filed by distressed corporations. However, with the spin-off of this quasi-judicial function to the local courts under the Securities Act of 2000, this training will not be applicable anymore. Accordingly, SEC has been advised to review their priorities and to submit to the Bank their alternative training program. The SEC training component's balance is also being considered for the pursuit of the same training on handling suspension of payments procedures for distressed corporations but with lower courts justices as beneficiaries and to whom the responsibility has now been transferred. A substantial balance of $205,321 remains undisbursed plus the $100,000 Special Account administered by the Department of Finance. This and the delay in implementation start-up necessitated the extension of the closing of the Grant from April 2000 to June 2001. Hence, to facilitate utilization, the three agencies have been requested by the Bank to submit their respective comprehensive training programs soonest. This is to have a general overview of the strategy being pursued as opposed to the piece-meal request for approval of training to be undertaken. 20. Impact The impact of the Grant is felt primarily in terms of improved exposure and capacity of senior bank and deposit insurance staff to international best practice in their respective areas of training. BSP and PDIC verbally reports marked confidence in their staff in performing their tasks after training. Overall, the Grant promises to have an impact on (a) improving bank monitoring and early detection of problem banks; (b) introduction of more rapid and efficient procedures for claims settlement and for receivership and orderly liquidation of insolvent banks; and (c) adoption of best practices rules governing the suspension of payments, in order to ensure more rapid restructuring and rehabilitation of corporations..08/31/2000 10:50:51 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: West Bank And Gaza 2. Project Name: Informatics - Development And Implementation 5. Grant Amount: $250,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Preparation of an Information Technology Strategy for the WBG 19. Status The contract began to slip from the original schedule in July 1999 with the delivery of the second status report. That report was unsatisfactory as to content and analysis. In order to consolidate the work of the Steering Committee (SC) formed to spearhead the project, we engaged a highly Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports qualified consultant with substantial experience in the areas of IT and economic development. He has been instrumental in helping the SC formulate a detailed outline for the strategy which was adopted by the consultants. Given the delays in their work and concerns about quality, we agreed to revise the contract so that the final half of the consultants' compensation is now dependent on the delivery of a draft final report and a final report "satisfactory to the Bank", rather than simply delivery of those reports. The draft final report was unsatisfactory and the SC delivered a 64 page critique of that report with recommendations for its improvements. 20. Impact Despite the problems encountered to date in implementation, the study is the subject of much attention and anticipation amongst specialists, the business community, donor agencies and the Palestinian government. Other work is being carried out by local universities, donor agencies and consulting firms invariably is designed to complement rather than duplicate or replace the areas being analyzed in preparation in the IT strategy. Although the strategy has not been completed, the work of the strategy has already had significant and positive impacts on the economy. For example, the legal and regulatory work has started a public debate on the inadequacy of the legal framework covering the telecommunications and IT sectors and the need to define clearly and publicly the monopoly provisions which are included in the license for the monopoly telecommunications provider in the WBG so as to open up the prospects for more investment, job creation and growth in areas of the sector which hare not, or do not need to be covered by the monopoly..08/31/2000 11:59:17 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Water Conservation Project 5. Grant Amount: USD400,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist the Recipient in the preparation of a proposed Water Conservation Project, which has as main objective to increase irrigation efficiencies. The components for which the Grant is given are as follows: (a) review of surface irrigation and drainage system plans and designs prepared under the Related Activities; assessment of groundwater and conjunctive-use irrigation systems, modern water savings and hydraulic system control and operation technologies, water measurement technologies, land improvement and leveling techniques, sprinkler and drip systems; and evaluation of the water saving potential of land reconfiguration and parceling of on-farm layout; (b) review of existing practices for operation and maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems, and formulation of recommendations on more efficient practices and equipment; provision of advisory services on the computerized operation models developed under the Related Activities; (c) review and improvement of water balance studies and assessment of the water savings associated with each physical or operational improvement under consideration for inclusion in the Project; development of computerized surface water and groundwater models developed under the Related Activities; (d) review of the financing, disbursement, and procurement plans, the Project Implementation Plan, and the environmental and social assessments prepared by the Recipient under the Related Activities, and provision of advisory services to the Recipient on the development of the Project's Financial Management System and on the prototype computerized management information system for project management and the performance monitoring indicators developed under the Related Activities; carrying out of studies on agricultural, financial, social and environmental issues related to the Project; and (e) provision of advisory services to the Recipient on the design and preparation of the institutional support component of the Project, including social assessments and participatory aspects of irrigation and drainage system development, transfer of such system to water users and self financing, introduction of water measurement at lower levels of the systems for volumetric measurement, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports implementation of water charge systems and procedures based on volumetric water use..19. Status The Grant was signed on January 25, 1999 and the closing date was extended from April 30, 2000 to October 31, 2000. During FY00, the consultants listed below were hired to review (a) engineering water-saving measures; (b) agricultural water-saving measures; (c) irrigation management water-saving measures; (d) institutional reform measures; (e) groundwater balance analysis; (f) groundwater management for Guantao County of Hebei Province; (g) environmental assessments; and (h) overall review of PIP reports. Based on Project / Internal Order Cost Detail on August 31, 2000, the disbursement for FY99 was US$137,029, for FY00 was US225,919 and for FY01 was US$21,080. The total disbursement was US$384,029, accounting for 96% of the total Grant (US$400,000). 20. Impact The detailed review of the project preparation was supported with the valuable contributions from the consulting services financed by the Grant. As a result, the project has been well prepared with good quality at entry and ready for implementation..08/31/2000 01:34:12 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Second Contractual Savings Development Program 5. Grant Amount: $975,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The main purpose of the grant is to assist in the prepartion of the proposed Third Contractual Savings Development Program. A series of activities were identified for financing for this purpose. 19. Status A small portion of the grant was used in FY 1999 to finance in-country disemination workshops reviewing the existing state level social security systems (item (d) in the Purposes, terms and Conditions of the Grant). However, the major portion of the grant has not yet been used thus far as the Government is still considering its position on the components of a Third Contractual Savings Development Program (CSDP III). The delay in beginning the execution of the Grant was largely due to the electoral cycle in Mexico as no major decisions regarding CSDP III are likely to be taken prior to the new administration taking charge in December 2000. However, the Bank is working actively to continue its dialog with the Government and it is expected that an agenda for the reforms to be undertaken in the Third Program will be put together soon after the new Government is in place. 20. Impact The impact thus far is very little since not much of the Grant has been executed..08/31/2000 11:09:26 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Debt Management 5. Grant Amount: US$ 160,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of this technical assistance is to: Strengthen the Debt Reporting System. The output of this component would consist of: (a) the development by a local consultant of an integrated debt database that would replace the currently fragmented recording system; (b) the systematic verification of debt data for internal and external consistency, and their entry in the new reporting system; and (c) the purchase of 3 computers, as well as database softwares (for 2 staff at the working level and one mid-manager). This equipment is critical in ensuring minimum adequate technology support for the reporting system. Reinforce and further develop debt Management Capacity Building. Capacity building would be conducted mostly locally and in-house, and would involve, in the following sequence: (a) quantitative and actuarial techniques; (b) risk evaluation techniques; and (c) training in debt management tools (derivatives, swaps, etc), and control/information Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports systems. The training in debt management tools would comprise two activities, namely fundamental capacity building and 2 one-month internships with international investment banks for one working level trainee. The two one-month internships would take place only once fundamental training has been completed, and are expected to involve two different investment banks, in Europe and/or the US. 19. Status The grants has not yet been signed. Discussion with the MoF are currently in progress to formulate an appropriate response to their proposal. 20. Impact N/A.08/31/2000 02:16:55 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Second Contractual Savings Development Program 5. Grant Amount: $382,983.55 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objectives of the grant are to support the preparation of the third phase of the Contractual Savings Development Program. Specifically, the Grant is intended to support certain activities that are expected to lead to the institutional strengthening of CONSAR - the pension fund regulator. 19. Status This grant agreement has not yet been signed. The Bank has impressed upon the Borrower the importance of getting the agreement signed at an early date. However, delays have occurred due to the electoral cycle in Mexico and due to the Government still considering its position on the components of the Third Contractual Savings Development Program. It is expected that the new Government that takes office in December 2000, will sign the agreement. 20. Impact There has been no impact of the Grant yet, since it has not yet been signed..08/31/2000 02:26:33 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Madagascar 2. Project Name: Regional Social Fund 5. Grant Amount: US$650,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the PHRD Grant is to assist in the preparation of a proposed project designed to support poverty reduction through decentralized community development activities and to support activities targeted towards women. Technical assistance activities for which the Grant is given include: beneficiary assessments to ascertain the needs, desires and concerns of beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries; a review of the organization management capabilities and strengths and weaknesses of the social fund FID; the design of an enhanced management information system of FID consistent with the regional focus of its activities , its gender-specific concerns and the need for a quick and accurate reporting system; the revision of FID Manual of Procedures; and the development of an action plan for training of local non-governmental organizations, community groups, small and medium-scale enterprises and local consulting firms. 19. Status The implementation progress is satisfactory although consultancies preparation are taking a little longer than originally planned. The beneficiary assessment has been carried out, the preparation of a new manual of procedures is well advanced and the new MIS is being installed. 20. Impact The PHRD Grant has been invaluable in allowing FID to focus on a greater participatory approach and in financing sub-projects managed and implemented by the communities themselves. Community groups are being trained so that they may carry out their increased responsibilities satisfactorily. The lessons learned from the beneficiary assessments have been taken into account in the preparation of a new manual of procedures. The progressive implementation of the new MIS is improving the links between the general and regional directorates as a mean for further Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports decentralizing FID's operations to the country's 6 regions..08/31/2000 02:14:50 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: Maintenance Loan 5. Grant Amount: $449,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Study on Public Land management Study on maintenance systems for public buildings in Health and Education 19. Status TORs and shortlist have been approved for both studies. Offers have been received for Maintenance study, but negotiations are under way since the financial proposal was too high. Technical proposals to be opened for the Land Management study mid-September. 20. Impact N.A..08/31/2000 02:31:55 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Lebanon 2. Project Name: Municipal Development 5. Grant Amount: US$ 338,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Revenue and Expenditure Review, Municipal Budgeting, Intergovernmental Finance, Local Investment Planning and finance studies. Outputs would be proposals for an appropriate framework/strategy for development of the municipal sector that would be supported by the Project. 19. Status Grant was signed in May 2000 by the Ministry of Finance, after full terms of reference for various component studies had been developed and agreed to. Launching of procurement of consultant services to carry out the studies is expected shortly. 20. Impact GRant will be used to establish consensus on institutional development components and strategy for reform of the municipal sector to be supported by the Project..08/31/2000 03:32:38 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Economic And Financial Management Loan Iv 5. Grant Amount: $775,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Analysis of sectoral issues and preparation of strategy for privatizing PWA 19. Status Mobilization of consultants took place in June, 2000 because of delays in completing the procurement process in Thailand. A request for extending the grant until June 2001 is pending with the Japanese Government. 20. Impact The grant will have a major impact in reforming the Thai water sector, and in promoting competition..08/31/2000 03:49:24 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Corporate And Financial Restructuring Of Philippines Water Utilities 5. Grant Amount: $500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components TA to the Department of Finance to undertake corporate restructuring of the Philippine water supply sector 19. Status Grant Agreement is awaiting the Government's approval 20. Impact The Grant will enable the Government to restructure the water supply sector, and promote private sector participation..08/31/2000 03:34:37 PM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Brazil 2. Project Name: Rio Grande Do Norte Management 5. Grant Amount: $985, 000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of this Grant is to assist in the preparation of the Rio Grande do Norte Water Resources Management Project. The activities for which the Grant is given are as follows: a) Develop complementary activities related to the Recipient's state-wide water resources master plan; b) Develop a methodology for prioritizing the components of the Rio Grande do Norte Water Resources Management Project (RGN-WRMP) and further integrated into the proposed federal system; c) Design and organize a pilot system to test methodologies for data collection, archiving and information dissemination, to be applied in the RGN-WRMP and further integrated into the proposed federal system; d) Acquire hydro-meteorological and hydrometric equipment to establish a pilot system that will test appropriate and pertinent methodologies for data collection, storage and information dissemination which will eventually establish benchmarks for the implementation of the proposed RGN-WRMP; e) Prepare an educational and public information program for water conservation and quality improvement; f) Plan and carry out an environmental assessment, a social impact assessment, an economic evaluation and design implementation plans for the proposed RGN-WRMP; g) Design and plan the necessary infrastructure to provide quality water supplies to the state, including its rural, urban, commercial and industrial sectors; and h) Prepare an evaluation design and an implementation plan sufficient to be provided for the appraisal of the RGN-WRMP by lending institutions. 19. Status The implementation of this grant was hindered by bureaucratic procedures in Brazil. Last year the implementing agency, Secretariat of Water Resources (SRH) of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, managed to resolve the issues that were delay the implementation of this grant. Since then disbursements of grant proceeds effectively started. The SRH conducted a RFP to select a consulting service to carry out the principal study financed by the grant. This contract (around US$ 320,000) is ongoing and the first report has been submitted by the consultants. However due to the delays in.the effective start-up of this contract the consultants will need additional nine months to complete the study. In addition to the study mentioned above other consulting services related to the implementation of this grant are being contracts. The fiscal situation of the State has improved significantly over the past two year and it is likely that they would seek World Bank support for the implementation of a State water resources management project next year. The studies currently financed by the PHRD grant are developing a project proposal. The SRH has a very competent group in place and with the resolution of the bureaucratic gridlock expect that disbursements will accelerate (and SOE in excess of US$ 120,000 was submitted to the Bank last week) and that grant implementation will be satisfactory through its completion. 20. Impact The grant continues to have significant positive impact in the preparation of a sound project proposal. It has allowed for the formation of a competent group of experts fully dedicated to project preparation. Despite significant bureaucratic delays in grant implementation, the team responsible for the coordination of the studies has now overcome these obstacles and bidding process for the contract of consulting firm to conduct the studies is well advanced..08/31/2000 04:13:29 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Brazil 2. Project Name: Federal Water Resources Management Project 5. Grant Amount: Yen 85, 300, 000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The originally planned Federal Water Resources Management Project in the amount of US$ 1.0 billion has been divided into a three phase-operation. The first phase (PROÁGUA I) was prepared with GOB's own funding and it was signed in June/1998. The second phase currently under preparation (PROÁGUA II) is being funded by PHRD Grant TF029358. The PHRD funds are being used to finance technical assistance (TA) for the preparation of the proposed project. The TA would support studies complemented by activities that would produce outputs directly relevant to project preparation. The justification for this TA is based on: (i) ensuring that project preparation is supported by a complete situation analysis; (ii) promoting the development of a consistent strategy for the water resources sector through which the proposed project would be supported and designed to more effectively meet the client's objectives; (iii) allowing for Bank participation in the design and development of planning tools which will significantly enhance the mandate of proposed new Water Resources Agencies, by providing a model to be used in similar projects; and (iv) quality of project design. More specifically, the TA will fund the following activities: (i) review, classify and update existing relevant data; (ii) prepare an economic analysis, including cost recovery options; (iii) recommend necessary actions to develop adequate planning capacity and coordination of future project activities, and define the institutional framework necessary to operate and maintain the project; (iv) develop a system of transferable water use rights and their administration and registration; and (v) prepare additional relevant studies and a detailed project proposal. 19. Status Grant implementation experienced some delays due to institutional problems and the economic crisis in Brazil. However, since May/99, after the appointment of the new Secretary of Water Resources the implementation improved and turned to a satisfactory status until its closing. The Ministry of Environment is still engaging this project remains as a high priority for the Federal Government. 20. Impact The grant has had significant positive impact in the preparation of a sound.project proposal. It will support the formation of a competent group of experts fully dedicated to project preparation, which will certainly enhance the quality of project design..08/31/2000 06:11:00 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Mexico Social Sector Reform Program 5. Grant Amount: 920,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components This grant was originally intended to provide technical assistance for the preparation of four projects. The original components were: (1) nutrition reform ($280,000); (2) labor market reform ($224,000); (3) basic education reform ($166,000); and (4) health finance reform ($250,000). As presently revised the grant components are: (1) nutrition reform ($2,400); (2) labor market reform (canceled); (3) basic education reform (($278,000); (4) health finance reform ($362,000); and (5) secondary and technical education reform ($277,600). 19. Status The implementation of the basic education reform and the health finance reform components is complete. Implementation of the secondary and technical education component is on-going albeit with delays. The delays are due to the postponement of the project (Technical Training and Certification Project) to fiscal year 2001, at the request of the Government. Moreover, modifications of project design required extensive consultations with the Government regarding the terms of reference for the technical assistance to be carried out for the preparation of the new operation. Given Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports these delays, a request was made to the TFC in June 2000 for an extension of the closing date by six month, to December 31, 2000. Upon consultation, the Legal Department recommended that a legal amendment to the Grant Agreement be made to formalize the changes in the grant components; LEGLA also recommended that the extension of the closing date be approved by the LAC Vice President, since it represents more than two years past the original closing date. The text of this legal amendment is pending approval by the TFC. Pending the signing of said amendment, the implementation of the technical assistance has been halted since June 2000. 20. Impact The technical assistance provided has been instrumental in completing the following tasks: (a) preparation of the Basic Education Development Project (Loan 4333-ME, an APL with a first loan of $115.0 million, expected to be closed by June 2001); the technical assistance was directed to strengthen the.institutional capacity of CONAFE (the project executing agency) particularly in financial management; (b) also in the context of the Basic Education Development Project, technical assistance was provided to prepare an ESW on "Advancing Education Quality and Equity in the Context of Decentralization - Phase II" which focuses on key educational issues related to the delivery of basic education services at the school level; the report from this study is scheduled to be published in FY2001; (c) preparation of the Health Sector Reform Project (Adjustment Loan 4364-ME of $700,000) and the Health Sector Reform Technical Assistance Project (Loan 4367-ME of $25.0 million); for these projects, technical assistance financed by the grant contributed to the design and implementation of the financial management of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS, the executing agency of the project), to the strengthening of the institutional framework and corporate structure of IMSS; and to the establishment of a development fund to improve the provision of health services by IMSS; (d) preparation of the Technical Training and Certification project, through support for a seminar in Washington attended by Mexican authorities and Bank staff; consultant contracts for the preparation of terms of reference for special studies to be carried out with partial financing from TF029530 and TF026316, these studies are essential for the preparation of the project and will also provide inputs for a Sector Study (ESW) to be completed in FY2001. Tasks pending the signing of the legal amendment include: (i) a study of demand for training and technical education; (ii) a study of training of workers for the garment industry; and (iii) a seminar to discuss the progress reports of the studies and their preliminary recommendations..09/01/2000 04:30:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Environmental Infrastructure Project 5. Grant Amount: US$423,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The components under the grant are as follows: assessment and program development; provision of economic and financial analysis; development and implementation of a cost recovery program; review of legislation and institutional framework; development of a flood insurance system and preparation of a flood insurance scheme; review of emergency response system; and preparation of an environmental management plan. 19. Status Draft agreement was sent for clearance by the project team on July 13, 2000. Clearances still have not been issued. 20. Impact n/a.09/03/2000 04:59:55 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Country: Venezuela 2. Project Name: Water And Sewerage Sector Decentralization 5. Grant Amount: 820,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The grant supports the Government of Venezuela (GOV) efforts to develop policies and instruments for the decentralization of the water sector and the promotion of private sector participation in the operation of water companies. The work under the grant is oriented specifically to the preparation of a second water supply and sewerage decentralization project, building on the Aguas de Monagas experience, which was financed by the first project. 19. Status The grant resources became available in July of 1998. To date, $214,942.36 of the total amount ($820,000) has been committed and paid. The original closing date of February 28, 1999 was extended to March 31, 2000 due to delays in the preparation of the proposed project, mainly as a result of national elections and the change in administration in Venezuela. Since the new government came into power, a Constituent Assembly was created to rewrite the country's constitution, bringing to a halt project preparation activities. In December 1999, the new constitution was approved and general elections were called for May 2000, then delayed and finally carried out on July 31, 2000. The Bank's dialogue with sector authorities has been positive, including substantive consultation for the formulation of a new water sector law to be introduced in the National Assembly soon. However, it will be necessary to await for the confirmation of cabinet and other senior officials as a result of the elections before proceeding with sector reforms such as decentralization and privatization. In the case that the government decides to continue with the preparation of a new project, the grant will finance: (i) technical studies to develop and implement a regulatory framework for the water sector, consistent with decentralization of service provision and promotion of private sector participation; (ii) technical studies to develop a public health baseline assessment for two regions to be benefited by the new project; (iii) technical assistance for the assessment of decentralization and private sector participation impact on the urban poor;.(iv) technical assistance for the design and implementation of institutional arrangements for the participation of the private sector in two decentralized companies, including the development of legal documents for the operation and the running of financial models to determine viable tariff and investment levels; and (v) technical assistance for carrying out public participation and consultation activities during project design. 20. Impact In spite of the slow pace of commitment and expenditure of the grant during this first year of activities, several important pieces of work have been successfully completed. First, a comprehensive financial analysis of the water sector was carried out by a Japanese consultant, in order to determine sources and uses of funds in the sector as well as prospects for financial sustainability of water companies and aggregate external borrowing requirements. This was the first exercise of its type for the sector. The results of this work, together with other sector analysis done by the Bank, were presented to the GOV in a sector policy note as new authorities came on board after the national elections. A second area of initial focus under the grant was the decentralization of Aguas de Merida, which took place on August 30, 1998. The grant served to finance specialized technical assistance to assess the legal framework and financial implications required for the transfer of service responsibilities to the decentralized company. Consultants under the grant also carried out an assessment of potential environmental liabilities that could affect the decentralized company. The grant also financed an evaluation of potential investments to be financed under the proposed project in order to sharpen the investment plan for the first three years of operation. After decentralization took place in the State of Merida, the grant financed technical assistance to identify and evaluate the options for private sector Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports participation in the decentralized company, favoring a deep level of involvement that would commit the private operator for a long period of time. A final decision on the modality to be used has been delayed until the national process of political reform was completed. Over the next few months we would expect a pronouncement of the authorities in this regard. The grant also financed the development of an analytical tool for the evaluation of the optimum path to the financial sustainability of the decentralized company. The computer model developed allows the consideration of factors such as tariff adjustments, operational and commercial efficiency gains, as well as different investment and coverage scenarios in order to determine an optimum strategy to achieve financial sustainability in the company. This model, developed based on the specifics of the water service in Merida, should be able to be adapted for the analysis of any other water company in the country. Finally, the grant financed consulting services for the overall coordination of technical assistance activities and the management of stakeholder participation in the process of sector reform..08/09/2000 10:07:17 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Gabon 2. Project Name: Program To Improve Transparency And Efficiency Of The Public Sector (French Acronym Is "Patesp") 5. Grant Amount: $750,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objectives of the grant are to support: (i) preparation of preliminary social sector strategies that will be inputs to the investment programming process; (ii) development of expenditure programming methodology for focus sectors; (iii) development of baseline poverty indicators and mechanisms to target the poor. 19. Status Frequent changes in the Task Team leadership have led to slow progress on implementation. The closing date was extended to June 30, 2001. 20. Impact In the first half of FY00, the scope of the activities was broadened to general issues of public expenditure management. In the second half of FY00, the scope was brought back to its original objectives, an two missions assisted the health and education ministries in preparing the budget for 2001. The health mission in particular was highly effective in assisting the Ministry of Health in refining the Health Sector Strategy and building a close link between the budget and the strategy..09/05/2000 03:19:41 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Pakistan 2. Project Name: Provincial On Farm Water Management Reports 5. Grant Amount: $274,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Institutional component involving preparation of project implementation plan, farmer participation plan, PC-1, social assessment, financial management, project accounting software, seminars and workshops. 19. Status Originally, the Fourth On-Farm Water Management Project was conceived as a national project. Later, the Government requested the Bank to unbundle the same into four provincial projects. The unbundling exercise and related documentation is in progress. 20. Impact The grant has been very helpful in project preparation and has helped in enhancing the quality of preparation arrangements. As regards its impact on the proposed project, it is too early to comment now. In the past, the on-farm water management program has been quite successful in improving water deliveries at the farm level and farmers have been very keen to participate and share the investment cost. Independent evaluation studies indicate upto 30% reduction in water losses, which allow farmers to bring additional lands under cultivation or enhance their cropping intensities (upto 10%) and thereby increasing their farm and household incomes..09/06/2000 04:34:13 PM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia, Philippines 2. Project Name: Impact Of The East Asia Crisis On Workers In The Informal Sector 5. Grant Amount: $ 170,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Macro-level study of economic trends, policy impacts size and contribution of informal sector 2. Sub-sector studies of production - distribution chain, production and employment trends, and the impact of the crisis in two sub-sectors 3. Surveys and participatory research at community, household and individual level 19. Status The grant agreement is with the country directors for signature and countersigning by recipient. 20. Impact NA.09/07/2000 11:57:52 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Rijeka Port Project 5. Grant Amount: US$337,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1 - Revamping the Maritime Law, advising on concessions and identifying trade facilitation issues 2 - Plans to improve Production and commercial orientation of the port 19. Status comp. #1 : close to completion comp. #2 : not started 20. Impact RPA to issue soon draft concession agreements for several terminals..09/11/2000 02:22:33 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Korea - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Social Security Reform Loan. Developing Integrated Family Welfare Services 5. Grant Amount: $ 506,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The PHRD-funded activity is comprised of three components: 1. Identification of the Problem and Development of Intervention Programs. (i) Research by local and international specialists in family welfare; and (ii) a workshop with representatives from NGOs, regional social welfare centers, relevant government agencies and academia to discuss findings from the surveys and formulated policy recommendations for intervention programs. 2. Assessment of Resources and Enhancement of Institutional Capacity. (i) Strategic planning meetings to determine the MOHW's role in the action plan prepared in component 1. and formulate a strategy for integrating such activities into existing MOHW program and activities of other agencies; (ii) preparation of training programs for government staff; (iii) the establishment of a MIS and the identification of indicators for monitoring reports form local health centers and other groups involved in program implementation. 3. Preparation of Intervention Programs. (i) The preparation of an action plan for two target regions; (ii) consultations with local health departments and NGOs on means of incorporation monitoring and reporting mechanism into public services; (iii) a series of half-day seminars to raise awareness of family welfare issues and the MOHW's action plan among health care providers, educators, law enforcers, and other relevant practitioners; and (iv) the development of communication materials and training programs for family welfare service providers. The final paper will provide policy recommendations for the long-term integration of interventions into local Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports health care systems and coordinate with the MOHW. The paper will also include an action plan for the expansion of programs within the two selected regions and around the country. 19. Status The grant will be canceled September 30, 2000. 20. Impact Implementation has so far been smooth and has received significant.attention in Korea. Two workshops were held under component 1. The first had an overwhelming response form NGOs, civil society and many government departments, including the police. Nearly twice as many participants attended as had been invited. A second workshop in May was also well attended and brought in international speakers form several OECD and East Asian countries, including Japan, to share experience of family welfare interventions used by government and civil society. Following this workshop, several working groups were established to develop different aspects of the action plan that had been prepared. The group have recently held a series of productive working meetings. The potential impact of the grand funded activities was considerable. The combined mobilization of public and private sectors, as seen throughout implementation is rare. Awareness was raised and a strategy and action plans produced. Unfortunately, the greatest impact would have come from component 3 in which a start was to have been made in implementing the action plan. This component was canceled..09/11/2000 02:58:00 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zambia 2. Project Name: Railways Restructuring Project 5. Grant Amount: Yen 55,500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultancy studies and technical assistance in support of privatization of Zambia Railways 19. Status The concessioning study (termed Private Participation Study) phases one and two have been completed. Based on the consultants’ recommendations a concessioning proposal was prepared by the Zambia Privatisation Agency and submitted to the Government for approval. The Government approved the concessioning proposal in March 2000, following which the consultants have now finalized the bidding documents and the information memorandum. The bidding documents are scheduled to be released by the end of September 2000. Additionally, the following studies have been completed in support of the concessioning process: (a) Assets valuation study; (b) Environment Impact Assessment and Audit Study; and (c) Social Impact Assessment Study. The Project preparation has now entered the final stage, i.e., the selection of the concessionaires. The main Project objective is to finance retrenchment of surplus staff, which will be identified after the selected concessionaires have made the choice of the staff required by them. The commencement of the process of selecting the concessionaires can not, therefore, await the approval of the Project by the Board. As such, the remaining funds are proposed to be utilized to finance consultancy services to assist the Government in evaluating the concessioning proposals and identifying the concessionaire. The concessioning proposals are expected to be received by the end of December 2000. The expected contract value is US$60,000 and the Grant balance on date is about US$90,000. A separate proposal has been submitted for extending the closing date of the Grant for another six months, i.e., until March 31, 2001. 20. Impact The Grant-financed studies have helped build a consensus in favor of privatization as well as develop an acceptable concessioning and restructuring design. The privatization process is about to commence and is expected to be completed within a period of about 9 months. The concessionaires should be able to commence operations by September 2001. The privatization of Zambia Railways will have a major impact on the.performance of the Railways the transport sector and the Zambian as well the regional economy..09/11/2000 04:34:17 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kyrgyz Republic 2. Project Name: Kyrgyz Urban Transport Project 5. Grant Amount: $653,750 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Preparation of Passenger Transport Strategy & Preparation of Road Rehabilitation Programs for 3 Project Cities 19. Status Grant is nearly completed. Completion is expected by the end of September 20. Impact The Grant was successful in helping to prepare the project.09/11/2000 03:39:00 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Chad 2. Project Name: Pilot Development Project In Rural Areas 5. Grant Amount: 420,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Evaluation of existing farmers organization in the cotton areas (ii) Preparation of project feasibility study and implementation plan (iii) Design and preparation of farmer-assistance and management-support centers (iv) Organization of a study tour in a country of the region 19. Status The grant has been approved in FY98. As of September 10, about 60% of the funds have been disbursed and the available funds amount to $ 166,500. The use of the funds has been characterized by a slow start, while the Country progressed towards the definition of a national rural development strategy that has been presented in June 99. After that the use of the grant has accelerated and the funds may end before the end of FY01. 20. Impact The Grant has allowed the successful participation of the Government in the definition and implementation of activities deemed necessary for the preparation of a rural development program. In particular, the Grant has: -- revamped the institutional dialogue on rural development, catalyzing the participation of national stakeholders and major sectoral donors -- accelerated the definition and eventual implementation of two pilot projects that will test the feasibility of rural services centers and local development funds, important contribution for the future national program; -- contributed to the definition of a strategy and a plan of action for the reform of the national cotton sector, the primary engine of growth for the country; -- financed the participation of national stakeholders in a multi-donor pre-identification mission that has laid the basis for the actual preparation of a national rural development program..09/12/2000 01:04:14 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zambia 2. Project Name: Railways Restructuring Project 5. Grant Amount: Yen 6, 000, 000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Consultancy studies technical assistance in support of privatization of Zambia Railways, viz., (a) technical assistance to the Government of Zambia in preparing terms of reference and advancing the privatization/ concessioning process and (b) technical assistance to Zambia Railways in the overall performance analysis as a part of the concessioning process. 19. Status A consultant (individual) was engaged prior to FY99 to help the Government in developing the terms of reference for engaging consultants for undertaking the Railways Concessioning Study. Out of the total grant of Yen 6.0 million, about Yen1.8 million was utilized and about Yen 4.2 million Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports is remaining unutilized. This task has since been completed. The main consultants having already completed a substantial part of the Study. Regarding part (b) consultants are proposed to be engaged now to support project preparation, i.e., refine the social mitigation program and the staff retrenchment implementation program as well as to assist the Government in designing the escrow account and the plan for restructuring the residual Zambia Railways. 20. Impact The Grant-financed technical assistance has helped build a consensus in favor of privatization develop an acceptable concessioning and restructuring design and get the concessioning process started. The privatization of Zambia Railways will have a major impact on the performance of the Railways the transport sector and the Zambian as well the regional economy..09/13/2000 07:03:02 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Argentina 2. Project Name: Pollution Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $1,150,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant components are: (i) the design and initiation of stakeholder negotiations processes to develop innovative public-private environmental compliance agreements and build up readiness for environmental management systems and ISO14000; (ii) establishment of a pilot "Clean Technology/Pollution Prevention Data and Suppliers Network;" (iii) provision of Project preparation support services to the Project Coordination Unit; (iv) specialized technical, economic, institutional, financial, legal and other preparation studies; (v) environmental diagnostic analyses and feasibility studies for investment packages; (vi) development of performance indicators; and (vii) a study on financial engineering of environmental infrastructure investments and the potential role of guarantees. 19. Status During FY2000, the grant helped support public-private environmental compliance agreements and build up readiness for environmental management systems. Under component (i) above, an environmental management systems pilot was implemented in the municipalities of Campana and Zarate. This pilot, involving small and medium-sized industries that belong to a supplier chain with large industry leaders, is expected to complement and improve the design of other Pilot Programs that will be developed under the Pollution Management Project's National Component. The grant has also funded specialized studies, including an environmental and economic valuation study, under component (iv) above, for the conservation of the El Doradillo area in Patagonia. 20. Impact The grant is building further commitments and stakeholder coalitions that will enhance the prospects for effective implementation and will strengthen SDSyPA policy coordination with subnational levels and the private sector..09/18/2000 10:16:16 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Lebanon 2. Project Name: Rural Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components i) conducting rural development reviews, social needs assessments; ii) identifying income generating activities and other rural investments; iii) environmental assessments; iv) project implementation plan; and v) workshops for project stakeholders. 19. Status So far work on project preparation has not started. Election has taken place in Lebanon in August/September 2000 and a new government is being formed. The outgoing Government had issued a new Five Year Plan reportedly indicating new rural development priorities, and the recent Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports development in South Lebanon has resulted in further recasting their rural development focus. The Bank has also completed the review of the Bekaa Valley which could be included in the project. A final decision is awaited following the formation of the new government. 20. Impact NA.09/18/2000 02:02:58 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Sri Lanka 2. Project Name: Power Sector Restructuring Project 5. Grant Amount: $ 86,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) the restructuring and corporatization of CEB and initiate a gradual privatization process, which would entail establishing separate power eneration, transmission and distribution utilities, with each operating as an autonomous commercial entity; (b) the establishment of an appropriate sector regulatory framework and authority to regulate a decentralized power sector with mixed ownership, including work on regulation tariffs; and (c) the establishment of a clearly articulated and sufficiently attractive policy framework to promote private participation in the country's power development. 19. Status Signed, under implementation 20. Impact not yet ready for impact assessment.09/18/2000 02:11:33 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Sri Lanka 2. Project Name: Power Sector Restructuring Project 5. Grant Amount: $ 500,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) physical investment; (b) policy 19. Status Signed, under implementation; TORs for consultants finalized; consultants procurement underway 20. Impact not yet ready to assess impacts.09/18/2000 03:04:38 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: India 2. Project Name: Mumbai Urban Transport Project (Formerly Bombay Resettlement And Rehabilitation Project 5. Grant Amount: Yen 16,760,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 19. Status Following 3 extensions, the PHRD grant is closing - July, 2000 20. Impact The PHRD grant had helped in providing support and guidance to the borrower in developing an R&R policy and institutional arrangements for implementing the resettlement and environmental plans..09/18/2000 03:42:22 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: India 2. Project Name: Mumbai Urban Transport Project (Formerly Bombay Resettlement And Rehabilitation Project 5. Grant Amount: Yen 67,040,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 19. Status Following three extensions, the PHRD grant is closing in July 31, 2000. The remaining preparatory activities will be funded out of the project loan through retroactive financing. 20. Impact The PHRD grant has made a significant impact in the form of: (a) Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports developing an R&R policy consistent with the Bank's OD 4.30 on Involuntary Resettlement; (b) the recommendations of institutional study were used in developing suitable institutional arrangements for preparing and implementing the resettlement and environmental action plans; (c) baseline socio-economic surveys were carried out determining the eligibility of the affected persons for R&R entitlements and gathering baseline characteristics of potential affected persons which will become reference for measuring the changes in the living standards of affected persons during the post resettlement period; (d) RAPs/CEMPs were developed for three components of the project; and (e) a detailed action plan for completing the project preparation has been drawn and appraisal process is tentatively expected to be completed by February, 2001..09/19/2000 03:00:00 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic 2. Project Name: Nam Theun Social And Environmental Project 5. Grant Amount: US$ 468,300 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Conducting studies on the prevalence of malaria, schistosomiasis and HIV/AIDS, and other tropical diseases in the reservoir and downstream areas within the site of the Proposed Project. (b) Carrying out architectural and equipment needs assessments for improving the health facilities within the site of the Proposed Project. (c) Conducting studies on the feasibility of irrigation schemes in the downstream areas of the reservoir and dam for the Proposed Project, including studies on related engineering requirements. (d) Evaluating and monitoring the management of the resettlement of persons affected by the Proposed Project, including the provision of specialized technical and managerial services, and the conduct of technical studies on socio-economic issues pertaining to such resettlement, and verification of such environmental protection measures and related budgets in accordance with the environmental action plan for the Proposed Project. (e) Conducting studies on water usage in downstream areas within the site of the Project, and on wildlife movements and seasonal migration patterns, and wildlife water requirements, in the lower Nam Theun area situated below the dam for the Proposed Project. (f) Assessing the potentiality for developing viable community-based programs of pilot small-scale social and economic grant funding assistance schemes for local public infrastructure development and related community services throughout the site of the Proposed Project, including training and study tours for staff of the Recipient in similar projects abroad. (g) Establishing, equipping and operationalizing a project preparation unit in respect of the Proposed Project. 19. Status A contract was signed with IUCN -- World Conservation Union on April 24, 2000 to undertake the following activities: (1) District Agricultural Planning and Improvements -- The purpose is to.improve agricultural production in several villages. Based upon the experiences of the initial field activities, these activities will focus on small-scale irrigation, upland cropping and land-use planning. It is anticipated that this exercise will strengthen critical District-level agricultural extension and community development capacity while also meeting immediate needs in several villages. (2) Initial NBCA Rural Access Study and Assistance -- The aim is to facilitate more detailed planning on rural access improvements in the upper watershed areas of the NNT NBCA. Initial assessment of rural access options to this area will be conducted. The study will provide basic feasibility and scoping information for more detailed planning. (3) Wildlife Movement and Seasonal Migration Study and Training -- The aim will be to assess wildlife movements and seasonal migration patterns in the lower Nam Theun in particular Nam Theun Corridor; study critical factors affecting these movements and seasonal migration patterns such as habitat loss, water availability, poaching, etc.; train NBCA staff to Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports conduct such studies and establish regular monitoring of critical factors; and recommend management guidelines for the lower Nam Theun, in particular Nam Theun Corridor area. 20. Impact The Proposed Project would provide the Government of Lao PDR with the institutional, technical, and financial means to carry out crucial environmental and social interventions linked to the construction and operation of the Nam Theun 2 (NT2) Hydropower Project..09/19/2000 03:11:24 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic 2. Project Name: Nam Theun Social And Environmental Project 5. Grant Amount: US$486,700 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Carrying out pilot community park management tasks within the watershed area of the Proposed Project. (b) Conducting studies and trial-runs of overall park management design options within said watershed area, including, inter alia wildlife monitoring, forest protection and general gate-keeping. (c) Carrying out local community development assessments in the buffer zones of said watershed area, and implementing pilot small-scale community grant funding schemes. (d) Performing environmental education assessment workshops, and disseminating related information to local communities throughout the site of the Project. (e) Designing and developing a community social development fund and formulating related arrangements. (f) Conducting legal assessments and provision of legal advisory services to determine appropriate legal and institutional governance and funding arrangements for the protection and development of said watershed area. (g) Carrying out of legal assessments and preparation of necessary regulations for environment conservation and protection activities throughout the site of the Proposed Project, including in respect of the Recipient's legal framework for land and forestry with regard to the site of the Proposed Project. 19. Status The IUCN World Conservation Union of Lao PDR was hired in May 1998 to plan and implement a community development and biodiversity conservation program and continue planned activities in watershed conservation. The contract amount was for $437,085, and a final payment in the amount of $109,271.25 was made earlier this calendar year. IUCN was able to extend the project implementation beyond the original eight months time frame (closing December 1998), into 1999 using project savings..Summary of Achievements: (1) Established an NBCA team with 16 staff, refurbished NBCA office, provided basic equipment, and conducted several training for NBCA, Provincial, District and Village personnel. (2) Initiated alternative livelihood pilot activities in Ban Makfueang including PRA, agricultural trial and demonstration farm, wet rice cultivation interest group, agricultural focal families, irrigation survey, village health volunteering training, village primary schools, etc. (3) Initiated participatory conservation activities with a Guardian Village program in three villages (Ban Maka, Makfueang and Ban Thamuang) including Village Conservation Monitoring Units, irrigated rice cultivation assistance, health and education assistance, land-use planning, training on environmental and wildlife monitoring, and provisional local rules and regulations on wildlife. (4) Initiated wildlife trade control activities and explored the effectiveness of District and Provincial wildlife trade control task forces. (5) Initiated joint-patrolling in critical habitat areas. (6) Continued wildlife surveys. (7) Revised the Social Action Plan and Environmental and Social Management Plan. 20. Impact The Proposed Project would provide the Government of Lao PDR with the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports institutional, technical, and financial means to carry out crucial environmental and social interventions linked to the construction and operation of the Nam Theun 2 (NT2) Hydropower Project..09/19/2000 03:46:26 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Pakistan 2. Project Name: Karachi Port Modernization Ii 5. Grant Amount: Yen 63.0 million 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) review the existing regulatory framework and prepare a new law; (b) review the recommended port environmental measures and come up with an implementable action plan, and prepare the designs required to improve the environment; (c) review the progress in the computerization of the port operations, management improvement and enhance the accounting system, and prepare the necessary actions needed to complete it; (d) review the ways to increase private sector participation in port activities; and (e) preparation of the implementation plans, bidding documents and assist in the building process. 19. Status The grant has been closed on June 30, 2000. A letter was sent to the Borrower in April 2000 explaining that the eligible expenditures made before the closing date may be claimed by October 30, 2000 (four months after the closing date). An amount of JPY 48.83 million has been disbursed and the remaining un-withdrawn balance will be canceled after October 30, 2000. The following three major studies were carried out under this PHRD grant: 1. Review of Existing Environmental Measures; 2. Review of Regulatory Framework of Karachi Port; and 3. Private Sector Participation in Port Activities. An amount of JPY 45.67 million was spent on these three studies leaving a balance of JPY 17.33 million. In January 2000, KPT requested the Bank for utilization of these grant savings for payment of consultancy services of the Corporate Plan and Corporatization of Dredging and Engineering Services and Labor Rationalization Study which was originally financed under the PPF Advance. With the clearance of TFC and LEGSA, an amount of US $30,000 (equivalent to approx. JPY 3.15 million) was.approved for utilization towards this study. Therefore, the Corporate Plan and the Corporatization of the Dredging and Engineering Study was partly funded from this grant. The above studies carried out under the PHRD Grant are part of eight studies which were required to be conducted by KPT in connection with the Port Development Project. Remaining studies are being financed by the World Bank PPF Loan. However, very little progress has been made so far on implementation of reforms that are fundamental for efficient port operations and KPT’s continued financial health. This raises questions about Pakistan's commitment to the project's fundamental objectives. Consequently the project has been dropped from the Bank's current lending program. The Borrower has been informed about this with a note that the Bank may reactivate project processing, once there is credible progress on the reforms. 20. Impact The completed studies will have a major impact on improving the environmental conditions at the port. It would also facilitate streamlining the cargo flow through the port through simplification of procedures and requirements. Recommendations of the studies, when implemented would result in transforming the port into a major port with cost effective cargo flow and a seamless transport of cargo. Efficiency of the port is expected to increase dramatically, and reduction of the transport cost would eventually result. The preparatory studies have also helped highlight the key challenges facing KPT (including the looming financial crisis) , underlined the need for Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports change and mapped out a way forward..09/19/2000 03:59:42 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Pakistan 2. Project Name: Highways Rehabilitation 5. Grant Amount: $700,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (A) N5 Rehabilitation & Maintenance: (1) technical review of the NHA'S pavement design procedures, material specifications and construction practices; (2) training in the use of Highway Design and Maintenance software; (3) development of a prioritized medium-term highway investment and maintenance program of NHA; (4) identification of the highway sections to be rehabilitated and/or constructed under the proposed project; and (5) preparation of feasibility studies, detailed designs and tender documents. (B) Resource Mobilization and Financing of maintenance: (1) a road user charge study to analyze highway finance issues; (2) a public awareness campaign to illustrate the high cost and negative economic impact of poorly-maintained highway networks; (3) dialogue with key stakeholders to develop consensus on the need for reliable, off-budget, user-based sources of funding for highway maintenance; (4) country workshop on highway financing; and (5) a Road Fund Study to identify actions for setting up of proposed road fund, recommends composition and structure of the road fund board, and develops guidelines for use of the fund's resources; and (6) constitute a task force to develop detailed institutional arrangements. (C) NHA/MOC's Institutional Development: (1) private sector development: technical assistance to the NHA Private Sector Financing Cell to help organize the Cell and prepare and process specific private sector highway projects; (2) prepare specific highway safety interventions for inclusion under the proposed project; (3) vehicle overloading and axle load control: studies and workshop/seminar to develop a detailed action plan; and (4) improved operational procedures: TA for capacity building, human resource development, adoption of improved management, financial and budgetary controls and streamlined procedures, and identification of performance indicators to ensure greater accountability. 19. Status An amount of $179,887 has so far been disbursed from this grant. The project preparation work faced some delays, initially because of the need for governmental clearance of the fundamental institutional and financial reforms supported under the project (received in July 1999), and.subsequently due to a change in government in October 1999. However, the project preparation is now proceeding well and in recent months the government has made good progress on a number of key reforms supported by the project, demonstrating the government’s continuing commitment to the project objectives. a) Rational allocation and increased maintenance funding. A report on the economic analysis, prioritization and rationalization of the portfolio of National Highways projects was completed in December 1999. NHA has submitted a three year medium-term plan to government. The program includes (i) completion of ongoing projects, (ii) start of some essential new projects in the middle of this plan; and (iii) implementation of future motorway projects through private sector financing. All road work for maintenance, rehabilitation and network improvements shall form part of an annual business plan, prepared by the recently established Road Asset Management Directorate. Maximum priority shall be given to the maintenance of National Highways. Approx. Rs 1 billion have been allocated for the rehabilitation of the Highway N-5 during FY01. A further Rs 5 billion will be provided over the following two years. b) New Sustainable Financing sources for Maintenance and Rehabilitation: The NHA has submitted a draft National Road Fund Administration Ordinance to the GOP to provide the legal basis for the establishment of a Road Maintenance Fund financed by road use levies and managed by a public/private Roads Board. Meanwhile, the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Government has issued an executive order setting up an interim Road Maintenance Fund with a public/private Road Management Board. Detailed arrangements are currently being worked out. In addition, during FY00 NHA has substantially expanded its toll collection effort on the national highways. A network of toll collection stations is being established. c) Institutioal Strengthening: NHA is currently developing a plan to restructure the Finance Wing, including the staffing of key positions with qualified professionals and the phased introduction of improved financial management systems and controls to enable it to produce audited financial reports and related management information in a timely manner. NHA has also started work on developing and publishing an Annual Performance Report in the public domain. d) Functioning Road Sector NGO established: The Association of Road Users of Pakistan (ARUP) has been registered and has developed broad based membership in all provinces. It is currently active in the field of road safety and is undertaking road stakeholder consultations for establishing baseline performance indicators. An ARUP representative has been included in the proposed Road Fund Management Board. In addition to the above, preparation of the project’s physical components is moving forward. The national highway network condition survey has recently been updated. The installation of a Road Asset Management System (RAMS) within NHA, and the preparation of a prioritized medium term network maintenance plan is in an advanced stage of finalization. RFP documents for (i) preparation of the Turnkey bidding documents; and (ii) the Social and Environmental Assessment Study have been finalized and will be issued to shortlisted firms during the current month. The project team has been working closely with other major donors to coordinate road sector reform efforts in Pakistan. Following the lead.provided through the proposed World Bank assisted Highway Rehabilitation Project, the Asian Development Bank has now (May 2000) adopted a similar approach for its proposed Punjab Roads Sector Project - supporting the establishment of a proposed Punjab Provincial Road Fund to complement the National Road Maintenance Fund. Some of the major activities which are currently underway/planned under this Borrower-executed grant are given below: - Preparation of Turnkey Documents. RFP documents have been cleared by the Bank and will be issued to shorlisted firms this month. The turnkey documents are likely to be available by June 2001. - Social and Environmental Assessment Study. RFP documents have recently been cleared by the Bank and will be issued to shortlisted firms this month. The results of the study are likely to be available by June 2001. - Road Fund Related Studies. Consultants will help develop relevant regulation, procedures and documentation for day to day operations. TOR have been drafted. This work is planned to commence shortly, and continue through March 2001. - Preparation of Topographical Plans. A Road Asset Management Directorate has been established and the network condition survey has just been completed. Topographic plans of the right-of-way corridor need to be prepared/updated to complete the NHA Road Asset Database. The TOR for this work is currently being finalized. The work is expected to be completed by January 2001. - New Development Corridor Appraisal. This short study would assist NHA undertake rational medium term investment planning, by exploring private sector participation options and examining the feasibility of developing an alternative fast track North-South link - to provide respite to road traffic on the congested Highway N-5. 20. Impact The grant is supporting fundamental road sector reform in Pakistan, by helping in the development of innovative solutions involving important policy and institutional changes that hold the key to sustainable development of the sector. It has helped establish and strengthen a vibrant public interest organization representing road user interests. It is also helping finance technical studies related to preparation of the project's physical components..09/19/2000 04:57:22 AM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Pakistan 2. Project Name: Highways Rehabilitation 5. Grant Amount: $300,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (A) N-5 Rehabilitation and Maintenance: (1) assist the Recipient's National Highway Authority (NHA) to assemble an expert panel for technical review of current pavement design procedures, material specifications and construction practices, aimed at developing improved procedures, specifications and practices; (2) assist in the training and capacity building of NHA and provincial highway department staff and local consultants in carrying out of road condition surveys and analysis and prioritization of alternative road construction and maintenance strategies at the network level; (3) review and advise on the proposed highway investment and maintenance program; and (4) assist with specialist reviews of feasibility studies detailed project design proposals. (B) Resource Mobilization and Financing of Maintenance: (1) advise on the adequacy of current levels of road user fees and taxes and the potential for mobilizing additional road user resources for the sector; (2) facilitate dialogue among key stakeholders (public officials, private industry transport associations, highway agencies staff, etc) aimed at developing effective alternative institutional arrangements for highway maintenance; (3) provide resource persons for a country workshop on highway financing; and (4) advise on appropriate structure and institutional arrangements for the proposed road fund board(s) and on guidelines, criteria, standards and operational procedures for the proposed road maintenance fund(s). (C) NHA/MOC Capacity Development: (1) private sector development: (a) provide overall guidance and advice to NHA's Private Sector Financing Cell in identifying, preparing and implementing highway projects with private capital; (b) assist NHA to organize a seminar to introduce highway Private Sector participation policy and portfolio of projects to potential developers and the international financial community; (2) conduct a safety appraisal to review the state of ongoing highway safety initiatives and assist the government to develop and prepare sub-components of the proposed highway safety program; (3) share global experiences in the area of vehicle overloading and axle load control and assist NHA/MOC with review and expert advice on detailed implementation proposals; and (4) support institutional development of the potential project implementing agencies..19. Status An amount of $152,380 has so far been disbursed from this grant ($80,890 in FY00). Out of the un-disbursed balance of $147,620, an amount of $117,810 has been committed and $29,800 is available as un-committed. The project preparation work faced some delays, initially because of the need for governmental clearance of the fundamental institutional and financial reforms supported under the project (received in July 1999), and subsequently due to a change in government in October 1999. However, the project preparation is now proceeding well and in recent months the government has made good progress on a number of key reforms supported by the project, demonstrating the government’s continuing commitment to the project objectives. a) Rational allocation and increased maintenance funding. A report on the economic analysis, prioritization and rationalization of the portfolio of National Highways projects was completed in December 1999. NHA has submitted a three year medium-term plan to government. The program includes (i) completion of ongoing projects, (ii) start of some essential new projects in the middle of this plan; and (iii) implementation of future motorway projects through private sector financing. All road work for maintenance, rehabilitation and network improvements shall form part of an annual business plan, prepared by the recently established Road Asset Management Directorate. Maximum priority shall be given to the maintenance of National Highways. Approx. Rs 1 billion have been allocated for the rehabilitation of the Highway N-5 during FY01. A further Rs Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 5 billion will be provided over the following two years. b) New Sustainable Financing sources for Maintenance and Rehabilitation: The NHA has submitted a draft National Road Fund Administration Ordinance to the GOP to provide the legal basis for the establishment of a Road Maintenance Fund financed by road use levies and managed by a public/private Roads Board. Meanwhile, the Government has issued an executive order setting up an interim Road Maintenance Fund with a public/private Road Management Board. Detailed arrangements are currently being worked out. In addition, during FY00 NHA has substantially expanded its toll collection effort on the national highways. A network of toll collection stations is being established. c) Institutional Strengthening: NHA is currently developing a plan to restructure the Finance Wing, including the staffing of key positions with qualified professionals and the phased introduction of improved financial management systems and controls to enable it to produce audited financial reports and related management information in a timely manner. NHA has also started work on developing and publishing an Annual Performance Report in the public domain. d) Functioning Road Sector NGO established: The Association of Road Users of Pakistan (ARUP) has been registered and has developed broad based membership in all provinces. It is currently active in the field of road safety and is undertaking road stakeholder consultations for establishing baseline performance indicators. An ARUP representative has been included in the proposed Road Fund Management Board. In addition to the above, preparation of the project’s physical components is moving forward. The national highway network condition survey has recently been updated. The installation of a Road Asset Management System (RAMS) within NHA, and the preparation of a prioritized medium.term network maintenance plan is in an advanced stage of finalization. The project team has been working closely with other major donors to coordinate road sector reform efforts in Pakistan. Following the lead provided through the proposed World Bank assisted Highway Rehabilitation Project, the Asian Development Bank has now (May 2000) adopted a similar approach for its proposed Punjab Roads Sector Project - supporting the establishment of a proposed Punjab Provincial Road Fund to complement the National Road Maintenance Fund. Some of the major activities which are currently underway/planned under this Bank-executed grant are given below: - Combined Road Management Project: International Consultants engaged to help establish a unified standard system of road maintenance management on all national and provincial roads in the country and to facilitate the equal evaluation of candidate projects for the proposed Road Maintenance Fund, have helped NHA update its highway network condition survey, and replicate the Pakistan Provincial Road Asset Management System (PPRMS) within NHA. While a large part of the consultants work has been completed, additional time is needed through September 2000 to finalize the prioritized list of Road Maintenance Contracts, identify section links for rehabilitation, and preparation of contract packages for routine and periodic maintenance to be financed from the Road Maintenance Fund, and also for interconnection of provincial RMUs, NHA’s PPIU and regional offices, and other stakeholders with the central road database. Accordingly the contract with the firm has been extended through the end September, 2000. - Stakeholder Consultations: are currently being held through the Association of Road Users of Pakistan (ARUP) to (i) better understand the road user perspective on key challenges facing the road sector in Pakistan, and (ii) to establish base line performance indicators for the national and provincial highway system to help assess future program impact. - Information/Education/Communication (IEC) Program: is planned between now and March 2001 targeting key stakeholders in connection with the proposed Road Sector Reforms supported under the project. This activity would also support ARUP's planned updating of its information website, and the establishment of a Ministry of Communications (MoC) website. The MoC website will be used as an IT IEC platform to facilitate Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports activities such as public review of the recently finalized Highway Safety Ordinance for Pakistan. 20. Impact The grant is supporting fundamental road sector reform in Pakistan, by helping in the development of innovative solutions involving important policy and institutional changes that hold the key to sustainable development of the sector. It has helped establish and strengthen a vibrant public interest organization representing road user interests. It is also helping finance technical studies related to preparation of the project's physical components...09/19/2000 06:23:39 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Pakistan 2. Project Name: Lahore Infrastructure (Transport) Project 5. Grant Amount: Yen 88.3 million 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Updating of the urban transport development strategy for Lahore; (b) identification, preliminary design and evaluation of transport investment; (c) design of a reformed policy and regulatory framework for public transport; (d) preparation of an action plan for strengthening Punjab Transport Department, Punjab's Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) and the Traffic Police; and (e) preparation of detailed engineering designs and tender documents, revised regulations, and human resource development plans, including the terms of reference for all of these activities. 19. Status The LUTP project has been dropped from the lending program, following the October 1999 change of Government and GoPunjab's revised priorities and resulting lack of project ownership. An amount of $295,630 has so far been disbursed from this grant ($56,900 in FY00). The grant has already been closed on August 31, 2000. The grant will be legally closed after making all the outstanding payments to consultants for works completed before the closing date of August 31, 2000. The grant proved very useful in providing advisory services to GoPunjab related to urban transport reform and in financing preparatory activities related to project preparation. 20. Impact The grant helped finance TA that led to the restructuring of urban tansport services in Lahore and other major cities through the introduction of regular large bus services on major urban routes through private sector franchise concessions. It helped prepare a Road Safety Plan for Lahore, A city Financial analysis and technical review of feasibility studies for several grade seperated intersections in the city. In addition, the following studies were financed by the Government through PPF Advance:.1. Feasibility & Detailed Design of 6 Underpasses 2. Zone 5 Engineering Study & Maintenance Study - Preparation of a CIMP. 3. Institutional Alignment Study.09/19/2000 09:30:12 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Venezuela 2. Project Name: Conflict Resolution In The Imataca Forest Reserve -- Conflict Resolution In The Imataca Forest Reserve And Environs: Indigenous Peoples Development, Resource Planning, Public Participation And Sustainable Management -- Lcses - Venezuela - Imataca Lil -- Ve-Pe-57365 5. Grant Amount: 370000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Specific project outputs are expected to include: · development of a land use planning model which protects Imataca’s globally significant biodiversity and allows for the sustainable development of both renewable and non-renewable resources. · regularization of land and water rights particularly as they pertain to Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports indigenous and non-indigenous rural peoples. · introduction of improved technologies for mineral extraction for the medium and small-scale mining sector. · research programs for forest management based on principles of ecosystem management for sustainable development and appropriate rules for forestry and mining development. · strengthening of key national, regional and local institutions to implement project activities, and monitor performance of both conservation and development activities. · strengthening of key national, regional and local institutions to elaborate a program of selected legal reforms such as elimination of forest subsidies along with other policies which encourage unsustainable practices. · establish the institutional prerequisites to build a functional system of checks and balances so that the private interests (e.g. mineral and timber extraction) contribute to national interests (e.g. long-term conservation of Imataca as a healthy and productive forest). · assisting communities in the Imataca region that have been adversely affected by past and ongoing mining, petroleum, and forestry activities..19. Status Active 20. Impact Significant.07/21/2000 03:10:00 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Azerbaijan 2. Project Name: Pension And Social Assistance Project 5. Grant Amount: $410,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant is assisting the Recipient prepare the Pension and Social Assistance Project, which seeks to develop: (i) a new policy framework for the pensions and social insurance system; and (ii) more cost effective and transparent management and administration of the pensions and protection system, expansion of coverage and reduction in evasion of contributions, and more timely payment of benefits (the Project). 19. Status The Grant is still under implementation. 20. Impact With grant support, the government has already prepared a Concept Paper on Pension Reform and the necessary draft legislation to implement it. The draft laws will be submitted to Parliament in the Fall of 2000. In addition, the grant is financing technical assistance to help redesign the institutional basis for administering the pension system, the new institutional structure will be developed with financing from the Pension and Social Assistance Project..07/24/2000 03:27:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria 2. Project Name: Social Investment Fund 5. Grant Amount: 488,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has three components: 1. Prepare Social Funds 2. Prepare Sub-projectsfor the Social Fund 3. Prepare Needs Assessments for varios Social Fund Components 19. Status The PHRD was recently extended until March 31, 2001, from the original closing date in March 2000. The need for this extension was primarily due to the fact that the initial project for which the TF was designed was envisioned as a standard investment loan. However, a couple of months before the operation was finalized, the Learning and Innovation Loan (LIL) became available as an instrument. It was therefore decided that a LIL was more suitable under the circumstances, to test the Social Development Fund mechanism in Bulgaria. As a result of this change: (a) it took less money to prepare the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports LIL that previously anticipated with the larger operation; and (b) it was foreseen that funding will still be needed at the closing of the LIL, for a successful transition to a larger project towards a full-fledged Social Development Fund (currently named Social Investment Fund). The new Social Investment Fund project is about to enter its pre-appraisal stage. A draft Project Concept Document is being created in SAP. Currently, the project is planned to go to the Bank Board in February, 2000. On the Government side, the Social Investment Fund (SIF) legislation has been developed and has passed the approval of the major stakeholders. In late April, it received the approval of the Council of Ministers, and is waiting to enter Parliament. It is expected that the legislation will be effective before the end of September, 2000. 20. Impact A successful LIL-funded social development fund was developed in Bulgaria, to test the social funds approach for employment generation and poverty alleviation. An even more innovative SIF is under preparation...07/24/2000 03:51:21 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria 2. Project Name: Education Modernization Project 5. Grant Amount: 511,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Education Management and Finance 2. Infrastructure, Equipment and Implementation 3. Education Quality Improvement 19. Status The Grant is fully disbursed. 20. Impact The Grant was used successfully to prepare the Bulgaria Education Modernization Project. It helped strengthened the Ministry of Education and Science capacity for planning, and project design and preparation..07/24/2000 04:14:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Social Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: 506,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has four components: (i) Social Work Services Development; (ii) Training Preparation and Coordination; (iii) Community Support Services Development; and (iv) Workshops. 19. Status The Grant activities are at a very advanced stage with most of the funds committed and the last contracts to be signed shortly. All activities are on schedule related to the SSD. 20. Impact The CWR LIL was prepared, including the PIM, financial management and the M&E systems which have been extended to cover the child protection system nationally. Now a variety of important preparatory tasks linked to the SSD are underway, including path-breaking studies on child abuse & neglect, child delinquency & the prison system, and a survey on public attitudes as the basis for public awareness campaigns for behavioral change..07/24/2000 04:20:32 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Social Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: 641,600 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has three components: (i) Labor Redeployment; (ii) Social Assistance & Community Development; and (iii) Pension Reform. 19. Status The Grant activities have accelerated following an initial delay caused by uncertainty over the timing of the Social Sector Development (SSD) loan related to Romania's election timetable. (i) Labor Redeployment - Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports substantial savings are likely here as most of the preparatory activities have been completed; (ii) Social Assistance & Community Development - substantial support will be going into the design and pilot-testing of new mechanisms for delivering and managing social assistance for replication under the project if successful; and (iii) Pension Reform - a core team of local pension experts is seeing through the development of the multi-pillar pension reform. A number of stakeholder workshops have been held to build up consensus around the project. 20. Impact The labor market component has been designed. Major changes in the legislative and implementation arrangements are underway in social assistance. A complex multi-pillar pension reform is underway with the legislation now half complete with the support of the Grant. Substantial agreement has been built around the objectives and components of the SSD through the stakeholder workshops..07/24/2000 04:06:34 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bulgaria 2. Project Name: Child Welfare Reform 5. Grant Amount: 400,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has three components: (i) Development of Legal Framework, Strategy, Monitoring & Evaluation; (ii) Reform of the Institutionalized Child-care System; and (iii) Supporting the Family and Street Children Initiative. 19. Status Activities have commenced under all components. Component (i) Development of Legal Framework, Strategy, Monitoring & Evaluation: A workshop on the Child Protection Act (CPA) was held in November 1999. Support was provided to the development of the strategy and an M&E specialist has started to develop the outlines of the M&E system. (ii) Reform of the Institutionalized Child-care System. The team of consultants prepared outlines of the project components which were incorporated in the PCD. They are now working on the PIM and project site selection. (iii) Supporting the Family and Street Children Initiative. The consultant has started to prepare the component. 20. Impact This CPA workshop resulted in political consensus on the draft legislation which was then enacted in May 2000. The Council of Ministers is expected to approve the strategy in August 2000. The PCD was successfully reviewed in July 2000 based upon the inputs developed under the Grant..07/25/2000 11:52:15 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Education Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: $397,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Component A: School rehabilitation and construction; Component B: the development of a school mapping and maintenance scheduling database that serves decision-makers at different levels of government; and Component C: using the results of a textbook pilot to be conducted under the first World Bank project, a joint donor-Bank commitment to help Albania finance and implement a major transition in textbook publishing and finance. 19. Status The project became effective on July 19, 2000. The Grant was closed on June 30, 2000. 20. Impact The Grant has been invaluable: 1) in documenting the serious issues in the sector that the project has been designed to address; 2) in helping our Albanian counterparts design specific components with consultants paid by the grant; and 3) in training staff for the more technical components to assume their implementation responsibilities once the project becomes effective..07/25/2000 11:59:05 AM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Education 1 5. Grant Amount: $180,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Strengthening the Institutional, Financial and Management Capacity of the Education System 2. Improving Quality in the Delivery of Services 3. Strengthening Project Implementation Capacity in the Ministry of Education 19. Status Most of the assistance from the Bank-executed side of the grant was provided early on in the project preparation phase, and was key to start the process and discussions with stakeholders. Now the MoE is finalizing documents and the project implementation plan for Negotiations expected to be held in November 2000. During this FY, very specific inputs were required to continue to support the process. 20. Impact The technical assistance provided through the PHRD Grant was instrumental in assisting the Georgians to prepare the project. The Bank-executed part of it helped launch activities on time, while the Government was still getting ready to manage it..07/25/2000 12:03:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Georgia 2. Project Name: Education 1 5. Grant Amount: $377,650 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Strengthening the Institutional, Financial and Management Capacity of the Education System 2. Improving Quality in the Delivery of Services 3. Strengthening Project Implementation Capacity in the Ministry of Education 19. Status The MoE is finalizing the Project Implementation Plan for the purpose of Negotiations that are now scheduled for November 2000. Procurement plans and bidding documents are also being prepared. A letter of development policy is being discussed, policy statements, legal charts and agreements with local governments are being drafted for Negotiations. Basic office space has been secured and equipped, and its expansion is being prepared to accomodate all team members. 20. Impact The PRHD has been highly effective in mobilizing the right support to prepare the project, both in terms of local and foreign technical assistance. It has also been instrumental in beginning to familiarize local staff with World Bank requirements and procedures in terms of management of Bank resources. This has also given the Bank team the opportunity to assess local capacity and identify areas that will require special support for a successful project implementation..07/25/2000 12:07:50 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Education Modernization 5. Grant Amount: $427,700 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant Components consist of five components: 1) Management and Administration; 2) Finance and Governance; 3) Training and Planning; 4) Research and Information; and 5) Equipment and Supplies 19. Status Pending 20. Impact Pending.07/28/2000 05:12:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Education Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: $940,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Component 1 - Policy Reform and Implementation. This component supports this area of project preparation through: (a) identification of areas of greater efficiency; (b) development of mechanisms for restructuring education financing; (c) development of a standard model for pilot project & development of dissemination mechanisms; (d) analysis of social risks of proposed reforms and development of public relations strategy; (e) development of new system of evaluation and quality control; (f) improving statistical information; (g) coordination of project design activities. Component 2 - Regional Education Reform Pilots. This component extends the above preparation activities to the three pilot regions - Samara, Chuvashaya & Yaroslavl. Component 3 - Project Management preparation. This component supports the development of a sound project management structure, including building capacity for financial management. 19. Status On going until closing date. 20. Impact The work undertaken to date during project preparation has been of a very high quality. Studies accomplished by the Russian and international teams are relevant to the key issues of regional education reform in the Russian Federation. Specifically, the analysis for the development of pilots for the reform of general education in selected Regions of the Russian Federation will be of great value to the Ministry of Education as replicable models for other Regions in the Federation - foreseen as a key objective of the proposed project. Equally valuable, has been the project preparation in relation to the vocational education component. The Social Assessments which have been carried out in the three participating Regions have produced a first set of invaluable recommendations for the project preparation team and for the Regional educational administrators..08/01/2000 12:56:18 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Macedonia - Former Yugoslav Republic Of 2. Project Name: Macedonia Education Modernization 5. Grant Amount: 379,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant has three components: (i) Curriculum development (ii) Rehabilitation, and (iii) Competitiveness and professional participation 19. Status Pending grant agreement to be signed very soon 20. Impact Pending upon signing of grant agreement and initiation of TA.08/03/2000 04:16:43 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Education Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $422,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Carrying out a study of options for education governance and finance, (b) Dissemination of the findings and recommendations of the study, (c) Building a consensus for the recommended measures emerging from the study, (d) preparation of a third education project for BiH, and (e) provision of technical assistance to support project management 19. Status An Education Governance and Finance Study -- carried out through a unique joint venture between the World Bank and the Council of Europe -- was completed and presented at a public forum early in fiscal year 2000. In addition, the participatory process used for the study, including several interim seminars and workshops, helped develop public support for the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports study's findings and conclusions. The grant also successfully funded development and implementation of textbook procurement pilots and initial design of a shared Standards and Assessment Agency for BiH. 20. Impact A case can be made that PHRD funding has never been put to better use in terms of impact. This grant permitted an international donor partnership (WB, Council of Europe, European Commission, UNESCO, Office of the High Representative) to bring Serbs, Croats and Bosniacs together in BiH to focus attention on social cohesion issues in education and develop consensus for needed governance changes. As a result, World Bank and European Union funding is currently supporting the establishment of a shared Standards and Assessment Agency for BiH, as well as a shared Coordinating Board for Higher Education. These are the first examples of common inter-ethnic institutions in education following the war. In addition, World Bank funding under its Education Development Project is supporting development of a common education management information system and a jointly-managed Quality Fund for primary education. All of these initiatives were developed and promoted under PHRD funding..08/09/2000 09:26:38 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Tajikistan Primary Health Care 5. Grant Amount: 252,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) conduct a household survey of three raions, including specific questions relating to health services utilization, out of pocket and other costs and perceived quality of care; (b) conduct a survey of health service providers in two selected raions plus a control, to obtain their views on the current health system, as well as current opinions and factual data regarding their facilities, costs, quality of care and utilization; (c) review current institutional arrangements within the Ministry of Health (MOH) and make recommendations for improvements to assist in meeting loan requirements and improve the organizational structure generally and assist the MOH in establishing the Project Management Unit; (d) prepare a proposal for information systems development; (e) develop a plan for the training of both MOH staff and those in raion administration and health facilities and organize a study tour for selected MOH staff; and (f) employment of auditors to carry out the audit of the Grant account 19. Status Complete 20. Impact Project fully prepared and presented to the Board on March 7, 2000..08/09/2000 10:50:07 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Lithuania 2. Project Name: Health Project 5. Grant Amount: 500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components To assist the Ministry of Health of Lithuania in the preparation of the Health Project to improve the efficiency, equity, and access to health services. The grant supported: (a) Design and development of a model for financing and implememnting primary health care reforms, including a burden of disease study, assessment of PHC infrastructure, evaluation of PHC pilots, and training and study tours to develop local primary health care reform strategies; (b) Development of a National Strategy for health care planning, management, and financing, including health information standards and a training strategy; and (c) Capacity development for project preparation, implementation, and management and administration, including workshops and training 19. Status The Grant closed on February 28, 2000, fully disbursed (a small remainder Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports of US$1,388.68 was cancelled on June 30, 2000). Although the project preparation process was long and encourntered many difficulties due to political instability, the project stakeholders involved in the project preparation process greatly benefitted from partnerships with international experts through technical assistance and training (see consultancies below). The Government of Lithuania appreciates the support received from the Government of Japan to implement health reforms as resources are very limited in the public sector and improving the quality and efficiency in health sesrvices is a difficult and long-term process. 20. Impact The Grant successfully supported technical assistance and training in all of the agreed areas and gave stakeholders ownership and experience in managing technical assistance and designing the project...08/09/2000 11:30:47 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Lithuania 2. Project Name: Health Project 5. Grant Amount: US$149,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Develoment of Financial Management Systems for selected hospitals in four Pilot Regions of the Project; (b) Delivery of local workshops, seminars, and training to strengthen the financial management capacity of hospital administrations, and workshops for dissemination of knowledge; and (c) Strengthen the financial management capacity of the Ministry of Health Project Managaement Unit 19. Status The Grant was signed on February 28, 2000 when it became effective. The Special Account has been opened in a Lithuanian commercial bank, and the initial deposit has been made. Due to delays in establishing administrative and accounting procedures, the grant advance was only recently made on July 7, 2000. It is expected that the technical assistance financed under the grant will soon be on board as terms of reference have been agreed. 20. Impact The Grant-financed activities expect to have a very positive impact on financial management in hospitals, supporting one of the main development objectives of the Project to improve financial efficiency in the health sector at the local service provider level..08/17/2000 11:47:36 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Social Development Fund Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$ 567,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant has two components: (i) prepare SDFs and (ii) prepare sub-projects. 19. Status After the grant was awarded, the Social Development Fund project (SDF), then under preparation, was transformed into an APL. The grant was used initially to prepare the first phase of the APL (SDF I) which went to Board on 01/19/1999. The grant was re-linked to the second phase of the APL (SDF II) and TFC approved the use of up to 25% of the grant ($141,750.00) for the preparation of SDF II. (i) SDFs- the RSDF capacity has been increased especially on the MIS side, impact assessment and poverty targeting; (ii) sub-projects are better prepared (financial and procurement side). 20. Impact RSDF is an organization capable to handle additional funds (the Council of Europe Development Bank approved recently a $10,000 million loan). Poor communities are well targeted..08/17/2000 05:39:27 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Social Sector Rehabilitation 5. Grant Amount: $712,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Social Sector Planning and Institutional Development Component ($349,500.00) 2. Social Service Rehabilitation Component ($362,500.00) 19. Status Procurement plan and Legal agreement still being drafted. 20. Impact NA.08/22/2000 12:34:56 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Slovenia 2. Project Name: Health Sector Management Project 5. Grant Amount: $200,120 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant provides technical assistance in the following areas: (i) restructuring primary health care; (ii) reforming hospital organization and financing; (iii) reforming health finance; and (iv) reforming sector governance. 19. Status The grant was signed in October 1998 with scheduled close date of August 31, 2000. As effectiveness date is October 15, 2000, an extension to the original closing date has been granted through until October 15, 2000. This will enable completion of the National Health Clearinghouse Study carried out under paragraph 1.1 of the Annex to the Grant. 20. Impact The grant has been of benefit in enabling the government/MOH to prepare the project which was approved by the Board on January 20, 2000..08/22/2000 06:19:36 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Social Investment Fund Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$494,800 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant was designed to finance the following three components: 1) Identification of areas for the strengthening of local government - This component will finance: a) a study of the local government's legal and administrative issues; and b) consultant services to identify a program of support to the development of the capacity of local councils and urban districts. 2) Identification of a program of support for revenue generating activities in urban areas - Activities covered under this component include: a) a beneficiary assessment of small businesses to identify bottlenecks in the development of the sector; b) consultant services to design a program of support to small-scale businesses involving microcredit and technical advice; and c) study tour to other social funds which have successful microcredit components. 3) Improvement of ASIF methods - This component will finance consultant services to improve microproject monitoring, targeting and participation. 19. Status The Japanese Grant was approved by the Government of Japan on August 7, 1998. It was revised in August 1999 to reflect the Government's request to transfer the administration of the Grant to the Bank. The revised Grant Agreement, under a Bank-executed arrangement, was signed by the Minister of Finance and Economy on October 20, 1999. It became effective in March of this year when it was ratified by the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia on March 8, 2000. On November 11, 1999, an interim budget was approved by ACTTF in the amount of US$100,000 to finance critical preparation activities relating to the improvement of methods and procedures on microproject monitoring and community targeting and participation. These activities have served as a very important input to the preparation of the ASIF II Project Appraisal Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Document. During the Appraisal mission that took place in February of this year, the Government of Armenia made a strong request to continue these important preparatory activities to enhance the capacity of new staff in the.ASIF Administrative Office. On June 9, 2000 a reallocation proposal was approved by the PHRD Administrator in TFC in support of the expansion of funding for technical assistance activities covering: (i) microproject monitoring; (ii) community targeting; (iii) participatory mechanisms; and (iv) microproject implementation methods and procedures. The proposed plan is to implement these activities prior to the effectiveness of the ASIF II, currently scheduled for September 18, 2000. 20. Impact The technical assistance financed under the PHRD was critical during project preparation providing valuable professional expertise and advice to the ASIF team in strengthening methods and procedures in the areas of microproject monitoring and community targeting and participation. A new ASIF II Operational Manual has been developed focusing on the enhancement of quality of works, community outreach and participation and monitoring and evaluation..08/23/2000 09:53:18 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Social Safety Net 5. Grant Amount: $199,500.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Studies - baseline assessment, implementation capacity, finance and policy framework development; 2. Workshops 19. Status The project preparation is nearing completion and is scheduled for Board presentation in November 2000. 20. Impact The BiH government and the project team benefited from the experience of several highly experienced consultants financed under component 1 of the Grant, which contributed to a very good design and implementation of Social Reform strategy..08/23/2000 09:51:00 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkey 2. Project Name: Social Development Project 5. Grant Amount: $737,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objective of the PHRD grant is to provide technical assistance and resources: (a) for the design of a demand driven project which responds to the needs of the poor and most vulnerable groups currently underserved by existing programs and institutional mechanisms: (b) to support the preparation of three pilot sub-projects which aim at: (i) creating employment opportunities, (ii) providing social service programs, and (iii) expanding on existing productive services; (c) to initiate training and capacity building for communities, NGOs, local Government, and the Social Development project staff; and (d) provide data from the social and institutional assessment to enhance the Government and SDP's targeting and monitoring capacity. 19. Status A mission is tentatively scheduled to take place in September 2000 will evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the proposed social fund mechanism based on findings from implementing three innovative pilots sub-projects. The final project design will reflect lessons learned from the pilots with emphasis on the following areas: (1) community participation in design, sequencing and implementation; (2) training needs and capacity building strategies; (3) operational efficiency and flexibility; (4) efficacy; (5) transparency and accountability; (6) coordination and participation of stakeholders; (7) feasibility of adopting a decentralized approach in delegating authority and responsibility to the regional governors; and (8) sustainability arrangements. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact Technical assistance and resources from the PHRD grant have facilitated the design of a well targeted, demand driven project that serves the poor and disadvantaged communities, lacking access to essential services or with high unemployment or underemployment. Based on experience with other social fund projects, the SDP project is expected to yield tangible, widespread and sustainable benefits relatively quickly and transparently to the targeted regions. The direct benefits of the proposed project would be the sustained physical and human capital improvements generated by the sub-projects. Specifically, project benefits will be in three areas. First,.benefits would accrue directly to the poor through (a) temporary and permanent employment creation; (b) improved standard of living; (c) greater access to essential social services for marginalized groups, (d) upgrading of skills; (e) stimulating locally viable entrepreneurial sub-projects; and (f) increasing integration of women in local development efforts. Second, the project would improve domestic non-governmental and local government capacity to plan and implement development projects, complementing the central government's activities. Community members would also become more active in development activities. Third, the project would also provide a mechanism to mobilize private sector funds for poverty alleviation. It is envisaged that through targeted intervention and consolidated improvements in social, economic and productive services in the selected regions a noticeable shift in rural urban migration might take place during the life of the project. The project will introduce innovative methods especially in the area of infrastructure rehabilitation..08/24/2000 08:41:29 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkmenistan 2. Project Name: Health 5. Grant Amount: US$474,250.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant financed preparation activities which included (i) sector reform policy development, economic and financialy analysis, development of facilities and equipment rationalization and refurbishment and training plans; and (ii) design of the project coordination unit, project implementation plan and a project management information system. 19. Status The only activity carried out in FY2000 was the audit of the grant.This grant was expected to close on August 31, 1999, but the project team was planning to ask for an extension if project processing would resume. However, this has not happened, and it is unlikely to happen in the near future, and therefore, the grant will be closed. 20. Impact This grant enabled the Government of Turkmenistan to prepare the project satisfactorily. The grant was instrumental in building capacity of the PCU staff in project management, implementation, procurement and financial management, and the development of the financial management system and the project implementation manual. The grant also financed the financial and economic analysis of the project..08/24/2000 08:50:49 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Ukraine 2. Project Name: Tb And Aids Control Project 5. Grant Amount: US$416,915.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant would be used to finance technical assistance for project preparation in the follow areas: (1) TB Control and Treatment Control (a) Strengthening commitment & national strategy; (b) Case detection and diagnosis; (c) Directly Observed Treatment, short course; (DOTS), (d) Surveillance; (2) AIDS Control and Treatment (a) Public Education and Training; (b) Prevention; (c) Treatment and care; (d) Coordination and national strategy; (3) Social and Institutional Assessment; (4) Economic Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and Financial Analysis; (5) Project management, and (6) Project Evaluation. 19. Status The grant agreement is expected to be signed shortly. 20. Impact Not applicable at this stage..08/24/2000 01:16:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Slovak Republic 2. Project Name: Social Safety Net Project (Social Benefit Administration Reform Loan) 5. Grant Amount: JPY 112,100,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Employment Services, Social Safety Net, Health Care, Project Management. 19. Status Project is being appraised. 20. Impact Poverty reduction..08/24/2000 03:00:52 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kazakhstan 2. Project Name: Health Reform Program Phase Ii Project. 5. Grant Amount: US$500,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Implementation of phase II of the project. 19. Status Grant is with the Government for signature. 20. Impact Improved health status and services in Kazakhstan..08/25/2000 09:50:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Local Initiatives Project 5. Grant Amount: 2,000,000 US$ 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Provision of Microcredit Loan funds to NGO Microcredit Service Providers (MCSPs) financed under the project in the Federation BH (Federation) and Republika Srpska (RS). 2. Provision of Management Fees (operating costs) for NGO MCSPs financed under the project in Republika Srpska. 3. Project management - Operating costs for the Local Initiatives Department (LID) of the Republika Srpska Employment and Training Foundation (RETF). 19. Status The closing date for TF024768 was December 31, 1999, by which date all grant proceeds were fully disbursed. The Grant Agreement was extended once from December 31, 1998 to December 31, 1999. Such an extension was necessary to allow the Microcredit Service Providers sufficient time to develop the institutional capacity required to carry out microfinance operations on a long-term sustainable basis. 20. Impact By providing financing under the above mentioned components, the Japan PHRD Grant has contributed to the achievement of the following overall results (as of June 30, 2000): - 50,261 microcredits have been disbursed (30,372 in the Federation and 19,889 in the RS) for a total value of KM 148.3 million. Average loan size disbursed - KM 2,952; - 19,361 current microenterprise clients with a total outstanding portfolio of KM 38.6 million; - 64,853 jobs created or sustained at a cost of 2,288 KM per job created or sustained; - Repayment rates are very high, with only 0.66% of the overall outstanding portfolio at risk (over 30 days past due); - 21% of loans have been disbursed to displaced persons and 5% to returnees; Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports - 49% of borrowers are women; - 34% of loans disbursed are for services, 45% for trade, 13% for agriculture and 8% for small-scale production; - All 8 MCSPs have reached operational sustainability and are expected to.become fully financially sustainable by the end of 2000; - Recently adopted Law on Microcredit Organizations (MCOs) will provide an appropriate legal framework for current operations of these non-governmental, non-profit, non-deposit, credit-only institutions. Registration of MCOs, in accordance with the new law, is currently ongoing in the Federation and is expected to start in the RS by the end of 2000. Grant proceeds have been allocated and disbursed to the following MCOs: Category 1 - Microcredit Loan Funds 1a - Federation BH (700,000 US$) AMK, Posusje - 165,932 US$ BOSPO, Tuzla - 83,489 US$ Sunrise, Sarajevo - 387,561 US$ MC/SEA, Tuzla - 63,018 US$ 1b - Republika Srpska (1,000,932 US$) Benefit, Lukavica - 294,709 US$ Microfin, Banja Luka - 193,105 US$ Sinergija, Banja Luka - 513,118 US$ Category 2 - Management Fees 2b - Republika Srpska (299,068 US$) Benefit, Lukavica - 65,185 US$ Microfin, Banja Luka - 94,927 US$ Pliva,Sipovo - 8,550 US$ Sinergija, Banja Luka - 105,885 US$ World Vision, Doboj - 24,521 US$.08/25/2000 11:31:35 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Local Initiatives Project Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$ 193,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Assist the Federation and Republika Srpska Local Initiatives Departments with the preparation of the project through the provision of technical assistance in designing the appropriate institutional, financial and legal arrangements for project implementation. 19. Status Ongoing. An identification mission was carried out by the World Bank mission from July 10-21, 2000. This mission included Ruth Goodwin, a microfinance expert, financed by the PHRD Grant. The mission was conducted in a participatory manner involving all stakeholders. Ms. Goodwin was responsible for facilitating two all day workshops with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and with the Local Initiative Project (LIP) staff from both entities; and met individually with appropriate government officials in both entities, the major donors to the sector, business development service providers and local experts. She also facilitated a full stakeholder workshop at which the team’s preliminary findings and conclusions were discussed and general agreement was reached among all stakeholders. 20. Impact The project identification process focused on the following four areas identified by Microfinance Institutions as the main barriers to the development of a strong microfinance and micro and small enterprise sector: 1. Financing of MFIs -- to ensure sustainable financing of micro and small enterprises 2. Capacity Building for MFIs 3. Legal and Regulatory Framework for MFIs 4. Business Environment for micro and small entrepreneurs, including availability of Business Development Services The findings and recommendations from the mission are currently being written up into a report on the microfinance sector in BiH and future role of Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports the World Bank. This report will provide input into the design of the project. Currently itis envisaged that the LIP II will focus on:.· market-driven financing of MFIs, and · further development of the legal and regulatory framework for MFIs to include finance companies, savings and credit associations, and microfinance banks. The overall project goal would be to support a larger range of financial products to more low-income clients as originally proposed in the PHRD grant application. The remaining consultants to be financed out of the grant will be hired during the next two months..08/25/2000 01:34:37 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: Emergency Public Works And Employment Project 5. Grant Amount: US$ 5,000,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant is provided as cofinancing for the Emergency Public Works and Employment Project (PWEP) one of the first post-conflict operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The grant is provided for the public works sub-project component only i.e., financing of small-scale, labor intensive public works projects to create rapid employment, rehabilitate local infrastructure and facilitate refugee return. 19. Status The grant is still effective (the closing date has been extended until December 31, 2000). As of June 30, 2000,US$ 4.1 million of grant funding has been disbursed (82%) and a further US$ 0.9 million committed (18%). 20. Impact In the Federation, as of June 30, 2000, 101 projects have been fully financed out of the grant proceeds for a total value of US$ 2.65 million, creating an estimated 6,500 manmonths of employment. Out of this 88 projects have been completed. In the Republika Srpska, as of June 30, 2000, 25 projects have been financed out of the grant proceeds for a total value of US$ 1.43 million creating about 2,890 manmonths of employment. 23 sub-projects have been completed. The type of projects financed range from cleaning-up of war damage to rural road repair to repairing water systems and power lines. Labor content averages 62% per project in the Federation and 49% in RS. Average project implemention time is 2 months. In both Entities, the project implementing agencies give priority to projects that support refugee return. Priority is given to municipalities where refugees/displaced persons are returning in support of projects to facilitate their return e.g. repair of basic utilities in war-damaged villages often linked to housing repair projects financed by other donors. An independent Impact Study was carried out in FY00 which found high levels of beneficiary satisfaction. 88% of beneficiaries interviewed stated that the project had a significant impact on improving the quality of life in.their community..08/25/2000 01:39:10 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Slovak Republic 2. Project Name: Health Sector Modernization Project 5. Grant Amount: 509,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) analysis of legal and regulatory framework, which is estimated to cost US$ 48,000 equivalent; (b) provision of technical assistance to promote health insurance and financing reform through: (i) design of a compulsory, publicly insured benefits package; and (ii) design of non-reimbursable co-payments; which is estimated to cost US$ 89,500 equivalent; (c) restructuring of health services delivery and provider payment through: (i) design of a new formula for reimbursement of hospitals retaining aggregate caps, and shifting to output based payments; (ii) design of an Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports autonomous organizational form for independence of hospitals; (iii) design of a training program for hospital managers. The above activities are estimated to cost US$ 134,000 equivalent; (d) modernization of health information systems, which is estimated to cost US$ 41,000 equivalent; (e) stakeholder analysis, political mapping and social marketing, which is estimated to cost US$ 34,000 equivalent; (f) economic and financial analysis, which is estimated to cost US$ 20,500 equivalent; and (g) establishment of the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) through staffing, provision of equipment and supplies necessary for Project preparation, training of the PCU staff in the Bank procedures on procurement and implementation, and works on the establishment of a sound project financial management system, which is estimated to cost US$142,400 equivalent. 19. Status The implementation of the Japanese Grant is at a very early stage yet. (hence the inapplicability of evaluating the achievement of objectives.) It took a long time to put all the administrative and institutional settings into place, which is partly due to the fact that Slovakia is a relatively new client..Until end of May 2000, the implementation of the Grant was highly satisfactory: (i) a PCU has been established with a nominated Director (Dr. Stefan Korec) and with two specialists; (ii) a special account has been opened in a commercial bank, where the first proceeds of the Grant has been transferred; (iii) the PCU has been equipped with computers and other office supply and the first TORs have been prepared (hospital autonomy, restructuring of debts accumulated by the health system, MIS). In addition a member of the PCU participated in a 2 week training on National Health Accounts in the US, which was conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health. 20. Impact Not yet applicable..08/28/2000 12:09:06 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Education Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: $245,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components An assessment of social needs of the targeted beneficiaries Project design work on the following : - education management including identification of cost recovery approaches and MIS system - textbooks - institutional developm - procurement and procurement training for donor procurement procedures - financial management and financial management training for donor procurement procedures - study tours for education officials - provision of equipment for the project preparation team - employment of auditors to carry out the audit of the Grant account 19. Status The Grant has been succesfully implemented and closed. 20. Impact The Grant has been a very important factor in the - so far - successful implementation of the project. The Education Reform Project is the first WB financed Education Project , and there was very little knowlege about the education sector. The Grant gave possibilities to create a sufficient knowledge base and understanding of the challenges during Project Preapration..08/28/2000 12:35:11 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Second Poverty Alleviation Project 5. Grant Amount: $250,000.00 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Provision of technical assistance for strengthening the ongoing micro projects program relating to community participation. The provision of technical assistance for engineering work under the micro projects program The provision of technical assistance for institutional development, and procurement for TASIF The provision of technical assistance for monitoring and evaluation for TASIF The provision of office equipment. The provsion of training and study tours. 19. Status The grant has been extended till February 28, 2001 in keeping with the preparation of the second Poverty Alleviation project which is expected to go the Board by early 2001. 20. Impact The grant has been critical to institutional development of TASIF and to development of the procurement procedures. The grant has been critical for inhouse training of staff by the technical advisors on issues of managment of micro projects, community participation and the preparation of the procurement procedures manual for the second project and for the inhouse training of staff in the procurement procedures in keeping with the concept of community development and community participation. The impact of the grant has been in the form of a procurement operations manual and trained staff, a micro project operations manual and trained staff, a montioring and evaluation systems and procedures for TASIF and trained staff for this purpose..08/28/2000 01:49:03 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Social Protection 5. Grant Amount: US$458,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components N/A 19. Status The grant was cancelled because the project was cancelled. No expenses were charge to the grant. 20. Impact N/A.08/28/2000 02:04:46 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Second Poverty Alleviation Project 5. Grant Amount: $250,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Technical assitance for: on going micro projects programs micro credit program financial management development MIS Monitoring and Evaluation Study tours. Office Equipment Audits 19. Status The closing date for the grant has been extended to February 28, 2001 in keeping with the Board date of the Second Poverty Alleviaiton Project which is scheduled for February 2001. 20. Impact The grant has been critical for the development of a strong financial managment system and micro finance program for TASIF. As a result of the grant TASIF has managed to emerge as a strong institution due to the internation techincal assistance it has recieve through out its operations and at critical junctures. Staff have received training in financial management, micro finance, community development, micro projects and monitoring and evaluation..08/28/2000 01:14:45 PM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kyrgyz Republic 2. Project Name: Social Sector Adjustment Credit 5. Grant Amount: US$480,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A. Social Policy; B. Pension Reform; C. Workshops, Dissemination and Study Tours 19. Status All components were completed effectively well before Board on 12/98, and no activities have been supported since. This grant is only showing as 'active' in FY2000 because the unspent balance of the grant was refunded by the Government in spring, 2000. 20. Impact N/A.08/29/2000 10:33:28 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Health System Project 5. Grant Amount: $418,260.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant provided technical assistance in the following areas: (i) reform of the Croatian pharmaceutical sector; (ii) piloting new innovations and models in secondary services and hospital care; (iii) consensus building for reform process within the profession and community at large; (iv) purchase of office equipment, software upgrades and hardware improvements required for project preparation and implementation. 19. Status The grant was signed August 25, 1998, with an original closing date of of August 31, 1999. The closing date was extended by three months to December 31, 1999 to provide sufficient time for consultancy contracts for Program Director and PMU Director to be completed. 20. Impact The grant has benefited the Government/Ministry of Health by enabling preparation of the Health System Project which was approved by the Bank's Board of Directors on October 5, 1999..08/29/2000 10:59:11 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Albania 2. Project Name: Social Protection Reform Support Project 5. Grant Amount: $469,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The project would comprise the following four components: a) Social Safety Nets Reform – Focusing on Poverty Alleviation aims at reforming the current social assistance programs in cash, in order to provide affordable, efficiently targeted, well administered social assistance to the poorest of the poor through policy adjustments (by (re)defining benefits, eligibility criteria, improving targeting mechanism, improving outreach; limiting duration of benefit, developing monitoring procedures that would allow for direct community participation in the monitoring process; improving transparency through better designed community involvement in the decision making process; developing appeal procedures; improving regional targeting; developing evaluation procedures; develop effective work incentives; developing, piloting and gradually introducing well targeted, small scale work-fare programs) and capacity building (by improving organizational, functional, technical and material capacity). b) Social Insurance Reform – Promoting Consumption Smoothing/Risk Mitigation/ Sustainable Growth aims at developing a modest, affordable, financially sustainable, well administered social insurance, including public pensions. The component would support the following key policy and institutional changes: (i) the simplification and down-sizing, both Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports administratively and financially, of the existing complex, financially insolvent, fiscally unsustainable, inequitable and distortive public pension system, bringing it more in line with the Albanian level of income through changes in the benefit and eligibility provisions, and changes in financing arrangements; (ii) the development of the long term plan for the introduction of the multi-pillar pension system; (iii) strengthening the financial management of the Social Insurance Institute; (iv) strengthening institutional capacity; (v) the development of the public information campaign for the public pensions reform; and (vi) a rationalization, downsizing and reduction of the social insurance benefits other than public pensions through separation of non-contributory (welfare) from contributory benefits; introduction of control and monitoring mechanisms; restriction of coverage, eligibility and benefits; and a decrease in contribution rates..c) Labor Market Policies Reform – Promoting Risk Reduction/Sustainable Growth aims at providing modest public protection against loss of a job, while focusing on the provision of basic, well targeted employment services. The component would support: (i) downsizing of the unemployment compensation program through restricting eligibility and entitlements, increasing poverty focus (flat rate benefit), reducing tax rate, introducing strict control and monitoring mechanisms, introducing transparent financing system; (ii) provision of basic employment services (job matching, information gathering and provision, career counseling services); (iii) strengthening and developing institutional capacity through developing policy analysis and prognoses unit; developing monitoring and evaluation capacity; improving management information system; restructuring labor offices (from local to the central level); improving accounting and auditing; and human resources development. d) Planning and Management Component would support the design, management (including financial management), and supervision of project activities. 19. Status The Grant is still awaiting signature from the Government; expected to have signed by October, 2000. 20. Impact The project is a part of the Government’s strategy for human development and poverty alleviation (Albania Country Assistance Strategy, July 8, 1998). It is also an integral part of the Bank’s, as well as the ECA Region’s social protection strategy. It will build on the preparation and implementation experiences of other similar IDA-financed projects in the ECA Region and other donor and government-financed projects in this sector. It is expected to improve Government's capacity to design and implement poverty alleviation and reduction policies..08/29/2000 11:09:17 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkey 2. Project Name: Higher/Secondary & Vocational Education Project 5. Grant Amount: $503,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consultant studies, seminars, study visits 19. Status The Grant has not yet been activated because of prolonged indecision by the Government as to which Government agency should implement the Grant. Thus, no Grant Agreement has yet been drafted. The Governmemnt recently provided its agreement on implementation by the State Planning Organization, which is working with the agencies concerned to draft and agree on a procurement plan. As soon as the procurement plan is agreed, a Grant Agreement will be prepared and the work initiated. 20. Impact NA.08/29/2000 02:21:14 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Lithuania 2. Project Name: Education Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: US$198,524 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Reducing Energy Consumption 2. Improving the Teaching Environment 19. Status On August 21st, the World Bank sent the Grant Agreement to the Government for signature. 20. Impact n/a.08/29/2000 03:11:01 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Poland 2. Project Name: Social Security Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: US$778,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The primary objective of the grant was to help prepare a Social Security Project that would support the implementation of the pension reform and strengthen ZUS institutional capacity to meet the challenges and new responsibilities brought about by the reform. Main grant activities included the following: (a) strengthen the capacity of ZUS and other agencies concerned with pensions; (b) improve social assistance provision; and (c) assist with project coordination. 19. Status The grant closed on December 31, 1999 and a completion report was submitted on August 10, 2000. 20. Impact Grant assistance help strengthen the capacity of ZUS and other agencies concerned with pension reform, improve social assistance provision and project coordination. It is noteworthy to mention that the Strategic Plan prepared by ZUS management was with grant assistance. For the first time, ZUS management has developed a strategic vision for the institution, established strategic objectives, and outlined a series of action plans to begin to achieve those objectives. The Strategic Plan was approved by ZUS Board of Directors and is already under implementation. The plan will support critical institutional changes that will dramatically improve resource allocation and service delivery. The plan could become a model for other social security agencies in the region to follow..08/29/2000 03:07:55 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Poland 2. Project Name: Education Opportunities Project 5. Grant Amount: US$509,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Studies of Education Finance. 2. Survey of Stakeholders. 3. Studies of Curriculum Development. 4. Studies for Learning Assessment and Teacher Training. 5. Studies in Education Statistics. 19. Status Not very active. The Ministry of Education is in the process of opening the Special Account for the Grant. 20. Impact None so far.08/29/2000 05:18:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kyrgyz Republic 2. Project Name: Health Il 5. Grant Amount: US$534,420 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant was designed to finance the following four components: 1) Strengthening Health Financing; 2) Improving Primary Health Care Services and Facilities; 3) Developing Disease Prevention and a Health Promotion Strategy; and 4) Education Campaign. 19. Status The Japanese Grant was approved by the Government of Japan on April 13, 1999 and became effective in May 1999. The proposed plan is to Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports implement the activities outlined in the proposal prior to the effectiveness of the Health II project, currently scheduled for approximately July 1, 2001. 20. Impact The technical assistance financed under the PHRD has been critical during the project preparation providing valuable professional expertise and advice to the Health II project team in the areas of training, pharmaceuticals management, procurement, improving effectiveness and efficiency of care delivery, health financing, and public health (health protection and health promotion)..08/30/2000 11:23:14 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Latvia 2. Project Name: Education Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: $370,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant was designed to finance the following three components: (1) Energy Conservation; (2) Education Reform; and (3) Miscellaneous. 19. Status The grant has been fully disbursed and was implemented satisfactorily. 20. Impact The Grant has provided significant technical assistance and training to develop the capacity of the MOE staff in education planning and program development. Specifically, the Grant provided extensive technical assistance to prepare all components of the project, mainly to: build and strengthen institutional management capacity to assess and promote quality learning; and to improve the energy efficiency and space utilization of education facilities..08/30/2000 05:33:47 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Uzbekistan 2. Project Name: Small Investments And Micro Credit Fund 5. Grant Amount: US$513970 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A reallocation request has been submitted for reallocation of funds and for the redefinition of components. The original funding proposal suggested the following activities for financing technical assistance to build capacity for the institution of the Social Fund and in the areas of: (a) Small and medium enterprises (b) Institutions capacity building for the Fund as well as partners; © community consultation specialists; micro finance specialists; labor markets economist; MIS specialists; Monitoring and evaluation specialists, social scientists; (d) for training and workshops as well as some computer equipment. (e) audit of the Grant. The original Grant agreement for US$ 513,970 was amended in agreement with the donor to include $80,000 of pilot activities in community infrastructure and $30,000 for micro credit. This was reflected in the Grant agreement with $80,000 reallocated to the Works category. The funds for micro finance were reflected under consultant services. With the aim of advancing the preparation of the proposed SIMF, a request has been submitted that the 80,000 of the grant, currently allocated for pilot activities in community infrastructure be re-allocated towards piloting of micro-credit activities; and that the SME and infrastructure component of the grant be eliminated. This technical assistance would include a number of priority tasks to be undertaken as part of the preparation of the proposed SIMF i.e., with the aim of laying the groundwork for a larger scale assistance program. These tasks include: -- institutional building of the Small Investments and Micro Credit Fund. -- Drafting with the operations manual for implmentation of the micro finance programs. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports -- Identification of implementing partners. -- Piloting Micro Finance programs with selected partners..-- Training of SIMF staff and partners. 19. Status The grant agreement has been signed. A request for reallocation of funds and redefinition of components has been submitted. An amendment to the grant is required. The grant closing date has been extended. 20. Impact The grant has not been activated..09/19/2000 11:37:24 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Tanzania 2. Project Name: Health Sector Development Program (Formerly Health Sector Support Project) 5. Grant Amount: US$ 270,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Health expenditure analysis (national health accounts) (b) Institutional capacity assessment (c) Costing of essential health package (d) Focused analysis of development impact of HIV/AIDS (e) Assessment of financial management systems for district block grants (f) Development of joint monitoring and evaluation system 19. Status During FY00, the grant financed consultancies in the development of a joint monitoring and evaluation system, institutional capacity assessment, preparatory work for the health expenditure analysis, and a review of the costing of essential health package. However, the overall implementation rate is low, largely due to the reasons stated in 21 and 22 below. 20. Impact While the implementation is limited to a few activities, they have made important contributions to the development of a joint monitoring and evaluation system, including identification of key indicators. The institutional capacity assessment provided a tool to the government to analyze implementation and management capacity in implementing a complex sector-wide operation. The government is considering to institutionalize this exercise by introducing at their continuing education/training centers..09/19/2000 02:35:23 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Pakistan 2. Project Name: Basic Education And Capacity Development 5. Grant Amount: 884,720 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The project will have seven objectives each of which is aimed at the macro level goals of improving the amount and quality of education services offered to school age children: (a) strengthen service delivery capacity including much greater reliance on Non-governmental organizations (NGOS) and the private sector; (b) enhance planning and management capacity by increasing both the breadth and depth of individual staff competencies and department of education capabilities; (c) develop organizational structure and individual staff competencies to de-concentrate appropriate management and supervision functions to the district and school level, especially in monitoring and assessment; (d) improve access, equity and efficiency in elementary education by buttressing capital development efforts initiated under the SAP; (e) design and implement special initiatives to improve access to elementary education for girls and other under served populations; (f) foster greater community involvement in the schooling process; and (g) improve understanding and process of public expenditure and education finance. 19. Status Status of the Grant Activities under TF025746: Sindh Portion: Ever since effectiveness of the above TF on June 8, 1999 the following activities have been undertaken/accomplished by Government of Sindh in line with objectives of the Grant. Through an official Notification dated September 3, 1999 the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Government of Sindh established an Advisory Committee comprising of key government and non-government stakeholders for the purpose of planning and overseeing the PHRD grant funded activities. Since its inception the AC has held six meetings so far for the purpose of reviewing and monitoring progress of the grant activities. Special Account for the Grant Operation was opened with an initial deposit of US$35,000 on February 28, 2000. Till September 12, 2000 4 withdrawal Applications had been submitted and the account replenished for a total amount of approximately US$21,400. In accordance with the objectives of the Grant Agreement a study.tour was undertaken by the personnel of the Sindh Education Department to observe first hand, reform efforts aimed at transitioning from primary to elementary education in the three provinces of Punjab, NWFP and Balochistan. Upon completion of the provincial visits reports were prepared by the officials for presentation to the Advisory Committee. AC discussed the reports in its meeting held on March 9, 2000 and found these to be valuable in guiding the efforts and the plan for establishing an elementary education system in Sindh. 4 consultants have been engaged for 2-3 months starting from August, 2000 to carry out studies in the following areas: (a) Review of existing primary system; (b) Financing of Elementary Education system in Sindh; (c) Management of education in Sindh; and (d) role of private sector, NGOs and Community in elementary education. A Seminar on Education Sector Reform was organized in the month of September, 2000 in which the Federal Education Minister presented a comprehensive sector wide education reforms agenda to a diversified audience of government officials, and representatives of NGOs, civil society. A series of district and divisional level workshops are planned for October and November, 2000. There are plans to engage additional local consultants and an international consultant to carry out studies in: Teacher Training; Exam Reform; Management and Administration; Decentralization; and Monitoring & Evaluation systems. Balochistan Portion: The Balochistan Education Department was mired in governance problems, which had an adverse impact on BPEP, leading initially to the project's suspension and subsequent cancellation. The circumstances of cancellation of BPEP and the lack of evidence of any serious commitment on the part of the Government to initiate corrective action to improve the governance environment left little space for Bank-Government dialogue on future education reform efforts and future lending. Additionally, the government had not done any work on any potential future project. Due to this, activities envisaged under the PHRD grant did not take place and thus this portion of the Grant was never negotiated with the Government and thus remained inactive. Status of the Grant Activities under TF025475 No activity has taken place so far under this TF 20. Impact Quality of Education and enrollment would increase.09/19/2000 03:17:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Public Sector Adjustment Loan (Psal) 5. Grant Amount: $862,521.39 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components This grant closed on December 31, 1999; therefore there was no activity in the year 2000.. What follows is a summary of the use and impact of the grant funds. The PSAL was planned in 1995 as a broad-ranging adjustment operation that would address issues in budgeting and fiscal management, tax administration (including introduction of VAT and simplification of transfers among extra-budgetary funds), pension reform (including actuarial analyses of the existing program, strategies for a funded pension pillar, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports capital market implications, and regulation of pension fund investments) health finance and its linkages to the budget, and measures to promote mobility. 19. Status Grant-financed consultancies in 1995 and 1996 addressed a range of issues within the agreed scope of the grant, including a detailed critique of health financing arrangements; analysis and modeling of the pension system, reform options, and their social protection implications; and macroeconometric modeling. In October 1997, the Minister of Finance and the Country Director agreed that the PSAL would thereafter be focused solely on pension reform. Accordingly, PSAL funds were used since that time only for pension-related purposes. In FY 1998 and FY 1999, the Government developed and enacted legislation to reform the pension system by restructuring the existing mandatory pay-as-you-go pension system to improve its fiscal sustainability and by authorizing the introduction of both mandatory and voluntary funded pillars for the pension system. Support from the PSAL PHRD grant continued to be used for this process of pension policy development, including support for attendance by Croatian officials at the residential social security workshop run by the Harvard Institute for International Development and for technical assistance relating to the financial consequences of pension reform at both the institutional and individual levels. A pension adjustment loan is currently listed in the CAS as an FY2001 operation. A separate Pension System Investment Loan is under preparation to support investment costs associated with the implementation of the pension..Moreover, the Government and the Bank have continued through alternative means to pursue progress in the other areas that were originally envisaged as part of the PSAL's scope. That progress has built on work funded earlier through the PSAL PHRD grant. Health-sector reforms that the Government had begun in 1995, and which had been supported in part by an IBRD Health Project, were followed by the development in FY 1998 and FY 1999 of a reform-oriented Health System Project that received Board approval in October 1999 . Tax reform measures were also introduced by the Government, including introduction of a value-added tax (VAT) in January 1998. 20. Impact As noted above, the impact includes the passage of comprehensive pension reform legislation, the major provisions of which are currently being implemented. In addition, TA on health financing influenced relevant aspects of the medium-term health reform program that the Government has adopted. A VAT has also been introduced..09/19/2000 04:34:29 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Social Investment Program Project 5. Grant Amount: US$475,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Stakeholder workshops, social assessment to identify sectors, target population, regions (rural/urban) etc. (b) development of the Social Foundation's institutional structure, project proposal, program and policies, including training and staff needs; and (c) workshops, seminars and study tours. 19. Status The grant is to be used to provide assistance to the proposed Social Development Foundation in the preparation of an operational manual, develop its monitoring and evaluation system and to finance some workshops. Since the preparation of three key reports (social assessment, preparation report and a preliminary assessment of Kishoreganj project), the grant has not been utilized. The main reason is that the Government needed time to prepare the legal framework of the proposed Foundation, obtain clearance from the Cabinet and establish the Foundation. Satisfactory progress on these actions have been achieved. It is expected that the grant will be utilized from December 2000. Since the closing date of the grant is December 31, 2000, a request for another extension will be made. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact The studies so far financed with the grant have been useful to get a better understanding of the social fund concept and the proposed design and implementation of the project..09/19/2000 02:22:19 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Bangladesh Water And Sanitation Sector Improvement Project (Formerly Bangladesh School And Community Sanitation Project) 5. Grant Amount: US$ 207,500.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) review of the water supply, sanitation and hygiene education sub-sectors in rural and peri-urban Bangladesh (ii) preparation of environmental and social assessment 19. Status NOT YET SIGNED The PHRD grant agreement has not been signed, since the project was restructured upon request of management to address also the arsenic emergency situation in Bangladesh. The impact of this decision resulted in: (a) uncertainty re the implementing agency of the proposed project, and as a result the executing agency of the PHRD grant; (b) the need -- once (a) is solved and consultations with the implementation agency is resumed -- to review whether activities other than the proposed ones may be necessary. The team is aware that -- irrespective of changes to the content of the PHRD grant -- approval from the Japanese Authorities for the PHRD grant will be necessary given the changes in project scope. 20. Impact Assisting the client (GOB) in project preparation..09/20/2000 10:27:31 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Morocco 2. Project Name: National Rural Development 5. Grant Amount: $650,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Design of a national rural development program, including preparation of a rural development strategy and investment operations to help implement it 19. Status The Grant has been used to finance consultants' services and workshops to prepare a rural development strategy and two APLs: Irrigation Based Community Development ( PE-P056978-LEN ) and Rainfed Agriculture Development (PE-P069124-LEN). 20. Impact The Grant has been instrumental in helping the Government to articulate its rural development strategy and prepare investment operations to implement it..09/20/2000 10:42:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Nepal 2. Project Name: Higher Secondary Education 5. Grant Amount: US$410,800 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) Project Design: International and national consultants; workshops with participation of stakeholders. (ii) Quality Improvement Studies: International and national consultants; baseline studies. (iii) Equitable Access Studies: National consultants; school mapping, educational awareness package. (iv) Institutional Capacity Development Studies: International and national consultants; training, institutional and financial management study, planning and implementation strategy, monitoring strategy. 19. Status Project Design: In the preparation of the TORs for different studies to be commissioned soon, the Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) has Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports begun to reflect on its needs. If the pilot scheme of a HSEB component under the IDA-funded Higher Education Project (HEP) gets implemented successfully, it will also have significant influence on the design of any future assistance to HSEB. Quality Improvement Studies; Equitable Access Studies; and Institutional Capacity Development Studies: The Board is in the process of shortlisting consultancy firms that would be eligible to bid for different studies and activities. TORs are being reviewed by IDA. HSEB plans to invite bids toward the end of September 2000. 20. Impact Because of organizational problems at the HSEB, the project activities were stalled for almost six months and started picking up from June 2000 only after the Government replaced the leadership to resolve internal conflicts. HSEB is currently busy with a priority component under another IDA-supported project which had also been delayed due to the same organizational problems. Since this component is closely linked with how HSE schools are to be supported, it is important to support HSEB to explore innovative approaches. Against this background, it is too early to.assess the impact of the PHRD. It should be possible to determine the prospect more concretely in the next six months..09/20/2000 10:40:50 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Jordan 2. Project Name: Agricultural Exports Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US$295,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The specific objective of the grant is to provide assistance in the preparation of the Agricultural Exports Development Project. The project would have the following main components: (1) establishment of a credit line to support key private sector investments required to adopt new technology for the production and marketing of high-value agricultural products; (2) provide marketing intelligence and support to marketing development; (3) strengthening of agricultural research and development, as well as dissemination of technology to support competitive farm production for export; (4) improving phytosanitary controls and development of quality standards/certification; and (5) improving water quality monitoring systems. This grant was approved to help finance the: (i) assessment of current credit demand and detailed studies for the establishment of a credit line to be able to provide financing to the agricultural exporting sector; (ii) assessment of constraints to the development of a competitive high-value agricultural exporting sector; (iii) detailed design and full feasibility studies, including environmental impact studies and social assessment, for the main components of the project; and (iv) institutional arrangements for project implementation. 19. Status The Bank is executing this Grant Agreement designed to identify and prepare the main components of the Project. Early consulting assignments included holding working meetings and workshops with stakeholders to discuss their priorities and demands. During FY99, two consulting contracts were signed with major international firms: (i) DFC of Spain, for the assessment of the credit demand and the detailed establishment of the credit line; and (ii) Agridev and Zenovar (Israel) associated with Royal Scientific Society (Jordan), for the design of the marketing, farm production and phytosanitary components. These two major contracts were successfully completed during FY2000 and the final reports submitted by the consultants are available in the Project Files. The Grant funds are almost fully disbursed and no more consulting services are expected to be financed in the rest of the implementation period. Given the lack of agreement with the Government of Jordan (GOJ) on the project design and the institutional arrangements for project.implementation, the Bank has decided to stop processing this operation and to postpone the Board presentation indefinitely (the project has even been dropped from the lending program). However, as a result of recent discussions being held with the Bank, the GOJ has requested the Bank to Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports reinstate the project in the lending program. The Bank is preparing a comprehensive paper summarizing the present situation of the agricultural exporting sector in Jordan and its constraints and possibilities (based on all the consultant reports produced under the grant during project preparation). This paper would serve as the basis for reaching an agreement with GOJ on the future development of the agricultural exports and the definition of a feasible course of action to be implemented with Bank assistance. 20. Impact The grant has financed essential consulting services to help design a new concept for the development of agricultural exports in Jordan. Without the grant financing, it would have been extremely difficult to have the inputs from these highly specialized and reputable international firms. Also, this Grant has been instrumental to help obtain additional resources from other sources to be able to advance project preparation (Israeli Consultants Trust Fund has approved additional financing for US$66,000). In spite of the recent decision to drop the project from the lending program, the final outputs of the consulting assignments have provided an extremely valuable contribution to the definition of a new approach for fostering the development of the agricultural exporting sector in Jordan..09/20/2000 11:41:03 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Jordan 2. Project Name: Agricultural Exports Development Project 5. Grant Amount: US$75,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The specific objective of the grant is to provide assistance in the preparation of the Agricultural Exports Development Project. The project would have the following main components: (1) establishment of credit line to support key private sector investments required to adopt new technology for the production and marketing of high-value agricultural products; (2) provide marketing intelligence and support to marketing development; (3) strengthening of agricultural research and development, as well as dissemination of technology to support competitive farm production for export; (4) improving phytosanitary controls and development of quality standards/certification; and (5) improving water quality monitoring systems. This Recipient-executed grant (complementary to Bank-executed TF029655) would help finance the preparation of the: (i) Credit Manual for the dedicated credit "Fund" to be established to provide long-term credit to private sector; (ii) Environmental Management Plan; (iii) Project Implementation Plan; and institutional arrangements for project implementation; and (iv) assessment of the bottle-necks for exporting high-value agricultural crops. 19. Status There has been no disbursements from this grant so far; consequently, the Achievement of Objectives, Implementation Progress and Overall Status of the Grant have been rated as "Unsatisfactory"” The Bank has provided assistance to the Government's implementing agencies (including Terms of Reference and a list of experienced consultants) to help in the selection and hiring of consultants for key consulting assignments. However, these agencies have failed to proceed with the process of hiring consultants until now. In addition, given a lack of agreement between the Bank and the Jordanian Government regarding the basic project design and the institutional arrangements for its implementation, the Bank has recently decided to stop processing this operation and to postpone the Board presentation indefinitely (the project was dropped from the lending program). The Bank is currently preparing a comprehensive paper summarizing the present situation of the agricultural exporting sector in Jordan, its constraints and possibilities, which would be used as the basis for discussions with the GOJ on the future development of this sector and on.how the Bank can be of further assistance. Unless an agreement is reached in the near future as to continue processing this operation and reinstate the project into the lending program (which may justify further extensions of the closing date of this PHRD Grant), these funds will not be disbursed and will have to be canceled. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 20. Impact The grant would have financed essential consulting services to help develop a new concept in export development in Jordan. Without this financing, it would be extremely difficult for the recipient to be able to secure highly specialized consultants with international experience..09/21/2000 03:06:19 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Forest Sector Adjustment Loan 5. Grant Amount: $150,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Consultations and workshops to discuss forest area title, forest boundaries and forest boundary decision-making process, and preparation of policy and position papers reflecting outcome of consultations. (b) Consultations and workshops to define priority areas for the protection of forests under community participation mechanisms, formulate options and recommendations, and design a regulatory basis for participation of local communities in management and ownership of production forests, preparation of policy and position papers, organization of national workshop. 19. Status (a) partially completed -- national workshop held on deforestation and related the issues (b) partially completed -- national workshop held on the illegal logging and community forest management as a solution. 20. Impact Workshop had a major impact, as it served to develop consensus among all stakeholders regarding the main issues that have to be dealt with in achieving sustainable management of Indonesian forests. Community-based management was considered essential to success in most areas..09/21/2000 09:28:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Korea - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Corporate Restructuring 5. Grant Amount: US$1,350,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A. Corporate restructuring of large enterprises FSC: Corporate Restructuring Vehicle (Arthur Andersen) Monitoring System for large corporates in Korea (KIF) Environment Regulatory System (KEI) Debt-Equity Workshop (KIF) B. Corporate restructuring of small-medium enterprises C. KFTC: Competition Policy Advice and Workshops two studies and workshops and study tour D. FKI: Monitoring and Reform of business regulations two studies and workshops 19. Status Three components have been completed: (i) corporate restructuring of large enterprises; (ii) competition policy; (iii) monitoring and reform of business regulations. The last component (restructuring of SME) had run into problems due to delay in agreeing to the scope of work (between the Bank and the government agencies). This was compounded by the unique budget laws in Korea which precluded implementation by government agencies as funds from the general budget need to be approved and acquired and then reimbursed from grant funds. Following the supervision mission in June, 2000, Government has now requested for Bank execution of this component and extension of grant closing date. 20. Impact 1. Corporate Restructuring of large enterprises - Results of studies on corporate restructuring vehicles, monitoring system of large corporates and environmental considerations during restructuring have been disseminated to Government policy makers. The Ministry of Finance and Economy is Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports now in the process of setting up Corporate Restructuring Vehicles as recommended by the study. Legislation is advanced. FSC has taken the recommendations of the monitoring system of large corporates (the largest 30 corporates) and instituted the system as recommended. The Environmental Regulatory System and Corporate Restructuring Study.recommendations have been sent to the Bureau of Environment in Korea. It is the process of studying the recommendations for implementation. 2. Competition Policy - The study by KDI expert Dr. Shin Kwang Shik on market structure analysis has been adopted by the KFTC. The methodology and date are currently used and updated by the KFTC. The second study on the organizational structure of the KFTC vis a vis the structure in the US is being studied by KFTC especially in regard to the powers vested in the FTC and the DOJ in the US. A similar approach may be taken in Korea. Prior to that, KFTC is conducting review of the internal procedures between KFTC and the Ministry of Justice based on the study's recommendations. The grant also provided for dissemination of global practices for Korean policy makers. In this regard, Korea has now benchmarked its policy and capacity with its OECD counterparts and is now strengthening its anti-trust division and its cartel and merger unit. The US and Australian models have been found to be of great relevance to Korea. 3. Monitoring and reform of business regulations. - The two studies one by ANU in benchmarking Korean business regulations with OECD countries and the other by SERI on simplification of business regulations have been completed. Four dissemination workshops are planned in October to disseminate the findings to the relevant agencies and the Regulatory Reform Committee. Following these workshops appropriate measures are expected to be undertaken by the authorities to simplify business regulations..09/21/2000 10:05:08 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Proposed Third Inland Waterways Project 5. Grant Amount: US$796,740 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Vessel Modernization Policy Guidelines and Finalization of Feasibility Study Reports 19. Status The request (a) to revise the scope of the study, (b) reallocate the funds, and (c) extension of preparation of the grant agreement has been approved on December 22, 1999. The draft grant agreement was reviewed by MOF, China and is being finalized. Preparation of selection consultants is progressing. Advertisement in UNDB completed. TOR and RFP have been reviewed by the Bank and will be finalized shortly. 20. Impact Based on the outcome of the study, it is expected that MOC will provide policy guidelines or special funds for IWW vessel modernization..09/21/2000 11:26:37 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Private Sector Infrastructure Developement Facility 5. Grant Amount: $750,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Technical assistance and training to foster private infrastructure development 19. Status Expected completion date in December 2000. 20. Impact This grant and funded techincal assistance that has allowed the introduction of private sector components to traditionally public projects..09/21/2000 11:50:53 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 2. Project Name: Private Sector Infrastructure Development Fund 5. Grant Amount: $250,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Technical assistance and Traning to promote private participation in infrastrucutre projects 19. Status Fully commited and disbursed, closing at end of year 20. Impact This grant has supported the desing of numerous world bank funded roject in water, transport and power sectors to build into the project componets a greater particiuaption of the private sector..09/21/2000 11:10:35 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: India 2. Project Name: Power Sector Reform 5. Grant Amount: $1,000,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components To provide support to the Government of India on State Reform Acitivities. 19. Status Two power sector reform projects prepared with the help of this Trust Fund have been approved ( Andhra Pradesh APL I and U.P. Power Sector Restructuring Project). Rajasthan Power Sector Restructuring Project has been appraised and will be presented tp the Board by the end of this calender year. The sector work on Power Supply to Agriculture is underway and is tentatively due for completion by February 2001. 20. Impact The impact on the power sector in India has been good. The consultants funded by the Grant have provided valuable support to the Government of India on regulatory and privatization matters on cost of unserved energy besides conducting several studies which provide valuable inputs into the projects..09/21/2000 12:41:08 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Proposed Third Inland Waterways 5. Grant Amount: US$73,660 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components IWT Development Policy 19. Status The request (a) to revise the scope of the study, reallocation of the funds, and (c) extension of preparation of the grant agreement has been approved on December 22, 1999. The Draft grant agreement has been reviewed by MOF, China and is being finalized. 20. Impact Proposed project will be satisfactorily prepared, incorporating social dimensions..09/21/2000 03:40:47 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Algeria 2. Project Name: Education Sector Reform 5. Grant Amount: $838,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (i) the development of detailed implementation plans and the drafting of the necessary legislation in support of the reform policies; (ii) carrying out analytical work in the areas of organization, management and governance to support decision making; (iii) introducing international experiences and expertise from countries that have gone through similar processes of transition from State to Private sector dominated economies; and (iv) national consultations to build consensus and seek the opinion of the stakeholders 19. Status The Grant Agreement was countersigned by the Government on July 4, 1998. Shortly after the signing, the government formed a grant implementation Committee and appointed a project leader. The Committee Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports was composed of representatives from all the ministries involved in education, the Ministry of Finance and of representatives from the Conseil Superieur de l’Education (CSE). The CSE is an advisory body in charge of developing the education system promotion of reforms and was set up in 1998 to operate under the aegis of the Presidency of the Republic. In April,1999 the Committee submitted to the Bank an implementation plan, including terms of reference and timing for the operations. The Bank approved this plan. Shortly afterwards the Government requested an extension of the Closing Date to June 30, 2001, which was approved. Study Tours to South Korea, Jordan, Lebanon, the UK and Hungary took place to review those countries education systems and reform programs. Reports summarizing the tours were prepared, and their findings disseminated widely within the Algerian educational establishment. In January, 2000 responsibility for administration of the grant was moved from the Conseil Superieur de l’Education (CSE) to the Ministry of Higher Education. Four consulting firms were recruited to assist with project preparation. The consultants' work was proceeding satisfactorily, as was the recruitment of additional consulting firms to undertake the proposed strategic studies, when it was halted by the Government's decision in June 2000, not to borrow from the Bank for the proposed project. A total amount of $81,870.10, or 9.7% of the grant amount, was spent on the study tours. The Bank had disbursed an additional amount of $150,000 into the grant Special Account to finance consultant studies. The Bank has aasked the.Government to reimburse the unused balance. 20. Impact Impact has been limited following the decision of the Government not to borrow from the Bank for a project (see below). The impact is thus limited to the results of the study tours and the dissemination of their findings within the Algerian education establishment, which has been widespread. However this is a far cry from the original proposed impacts of this PHRD..09/21/2000 02:59:34 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Secondary Roads 5. Grant Amount: $979,800 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (i) Planning, institutional strengthening, and training for road network planning and development; (ii) Develop sectoral environmental and social analyses; (iii) Design of project monitoring and quality control systems; and (iv) Design of road rehabilitation and maintenance programs. 19. Status Pending. 20. Impact For the most part, prior to decentralization, the road network was managed by the Federal government. State road agencies are very weak and the project will help the state agencies to manage the road network as it's management is transferred to them..09/21/2000 04:11:50 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Jordan 2. Project Name: Rift Valley Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: US$561,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant has the specific objective of assisting in the preparation of the Jordan Rift Valley Improvement Project, which would consist of: (i) restructuring of the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA); (ii) environmental and water resources management, including more effective re-use of wastewater and solid waste management; (iii) improved on-farm management, including pest management; (iv) improved operation and maintenance of irrigation systems with an increased participation of water users' associations; (v) land use planning and management; and (vi) environmental monitoring and social impact assessment. The Grant would help carry out the feasibility studies needed to appraise the project, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports including the environmental and social assessments. This would be done by private consultants recruited in accordance with bank guidelines. 19. Status The Grant Agreement was signed in March 1998. During the first round of consultant selection, the Bank rerceived the evaluation report of consultant firms' proposals, but disagreed with the procurement steps. In turn, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation opted for recruiting individual consultants (rather than firms). Appointments of 10 individual consultants were finalized in September 2000. Thus full project preparation is expected to start in October 2000 and end in June 2001. Extension of the current closing date of September 30, 2000 is required to September 30, 2001 to enable the consultants to complete their project preparation work. 20. Impact The Grant would finance essential consulting services to help assess the impact of all the actions undertaken in the past in the Jordan Valley and develop a new approach for the integrated and environmental-sustainable development of the region. The availability of Grant financing is essential for hiring reputable consultants with experience in this area. This would result in a comprehensive proposal to re-orient the development efforts in the Jordan Valley. It will complement other initiatives by donors such as USAID...09/21/2000 04:52:27 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Urumqi Urban Transport Improvement Project 5. Grant Amount: 400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Carrying out of a feasibility study of the proposed inner ring road, including consideration of environmental, resettlement, economic and engineering aspects, and preparation of a study report; (b) Undertaking of the preliminary engineering design of the inner ring road; (c) Undertaking of the preliminary engineering design of the traffic management and road safety program, and of the detailed design of the program for the initial years of the Project; (d) Provision of assistance with the preparation of the Project Implementation Plan (PIP); (e) Provision of information technology and other essential equipment for the Project Executive Office (PEO). (f) Provision of training to relevant local government officials in the technical aspects of the Project. 19. Status The work funded by the Grant has been completed. 20. Impact The Grant enabled the Implementing Agency to complete preparation work to the standards required by the Bank..09/21/2000 05:51:10 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Second Beijing Environment Project 5. Grant Amount: $182,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components To provide individual consultant services to review and supplement project preparation to Beijing Municipality and its consultants. 19. Status About three quarters of the work is completed. The remainder of the consultant assistance has been contracted, but waiting for the completion of the borrower-executed preparation of detailed implementation tasks. 20. Impact This part of the PHRD, executed by the Bank, was utilized to supplement the preparation work financed under the main portion of the grant, executed by the borrower. Most of these supplemental activities provided critical enhancements, more valuable out of proportion to the amount spent..09/21/2000 06:00:49 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Huai River Basin Pollution Control Project 5. Grant Amount: USD 697,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Preparation of Feasibility Studies, including institutional and financial work. 19. Status Proceeding satisfactory. Most funds have been drawn down and a small amount remains available for assistance of individual consultants during the project appraisal. This will take place in mid October. Minor activities of the consultants might be needed thereafter for the next 2 months. For this reason an extension of the closing date by 120 days until January 31, 2001 is advisable and requested. 20. Impact The grant has helped provide excellent leadership and inputs to the two provinces and their design institutes and local consultants. This was also acknowledged by our main counterparts in China who are very pleased with the effective and timely management of the grant by the Bank. (The execution of the grant has been returned to the Bank by the government after their review and decision that there was no agency in China capable managing activities at a infra-provincial level..09/21/2000 10:56:21 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Shijiazhuang Urban Transport Project 5. Grant Amount: USD187,500 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Traffic Management and Safety. The provision of advisory services to prepare a traffic management plan. 2. Public Transport. The provision of advisory services on development of public transport reform proposals 3. Environment Design and Analysis which includes the provision of advisory services on the development of an air quality model and related activities. 4. Urban Transport System. The provision of advisory services for traffic systems analysis, assistance with the preparation of the economic analysis for the Project, development of a transport plan and strategy. 19. Status The bulk of the consultant studies are been completed. The project will be appraised shortly and the grant will close at the end of the year. Only incremental additions to past contracts are anticipated between now and the end of the year to assist the client with the preparation of a project which meets the Bank's standard at appraisal. 20. Impact Project preparation has had a beneficial impact on the way that urban transport issues are "looked at" in Shijiazhuang..09/21/2000 11:46:23 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Shijiazhuang Urban Transport Project 5. Grant Amount: 375,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Traffic Management and Safety. The provision of advisory services to prepare a traffic management plan. 2. Public Transport. The provision of advisory services on development of public transport reform proposals 3. Environment Design and Analysis which includes the provision of advisory services on the development of an air quality model and related activities. 4. Urban Transport System. The provision of advisory services for traffic systems analysis, assistance with the preparation of the economic analysis for the Project, development of a transport plan and strategy plans. 19. Status The bulk of the consultant studies are been completed. The project will be Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports appraised shortly and the grant will close at the end of the year. Only incremental additions to past contracts are anticipated between now and the end of the year to assist the client with the preparation of a project which meets the Bank's standard at appraisal. 20. Impact The project has raised the awareness of the city administration to public transport issues..09/22/2000 12:25:31 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Reform And Debt Restructuring Advisory Services 5. Grant Amount: $2,405,885 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant's objective is to complement the comprehensive financial sector reform and restructuring strategy adopted by the Thai Government and supported by the World Bank (the Bank).The grant provides funding support in three primary areas, as well as their multiple sub-parts, which fall under the Financial Sector Reform and Corporate Debt Restructuring domain of the Miyazawa initiative: (1) Building Supervision Capacity in the Financial Sector : (i) strengthening of the supervision capacity of the Bank of Thailand (BOT) through the development of a curriculum and training courses for the School of Examiners of the BOT (the School of Examiners), and the provision of domestic and international training to instructors of the School of Examiners; (ii) provision of advisory services on the review of draft legislation related to financial and corporate sector reform; (iii) provision of advisory services on the development of capital adequacy requirements for derivative instruments, and audit procedures and resolution and exit procedures for securities firms; and (iv) carrying out of a preliminary diagnostic of the structure, risk profile, and profitability of the insurance industry and an assessment of the capacity of the Recipient's Ministry of Commerce to supervise said industry. (2) Financial Industry Restructuring and Privatization : (i) identification of the institutional strengthening needs of Krung Thai Bank and BankThai and preparation of the terms of reference for the advisory and training services necessary; (ii) provision of advisory services to the Bank of Thailand's Office of the Corporate Debt Restructuring Advisory Committee (CDRAC) on developing strategic approaches to promote corporate restructuring, managing and enforcing corporate restructuring process, training on corporate restructuring and mediation, and conducting a communication campaign regarding the objectives and progress of corporate restructuring; and (iii) provision of advisory services on the development and implementation of a training course on sound lending. (3) Strengthening of Specialized Financial Institutions : provision of advisory services to: (i) the Recipient's Ministry of Finance on the development of recapitalization plans for specialized financial institutions; and (ii).specialized financial institutions on their restructuring and their need to improve risk management. 19. Status Progress continue to be made on all programs supported by the Grant, with a particular emphasis on the area of building supervision capacity in the Financial Sector and improving risk management of Specialized Financial Institutions. The special account was opened and initial deposit was made in April and May 2000 respectively. Disbursement to replenish account is expected shortly. Additional activities are being planned. Terms of References are being drafted and consultants identified. 20. Impact The grant has thus far been used to provide training opportunities for two examination employees of the Bank of Thailand to participate in training abroad which will improve their knowledge and skills in bank analysis and on-site examination. This training and experience is a great value to the Bank of Thailand as two individuals are instructors at the BOT School of Examiners. The participation in an on-site examination while abroad will provide additional guidance to other examiners in the techniques and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports procedures used by other supervisory agencies..09/22/2000 06:50:14 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Sal4 5. Grant Amount: $753,344.48 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1)Land privatization and farm re-structuring; 2) agro-industry and agricultural marketing; 3) Expenditure review and institutional reform 19. Status Grant is about one-third disbursed. 20. Impact This grant has allowed us to carry out a policy dialogue, which would have been impossible without it. We are now contributing to the policy matrix for SAL4. It has also facilitated our work on policy notes..09/22/2000 12:59:19 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Telecommunications Sector Reform Ta 5. Grant Amount: US$500,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The technical assistance would include: (a) study of Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board's and private operator's telephone traffic to remove bottlenecks and satisfy interconnection requirement of private operators; (b) advancing the recent initiatives in creating the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB) by designing an appropriate organization structure, and planning human resources development for TRB, including a training program to strengthen the capability to effectively regulate the sector; (c) establish the regulatory framework on firmer ground by creating the regulatory process, tasks and administrative procedures to be undertaken by TRB; studies aimed at a clearer understanding of the regulatory issues in the sector; and (e) detailed designing of an adequate radio frequency spectrum management and monitoring system, and preparation of specification for the system. 19. Status Closing date June 30, 2000 20. Impact The use of grant funds for project preparation of activities for the project have been beneficial. The telecommunications policy was approved by Cabinet in March 1998, draft legislation has been approved by Cabinet and awaiting Parliament's approval, and the draft bid documents of the frequency monitoring and management system are ready. Frequent workshops and seminars have organized to build consensus on reform. However, the proposed operation in the telecommunications sector has been removed from the lending program due to lack of Government commitment to reforms necessary to dramatically improve sector performance..09/22/2000 03:49:05 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: India 2. Project Name: Dsm Planning In Power Sector Restructuring Projects 5. Grant Amount: US$ 400,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist in the preparation of the Demand Side Management (DSM) components of the power sector reform projects in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi and such other states as the Bank may agree (Project States) which has as main objectives: (a) the preparation of programs of structural, institutional, regulatory, tariff and financial reforms to commercialize and develop autonomy in the state power generation, transmission and distribution activities, and (b) the implementation of priority investment programs, including DSM, to improve the efficiency of the state power Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports systems. The grant components include: (a) carrying out baseline assessment and analysis of alternative options for preparing the intial design of DSM and Energy Efficiency (EE) projects in the Project States and institutions; (b) developing an enabling policy and regulatory framework for DSM investments in the Project States consisting of; inter alia, energy efficiency standards, policy provisions for delivery of DSM services by distribution companies, and removal of disincentives for private sector investments in DSM/EE projects, and; (c) carrying out overall planning and coordination; including review and monitoring of DSM actvities. 19. Status During FY 2000, DSM preparatory activities were undertaken in Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. Two studies were completed in Haryana during FY00. Two other assignments relating to energy efficiency in lift irrigation the reforming states are underway. Details of the studies carried out are below: 1. DSM Pilot Study on Lift Irrigation Pumphouses in Haryana Consultant: Dalal Consultants and Engineers Limited; New Delhi Counterpart: Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (HVPNL); Dept of Irrigation; Govt of Haryana Date started: May 1999 Funding: US$ 30,000 Status: Final report submitted in October 1999..2. Learning Phase Agricultural DSM Project Consultant: Energy, Economy and Environmental Consultants; Bangalore Counterpart: Dakshin Haryana Bijlee Vitharan Nigam Date Started: August, 1999 Funding: US$ 46,500 Status: Draft report submitted. To be finalized by September 2000. 3. Power Curailment Policy in India (Haryana & AP) Consultant: Innotem Services Date Started: March 1999 Funding: US$ 20,000 Status: Phase 1 report completed; Phase II to be completed by September 2000. 4. Cost Minimization Options in Power Supply to Agriculture (Haryana & AP) Consultant: Ms. Tulika Narayan Date Started: March 2000 Funding: US$ 10,000 Status: Ongoing; report by December 2000 20. Impact This PHRD grant is a follow-on to the DSM preparatory work that was supported until December 1997 under the earlier PHRD grant on SEB Restructuring (TF022621). The progress achieved and the results obtained through the implementation of the grant thus far has been excellent. While the previous grant was successful in the preparation of the DSM component of the Orissa SPSR program; the current PHRD grant has been successful in preparing DSM projects for Bank financing under the Haryana and Andhra Pradesh APL programs. It is planned to enlarge its application to additional reforming states (U.P. and Rajasthan) and support capacity building and institutional development..09/22/2000 04:10:14 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: India 2. Project Name: Dsm Planning In State Power Sector Reform 5. Grant Amount: US$ 400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components To assist in the preparation of the DSM components of the power sector reform projects in Andhra Pradesh; Haryana; Rajasthan; Uttar Pradesh; Punjab; Delhi and such other states as the Bank may agree (the Project States); which has as main objectives: (a) the preparation of programs of structural; institutional; regulatory; tariff and financial reforms to commercialize and develop autonomy in the state power generation; transmission and distribution activities; and (b) the implementation of Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports priority investment programs; including Demand Side Management (DSM); to improve the efficiency of the state power systems. 19. Status The project implementation has been considerably delayed. It was only in September 1998 that the Government of India provided its approval to the agreement for its implementation of the project. Since then discussions were held with two reform states; ie. Andhra Pradesh and Haryana; on the possibility of supporting DSM activities as a component to their sector reform program. In Andhra Pradesh; following the completion of the preparatory study on Pre-Investment Opportunities for DSM in the Industrial and Commercial Sectors; it was planned to support the formation of a DSM cell at APTRANSCO to plan; design; develop and execute DSM programs. These discussions are continuing. In Haryana; following the completion of several investigations on Agricultural DSM project design and development; it is planned to support the management responsible for implementation of a pilot phase project. However discussions have been delayed due to slow movement of reforms in Haryana Recently, Karnataka has also shown keen interest in accessing these funds and a proposal is currently being prepared. 20. Impact Since the project is yet to be implemented its impact has been minimal. However it is envisaged that the project will provide a major thrust to DSM.development efforts when the A.P, Haryana and Karnataka programs begin..09/22/2000 03:59:47 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Wuhan Urban Transport Project 5. Grant Amount: $760,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Strategy Development 2. Public Transport Development 3. Traffic Management 4. Environmental Analysis 5. Social Analysis 6. Road Maintenance 7. Local Training 19. Status TOR for proposed TA currently being finalized by Executing Agency, and expected to be formally submitted to the Bank shortly. The Grant Agreement will then be drafted. 20. Impact TBD.09/25/2000 05:05:48 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Corporate Restructuring 5. Grant Amount: $212,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant are to assist the Recipient in developing strategies and building capacity to support corporate sector revival. The activities for which the Grant is given are as follows a) Corporate Restructuring: provision of advisory service for the development of strategies to restore health to the corporate sector which is estimated to cost US$ 106,000 equivalent, and consist of : (i) analysis of enabling legislation and regulations for effective enterprise restructuring; (ii) study of fiscal obstacles to and incentives for speedy financial restructuring; (iii) assessment of an enabling enviroment for innovative approaches to corporate restructuring; and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports (b) Competitiveness: provision of advisory service for the development of strategies ot enhance the competitiveness of the corporate sector of Thailand which is estimated to cost US$ 106, 000 equivalent, and consists of (i) review of trade and competition policies, including inter alia the tariff regime, and (ii) assessment of the institutional capacity necessary to support industrial competitiveness 19. Status 1 ongoing project, 2 in the pipeline 20. Impact Project: Evaluation of Corporate Restructuring Progress - The grant has been a very useful vehicle for funding a research and developing a database of progress of debt restructuring in Thailand. The results were used by the Bank of Thailand to formulate debt restructuring policy and target requirements for Thai commercial banks. Project: Printing of Voluntary Debt Restructuring Guidelines and Regulations - The grant provided the much needed opportunity for the Bank of Thailand to disseminate and educate the debtors, creditors, and the public on the importance of voluntary debt restructuring processes..Project: Training of the Central Bankruptcy Court Administrators and Assessment of IT Capability - The court administrators were trained on international practices in order to enhance the efficient use of resources, streamline the administrative functions and procedures. IT support capability of the court was assessed and recommendations were submitted for immediate improvements to enhance efficiency. Project In-the-Process: Development of Benchmark Database for Business Reorganization Office - To analyze completed cases, compile statistical data into workable categories, and index the data to be used as benchmark for business reorganization and judgement-rendering processes..09/25/2000 08:58:43 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Natural Disaster Management 5. Grant Amount: US$ 575.000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (1) Analyses related to project preparation, (2) preparation of retrofitting plans, (3) identification of improvements to the meteorological infrastructure (to support the development of insurance markets, (4) preparation of terms of reference for probable maximum loss (PML) studies (to support insurance placement), (5) improved operating guidelines for FONDEN, and (6) definition of capacity-building programs for disaster risk management. 19. Status Work on analytical tasks related to project preparation is proceeding well. Assessment of social and environmental aspects of disaster management have been substantially completed. The fiscal and economic analysis, financial management assessment and project implementation planning for the proposed project are also ready. The new studies (all of which have been contracted and are in progress) are being carried out to support the Mexico Disaster Management Project. They are slated to be completed by November 30, 2000. 20. Impact The grant has been instrumental in the preparation of the project..09/25/2000 10:10:43 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Papua New Guinea 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Adjustment Loan 5. Grant Amount: $399,250 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grants major components are (a) institutional reforms to transform the role of government from direct involvement to a focus on regulation and supervision, (b) policy reforms to privatize government financial institutions and liberalize certain market segments, and (c) market development Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports reforms to deepen and broaden both the debt and equity markets. 19. Status The Grant Agreement has not yet been signed. 20. Impact The Grant will enable Government to strengthen financial sector supervision, both for banks and non-bank financial institutions which should then prepare the groundwork for financial sector reform..09/25/2000 10:47:06 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Thailand 2. Project Name: Public Sector Reform Loan Ii 5. Grant Amount: USD 536,900 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant provides technical assistance for the preparation of a Second Public Sector Reform Operation, whose main objective is to improve public sector governance in Thailand (the Project). The activities for which the Grant was given are to support the preparation of several components of the Second Public Sector Reform Operation as follows: (a) Management of public expenditure to include such activities as: (i) carrying out budgetary analysis and expenditure reviews; (ii) development of a strategy for maintaining a sustainable level of domestic and external borrowing; (iii) developing fiscal data bases and quantifying fiscal risks; (iv) provision of training, workshops and seminars on international accounting standards, strategic planning, and public expenditure management to senior officials from the relevant ministries and central agencies, all estimated to cost US$102,200, equivalent; (b) Revenue management to include such activities as: (i) development of analytical tools, reports, revenue forecasting methodologies and key performance indicators for the Recipient’s Departments of Revenue, Excise and Customs and Fiscal Policy Office; (ii) institutional assessment and strengthening of information technology and organizational restructuring; and (iii) provision of training, workshops, and seminars to senior officials from the relevant ministries and central agencies on revenue management, all estimated to cost US$114,200 equivalent; (c) Human resource management to include such activities as: (i) analysis and evaluation of the Recipient’s strategy for civil service downsizing, outsourcing and restructuring; (ii) development of affordable redundancy programs and performance based recruitment and compensation systems; (iii) development and implementation of a code of ethics and Ethics Promotion Center for civil servants; (iv) development of client surveys to provide feedback on the Recipient’s performance in the provision of services; (v) review of the legal framework for key aspects of public sector reform; (vi) organization of a publicity campaign to create awareness among the public and the civil service for public sector reform priorities; and (vii) provision of training and workshops, to relevant ministries and central agencies on administrative reform, all estimated to cost US$ 71,800 equivalent..(d) Decentralization to include such activities as: (i) review of the Recipient’s intergovernmental transfer system; (ii) development of performance indicators at the local level; (iii) analysis of the structure of local government units and of proposals to consolidate existing local administrative organizations; and (iv) conduct of training, workshops, seminars and meetings on sub-national budget management, tax collection and performance evaluation, which is estimated to cost US$94,200 equivalent; (e) Organizational renewal in line ministries to include such activities as: (i) review of roles, performance and scope of selected ministries and agencies, financial accounting and costing systems, budget planning processes and financial and performance information requirements; (ii) drafting of “Memoranda of Understanding” and “Resource Agreements” between the Bureau of Budget and selected ministries and agencies; (iii) provision of advisory services on organizational and staff restructuring; and (iv) training and workshops on organizational renewal, all estimated to cost US$72,300 equivalent; and (f) Accountability and transparency to include such activities as: (i) conduct Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports of surveys to evaluate the level of accountability and transparency in the Recipient’s operations; (ii) building capacity to conduct audits and improve fiscal and performance reporting; (iii) institutional strengthening to facilitate regular reviews of progress made in attaining good governance; (iv) review of the Recipient’s regulations for redundant, conflicting or outdated rules; and training and workshops to senior officials in relevant ministries and central agencies on accountability and transparency, all estimated to cost US$82,200 equivalent. 19. Status Grant proceeds have been invaluable in funding fast and timely technical assistance needs in the preparation of a Second Public Sector Reform Operation. The Project's main objective is to improve public sector governance in Thailand, and this trust fund is active and instrumental in providing technical assistance in preparing the second operation. 20. Impact The availability of grant funds has acted as an investment catalyst for additional technical assistance from AusAID, NZODA, and other bilateral donors. This is particularly the case with the Bureau of the Budget, the Revenue Department, and the Office of Civil Service Commission. PHRD funds increased greater attention to project design and to quality of the public sector reform project. In so doing, the PHRD proceeds contribute to the lessening of project risk..09/25/2000 09:42:11 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: National Railways Project 5. Grant Amount: US$178,690.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Technical assistance to support the preparation of National Railways focusing on (a) establishment of a passenger transport enterprise in the Nanchang Administration of the Ministry of Railways, and (b) preparation of environmental and social assessments and environmental and resettlement action plans in relation to the proposed Qinhuangdao-Shenyang (Qin-Shen) and Baoji-Lanzhou (Bao-Lan) lines. 19. Status The proposal to (a) change the name of the TF from Railways IX to National Railways, (b) change in the scope of activities to be funded, (c) cancellation of a portion of the grant, and (d) establish the closing date to September 30, 2000 has been approved by the Japanese Government on October 22, 1999. The revised grant amount is US$178,690. In June 2000, another request has been submitted to Japanese Government to (a) change the pilot from Nanchang to Kunming, and (b) extension of closing date from September 30, 2000 to June 30, 2001. The change in the pilot was justified on the basis that the Kunming staff are more open to the idea of piloting the establishment of a passenger transport enterprise (PTE) and that they are relatively better skilled. To date, no expenditures have been incurred for the PTE pilot. The extension of the closing date was necessary to (a) allow for satisfactory completion of environmental and resettlement information, and (b) work out the reform/restructuring component in National Railways. 20. Impact Effective implementation of the technical assistance..09/25/2000 12:59:13 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: National Railways 5. Grant Amount: US$736,100.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Technical assistance to support the preparation of National Railways focusing on (a) establishment of a passenger transport enterprise in the Nanchang Administration of the Ministry of Railways, and (b) preparation of environmental and social assessments and environmental and resettlement action plans in relation to the proposed Qinhuangdao-Shenyang (Qin-Shen) and Baoji-Lanzhou (Bao-Lan) lines. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 19. Status The proposal to (a) change the name of the TF from Railways IX to National Railways, (b) change in the scope of activities to be funded, (c) cancellation of a portion of the grant, and (d) establish the closing date to September 30, 2000 has been approved by the Japanese Government on October 22, 1999. The revised grant amount is US$178,690. In June 2000, another request has been submitted to Japanese Government to (a) change the pilot from Nanchang to Kunming, and (b) extension of closing date from September 30, 2000 to June 30, 2001. The change in the pilot was justified on the basis that the Kunming staff are more open to the idea of piloting the establishment of a passenger transport enterprise (PTE) and that they are relatively better skilled. To date, no expenditures have been incurred for the PTE pilot. The extension of the closing date was necessary to (a) allow for satisfactory completion of environmental and resettlement information, and (b) work out the reform/restructuring component in National Railways. 20. Impact Effective implementation of the technical assistance..09/25/2000 01:29:48 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Eighth Railway Project 5. Grant Amount: JPY 40,000,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The technical assistance was aimed at supporting MOR in undertaking policy reforms and institutional development; expanding railway transport capacity; and modernizing railway track, equipment and information technology. 19. Status The status of the project should be closed. The closing date was May 31, 1999. With the special account recovery of US$3,662.52 on March 16, 1998, disbursements under TF029230 have been completed. A letter notifying the Borrower of the account closing has been sent on October 15, 1999 and acknowledged by the Borrower. 20. Impact Most grant funds were spent for technical assistance n four areas: (a) determination of cost effective design parameters of proposed Beijing-Shanghai Dedicated Passenger Railway; (b) multimodal ridership study for Beijing-Shanghai Corridor; (c) modifications to Railway Investment Study computer models; and (d) implementation of increase in freight car axle load. Large benefits were expected in each area from this technical assistance..09/25/2000 03:20:29 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Peru 2. Project Name: Peru Poverty Structural Adjustment Loan 5. Grant Amount: $470,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Analytical work to support the preparation of the Poverty Adjustment Loan 19. Status Overall Social Development Strategy -underway Improvement of Social Programs- Design, Targeting, Evaluation and Monitoring-underway Action Plan for Implementing Changes in the Recipient’s Regulatory Framework and Monitoring/Evaluation System of Food Nutrition Programs-underway Action Plan for Implementing Education Sector Reforms-underway Action Plan for Implementing Health Sector Reforms-underway 20. Impact Improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of social policy.09/26/2000 12:53:46 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: West Bank And Gaza 2. Project Name: Agriculture Sector Rehabilitation Project Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 5. Grant Amount: US$250,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) Identification of areas in which the capabilities of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) of the Palestinian Authority need strengthening (b) Identification of priority research programs and station in need of rehabilitation (c) Recommendations of technical specifications, equipment and structures required for pesticides residue laboratories, veterinary diagnostic laboratories and quarantines (d) Recommendation of policies to be adopted in the area of natural resources management, together with necessary measures to be taken to put them in effect (e) Identification of key public springs and rural roads to be rehabilitated or constructed under the project (f) Preparation of training program for the MOA's staff (g) Preparation of terms of reference for various studies and activities to be carried out under the project (h) Preparation of tender documents for certain components of the project (i) Preparation of an estimate for the Project's investment and recurrent costs and a time table for project implementation 19. Status The present closing date of this PHRD Grant is September 30, 2000. The PHRD Grant was used to prepare the project effectively. Project preparation reports were completed. Base on that, the draft PAD was prepared and appraisal was scheduled for July 15, 2001, but the Bank decided to re-examine the project in view of the ongoing CDF exercise which emphasized the need for integrated rural development approach. Accordingly, the Bank management decided it was recently to drop the project in favor of a new rural development project (Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP)) which would incorporate many of the agricultural components which were prepared under the Grant for the Agriculture Sector Rehabilitation Project. Although the project has been dropped, it is proposed that the remaining balance of the Grant be used to contribute to further work on rural areas and to assist in redefining and prioritizing the agriculture components to make them community based and suited to the new project. I hope that the.Japanese Government would approve such request and extend the closing date by one year. If such a proposal is not approved by the Japanese Government, the remaining Grant funds will be canceled. 20. Impact The PHRD was very useful in preparing the project and helping the Ministry of Agriculture and formation of their sector strategies and policies. It also assisted them in defining and preparing several studies for areas of intervention which were needed to rehabilitate the agriculture sector in the West Bank and Gaza..09/27/2000 02:09:45 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Agricultural Research Project 5. Grant Amount: $442,200 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components -Improvement of research environment of the scientists -Competitive Research Grant -Agricultural Research Commercialization -Training and international exchanges promotion -Help Yangling Agricultural high-tech Development and Demonstration Zone -Institutional strengthening 19. Status Project preparation has been delayed due to MOF's delay in identification of the government implementing agency. It is expected to start in October. 20. Impact The project intends to make China's agricultural research more productive, including finding new sources of research funds while increasing the transfer rate to farmers; achieving better commercialization of research; improving property rights, and enhancing research priorities and efficiency..09/27/2000 11:31:11 AM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Health Nine Project 5. Grant Amount: $104,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) needs assessment and design of a program to improve safe handling of blood and management of blood transfusion system; (b) development of an effective strategy and programs to prevent and control HIV; and (c) needs assessment and design of policies and programs for effective prevention and control of STDs. 19. Status The work funded by the Grant has been completed. 20. Impact The availability of this grant funding has had a major impact on the quality and timeliness of project preparation, with particular benefit from partnership of foreign and national experts on a series of activities in each component..09/27/2000 02:01:23 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Yemen 2. Project Name: Irrigation Improvement Project (Participatory Irrigation Management Project) 5. Grant Amount: US$285,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A. Prefeasibility Studies B. Environmental Assessment C. Participatory Workshops and Social Assessment D. Institutional Needs Assessment E. Preparation of Study on the Establishment of WUAs F. Sample Detailed Design and Bid Documents G. Formation of a Project Preparation Plan 19. Status Project preparation was carried out successfully. Project preparation reports were completed and were used for project appraisal and evaluation. The project was appraised in June 2000 and approved by the Board on September 7, 2000. The Grant closing date is September 30, 2000. 20. Impact The Grant was very useful. It assisted the country in preparing the project in a an efficient way and in a relatively short time. Based on that, the project was processed by the Bank and approved by the Board as indicated above..09/27/2000 05:10:41 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Urban Transport Sector 5. Grant Amount: YEN 137,500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A. Integrated urban transport and development programs including (i) policy formulation; (ii) program development; and (iii) preparation guidelines. B. Preparation of urban transport improvement programs including (i) program development; (ii) scheme preparation; and (iii) preparation of guidelines. 19. Status The major consultant services contact financed by the Grant was completed satisfactorily in June 1999. The Reports have been considered by the Government of Indonesia (GOI) and the Bank. Due to the fall in the value of the Rupiah during the contact period, a small amount of grant money remains uncommitted. GOI have indicated that they wish to use the money to undertake further project preparation, and leave prepared TOR for additional consultant services which have been reviewed by the Bank. 20. Impact It is too early to assess the expected impact of the grant. See below..09/28/2000 01:56:54 PM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Cameroon 2. Project Name: Forestry And Biodiversity Conservation Project 5. Grant Amount: 400,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components None 19. Status Undisbursed 20. Impact None.09/28/2000 07:52:06 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Cote D'ivoire 2. Project Name: Environmental Support Program 5. Grant Amount: 400 k US$ 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Consulting Services 350 K, Workshops 10 K, Equipment 30 K, Incremental Operating Costs 10 K, as per amendment of March 2, 2000 19. Status The PHRD grant was approved during FY 99 and was amended during FY 00 to accomodate expense categories that were not in the original grant and had been requested by the Government of Cote d'Ivoire The Minister of Economy and Finances, in his letter 1692/DPAJ/N/GO/DGM dated July 20, 1999, confirmed that the Bank account has been opened and gave power to designated Government officials to sign the disbursement requests As of now, because of the macro situation (transition government), the Government of Cote d'Ivoire has been very slow in mobilizing the counterpart funds needed to match the PHRD. Counterpart funds have been made available during September 2000 Terms of reference of all the studies to be undertaken under the PHRD grant are ready and have been approved by the Steering Committee of the Programme d'Assistance à la Gestion Nationale de l'Environnement (PAGNE). a Project Concept Document (PCD) for the PAGNE is being prepared and will be reviewed by the Cote d'Ivoire country team during October-November 2000 No audit of the PHRD fund has been performed yet because there was nothing to audit. 20. Impact Too early to know.09/29/2000 05:22:30 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Benin 2. Project Name: Legal And Judicial Reform 5. Grant Amount: $322,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1.1. The purpose of the Grant is to provide technical assistance to help the Recipient in the preparation of the proposed Legal and Judicial Reform Project in the Republic of Benin, which has as main objectives the strengthening and modernizing of Benin's legal and judicial systems. The activities (the Activities) for which the Grant is given are as follows: (a) Judicial/Legal Reform Program. Assistance to the Recipient in: (i) finalizing its Strategic Plan for the development and modernization of its legal and judicial systems, and (ii) preparing a judicial and legal reform program designed to achieve the objectives of said strategic plan. (b) Work Plan. Assistance to the Recipient in preparing plans, timetables, guidelines and other arrangements for the coordination, monitoring and supervision of the preparation and implementation of the proposed legal Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and judicial reform project, including (i) the establishment of procedures and mechanisms to ensure effective coordination of donors support, and (ii) the definition of relationships between the Recipient's institutions, departments, and local government involved in the judicial and legal reform program. 19. Status The implementation of technical assistance activities to be financed under the Grant did not start in FY 00 as initially planned due to delays encountered by the executing agency in the procurement process 20. Impact NA (no activities carried out in FY00).09/29/2000 10:43:21 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Cote D'ivoire 2. Project Name: Bceao Regional Payment Systems Project 5. Grant Amount: $720,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Regional Stock Exchange and Securites Commission; Payments System 19. Status Grant funds have been used to finance a feasibility study for a new regional payments system. The study began in 1999 and was satisfactorally completed in 2000, though not all payments have been made. 20. Impact The study allowed the BCEAO and financial community to conduct a thorough assessment of issues related to improving payments in the UMOA states and design a new modern system which will enhance both the efficiency and safety of payments in the region. This in turn will contribute to financial sector development, and foster trade and regional integration. The resulting project will be presented to the Board of Directors on October 19, 2000..09/29/2000 05:34:54 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Cameroon 2. Project Name: Public/Private Partnership For Growth And Poverty Reduction 5. Grant Amount: US$ 500.000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Component 1: Assessment of private sector development reform program in order to: (a) identify key public enterprises to be privatized, (b) review the regulatory framework for regulatory agencies, (b) identify regulatory and administrative barriers to private sector development and competitiveness. Component 2: review of organization and human resources management in the public sector in order to: (a) appraise current organization and human resources capacity in Government agencies, (b) identify additional requirements for further support to the on-going reform in several ministries, (c) plan necessary training programs, and (d) prepare strategies of sectoral development for key ministries such as education and health 19. Status Component 1: Studies financed so far have helped design a comprehensive strategy aimed at expanding the private sector role in the economy; more specifically, the approach is to expand public/private partnerships whereby the Government would contract out to the private sectors activities and services previously Government executed in various sectors of the economy: (a) telecommunication, (b) energy, (c) transport, (d) delivery of social services (Education and Health)... Component 2: The main output of component 2 has been to strengthen public management through: (a) the development of: (i) new guidelines for budget preparation and of (ii) new software to improve budgetary financial management and, (b) the preparation of spending plans in the social sectors. In addition, through that component, specific support is provided to the Government to develop sectoral strategies in the Health and Education sectors 20. Impact The key development objectives of the Public/Private Partnership For Growth and Poverty Alleviation Project are to: (a) improve business environment and competitiveness through privatization and effective public/private partnerships with the view to increase private investments Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and, (b) strengthen the poverty alleviation focus in GOC's economic management..09/29/2000 02:33:39 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Cameroon 2. Project Name: Petroleum Development And Pipeline Project 5. Grant Amount: JPY 57,100,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Advice to the Recipient on the legal aspects of the construction of a petroleum export pipeline from the south of the Republic of Chad to the Atlantic coast of the Recipient and related marine installations and assistance to the Recipient in the negotiations of the terms of the Project. 2. Advice to the Recipient on the financial aspects of the Project, including (a) analysis of financial alternatives and the impact thereof; (b) funding implications and risk acceptance therefore; and (c) formulation of pipeline tariffs and fees; and support to the Recipient in negotiations of the terms of the Project 3. Assistance to the Recipient in the review of data and analysis of engineering works, their cost estimates and the proposed procurement process at all stages of project implementation. 4. Provision of training to the concerned personnel of the Recipient responsible for Project preparation. 19. Status The grant, which has a closing date of December 31, 2000 has been 78% disbursed. Since the project was negotiated in February 2000, it has therefore fulfilled its objectives, and no more disbursements on this grant are expected. 20. Impact The grant helped finance the preparation of a highly visible project costing US$3.4 billion. The project was approved by our Board on June 6, 2000. If all of the objectives of the project are met, it will have an enormous economic impact on Chad and in the neighboring countries. The grant really helped in this regard..09/30/2000 12:36:35 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Corporate Restructuring And Development Of Smes 5. Grant Amount: $1,697,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (i) strengthening the mechanisms for corporate restructuring, (ii) linkage between banking and corporate restructuring, (iii) improving the regulatory environment for business, (iv) institutional capacity building for the Commercial Court, (v) study on SME financing, (vi) support for SME debt restructuring, and (vii) promoting good corporate governance 19. Status The grant agreement is awaiting internal Bank clearance before we send it to Government for signature 20. Impact NA.09/30/2000 04:40:36 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Basic Education Iv - Strengthenin Local Education Capacity 5. Grant Amount: $860,950 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) provision of advisory services to teams from the Recipient’s Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and regional planning agencies on the preparation of district proposals and provincial implementation plans for participation in the Projects. (b) provision of advisory services and workshops to the Recipient on coordination of the preparation of the Projects, including verification of data, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports preparation of guidelines for the operation of the Projects, and facilitating discussions and reviews on the preparation process of the Projects in the participating districts and provinces. (c) preparation of working papers for new initiatives on budgeting and financing of education, evaluation of teachers and performance incentives, multi-grade education programs, and provision of additional schools and equipment especially in remote areas. 19. Status (a) On-going, satisfactory progress (b) On-going, satisfactory progress (c) On-going, satisfactory progress 20. Impact The project will improve learning in the classroom by (i) improving the efficiency and effectiveness of districts' and schools' management via institutional reform in the education system, (ii) building capacity of school communities to better manage resources to promote teaching and learning, and (iii) supporting improved teaching practices, particularly in the lower grades..09/30/2000 05:45:36 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Romania 2. Project Name: Private Sector Adjustment Loan Ii - Formerly Structural Adjustment Loan Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$ 397,800 -- Current Fiscal Year US$ 295,204.01 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The project is planned to support fundamental policy reforms in the areas of private sector management and budgeting, pension sector reforms, and regional development. The main task for which technical assistance is required is the development of a policy framework for dealing with regional development issues, for which a series of background papers are being prepared that will assist in developing alternative proposals for dealing with restructuring and decentralization. The six components of the project are as follows: Component 1 -- Policy Incidence Analysis, or the analysis of the effect of loss-making state-owned companies closures. Component 2 -- Environmental and Restoration Analysis, has already been conducted under the former SAL II. Component 3 -- Private Sector Development Constraints deals with the analysis of the infrastructure and human capital constraints in order to design the policy measures necessary to reduce the gap between more advanced and disadvantaged regions. Component 4 -- Regional Development Policy focuses on the design of an integrated policy of development exploring agriculture, specialized industrial activities and other. Component 5 -- Social Safety Net Programs deals with the preparation of a package of possible special safety net programs to be introduced in conjunction with the closure of major loss-makers in accordance to the on-going substantial restructuring and liquidation of obsolete enterprises in the state sector. Component 6 -- Public Relations Campaign will inform the affected population and the measures being taken and explain the overall program of restructuring and regional development. 19. Status The original closing date of the grant was scheduled for June, 2000. An extension to the original closing date has been granted until December 31, 2000. Approximately half of the funds available under the grant this fiscal year have been committed or disbursed. Under Chistof Ruehl's management, the grant has supported work on the following components: Component 1 (Policy Incidence Analysis),.Component 3 (Private Sector Development Constraints) and Component 5 (Social Safety Net Programs). Publication of analytical results is in advanced stage of preparation and expected in November. 20. Impact The grant enables the development of a comprehensive policy framework consulting the government in its undertaking of structural policy reforms in Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports the private sector. Publication of results will foster dissemination of economic analysis and policy choices..10/02/2000 10:17:13 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Tonga 2. Project Name: Telecommunications Systems Expansion (Original Name) 5. Grant Amount: US$250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Provide technical assistance to research and address the organizational and financial options available, the steps necessary to proceed in any specified direction, the legislative requirements necessary for corporatization of the present public enterprise entity, the Tonga Telecommunications Commission (TTC), and the creation of an appropriate regulatory entity. The technical assistance was to be carried out in two phases. Phase I involved engaging a consultancy firm to: (a) verify the investment requirements for the medium term for local and international telecommunications development; (b) carry out a survey among telecommunications operating entities and financial institutions presently investing in small and medium sized telecommunications entities, to obtain criteria for investments in and operation of a 15,000 line telecommunications franchise with international long distance right; (c) assess Government revenues from telecommunications, and the financial documents and tariffs of TTC, evaluate options available for generation of revenues and to provide for repayment of investments, and make recommendations on the necessary actions; (d) review the franchise agreement with Cable and Wireless PLC (C&W), and existing legislation relative to the creation of TTC, and recommend financial and legislative actions required to purchase C&W on or before the expiration of its present agreement; (e) identify the legislative requirements for the corporatization of TTC, the creation of an amalgamated corporation of TTC and C&W, and the creation of new entity from the assets and staff of TTC and C&W; (f) identify a framework for regulation in respect to the environment in Tonga, the legislative requirements to create a regulatory entity and the requirements to staff such an entity; (g) prepare a report including findings, recommendations and a plan for implementation. Phase II would engage the consulting firm to assist the Government to: (a) draft legislation as required for the purchase of C&W; (b) incorporation of TTC and creation of an amalgamated new entity; (c) creation of a regulatory entity; (d) sale of minority or majority shares, in one or more tranches, to the private sector..19. Status Cutler & Company of Australia completed both Phase I and Phase II tasks. The Grant closed on June 30, 2000. 20. Impact Phase I and II work has provided the Government with findings and recommendations to make decisions on sector reform..10/02/2000 12:14:32 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Ethiopia 2. Project Name: Privatization Technical Assistance Project 5. Grant Amount: US$700,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of the Grant is to assist in the preparation of the Private Sector Development Project, which has as its main objective assisting the Recipient to increase the role of the private sector in agricultural development and export diversification through institutional development and training to: (i) the Recipient on the design and implementation of policies to strengthen the business environment for the private sector; and (ii) the private sector to upgrade firm-level technical and managerial capabilities. The activities for which the Grant is given are as follows: (a) provision of technical assistance to carry out a review of existing limitations to local and foreign investment and formulate policy reform Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports options in areas including inter alia, investment regulation and licensing, taxation structure, land market institutions and policies, business law and the judiciary, accounting and auditing, which is estimated to cost US$287,000 equivalent; (b) provision of technical assistance for the preparation of an implementation action plan for the Recipient’s state owned enterprise privatization program, and assessment of the viability of private sector participation in the provision of infrastructure services, which is estimated to cost US$187,500 equivalent; and (c) provision of technical assistance and consultative workshops to foster dialogue between the government and the private sector on overcoming constraints to private sector competitiveness, which is estimated to cost US$ 98,000equivalent; and (d) Provision of technical assistance and a workshop to assess alternative ways of providing market based support to strengthen the capacity of local private firms and to promote foreign direct investment, which is estimated to cost US$122,500 equivalent. 19. Status The implementation of the Grant has been delayed due to Ethiopia’s conflict with Eritrea immediately after the Grant was approved late 1998. The study has been resumed recently..The technical evaluation of the first component of the grant (provision of technical assistance to carry out a review of existing limitations to local and foreign investment and formulate policy reform options in areas including inter alia, investment regulation and licensing, taxation structure, land market institutions and policies, business law and the judiciary, accounting and auditing) has been completed. The Bank has issued No-objection letter to opening the financial proposal. 20. Impact The Grant will support preparatory activities (technical assistance, preparation of various project manuals) for the proposed components of the Privatization TA. It will contribute to improving stakeholder awareness of various legal and taxation structure, as well as business environment for the project through information sharing and consultation workshops..10/02/2000 12:26:23 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh, India, Nepal 2. Project Name: South Asia Regional Development Intiative 5. Grant Amount: USD 980,000.00 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components - Preparatory studies for regional strategy - Thematic workshops at regional and national level - Thematics papers and other material for use at the workshops - Capacity building - Preparation of pre-feasibility studies 19. Status The grant was approved on December 23, 1998 to support a regional initiative for examining issues and options related to sub-regional cooperation and development of a region covering Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and eastern and northeastern part of India. The grant was signed in April 1999. Modifications reflect a shift from the originally broader focus on transport infrastructure, energy and water resources to a sharper focus on transport infrastructure services and logistics. To date, the funds have been used to sponsor a regional technical workshop to examine global cases in regional transport and trade facilitation arrangements and to identify key priorities for the South Asia sub-region. Following this, national level workshops were held in the individual countries in July 1999 to discuss priorities in regional transport and trade facilitation from a national perspective. A detailed transport logistics study to examine key bottlenecks in transport and logistics in the sub-region with recommendations for reform has been completed and will be disseminated in the countries. To provide sustained capacity within the sub-region on regional transport , trade facilitation and logistics issues, a user-friendly technical tool (logistics cost model) has been developed in close consultation with stakeholders. 20. Impact The Grant has supported significant capacity building in the private and the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports public sectors of the concerned countries in regional trade facilitation and transportation issues, through interactive analytic and advisory activities (AAA), regional and national technical workshops and consultative meetings, and associated material prepared for the workshops. There have been several recent developments in bilateral and regional transportation among the countries in the sub-region such as improved.integration in the railway systems between India and Bangladesh; regional transport route for Nepalese goods to Bangladesh markets through India; revised inland waterway protocol etc. Also the private sector in the four countries have formed a forum to promote sub-regional development through trade and investment..10/02/2000 04:02:40 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Cote D'ivoire 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: US$ 250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Studies 19. Status The main purpose of the Grant is to finance several diagnostic and fact-finding studies that will provide the technical basis for the preparation of the project. After an initial delay in starting actual execution, Grant implementation was proceeding adequately and as planned. The coup of December 24, 1999, and the subsequent instability in several key Government positions has had a significant detrimental effect on implementation, as the steering committee of the project has not been able to meet to review and approve the consultants' work since the change in Government at the end of 1999. 20. Impact The Grant has had a positive impact in supporting the preparation of the Project, by partially financing the studies that are necessary to the technical preparation..10/03/2000 11:21:19 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia 2. Project Name: Regional Trade Facilitation Project (Formerly Africa Guarantee Facility) 5. Grant Amount: 567,850 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Demand Survey. Consultants would conduct a survey of potential private risk takers in African countries. This would include financial institutions and corporations with direct financial exposure providing goods and services in African countries. The purpose of this survey would be to assess demand for guarantees and the needs of the project's target audience. The output of this work would be a detailed assessment of expected demand for coverage under the project, a report detailing recommendations on risk coverage and implementation arrangements, and a database of prospective clients for the project. 2. Assistance in preparing the charter and by-laws for the guarantee agency. Consultants, under close guidance of the Bank's Legal Department, would provide assistance in the design of the juridical status, method of ownership, organizational structure and delegated authorities of the new guarantee agency. In addition, consultants would assist in the drafting of the guarantee contracts to be issued by the agency. The expected output of this work would be a draft Charter and By-laws for the guarantee agency, and draft Guarantee Contracts for the various types of transactions to be covered by ATI. 7. Preparation of Operations Manual and on-the-job institution building and training: Consultants would provide technical assistance in building the institutional capacity of the agency. The main task would be to prepare an Operations Manual stipulating the detailed underwriting and operating procedures and management information systems and controls. In Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports particular, the consultants would devote considerable attention to the design of automated MIS systems, which would allow for effective management controls, in order to provide the credibility that the project would be operated according to its rules. In addition to the Operations Manual, the output of this project would be a core guarantees unit within the agency which would be capable of implementing the project. The consultants would also produce a brief report with recommendations for further implementation..19. Status 1. Demand survey: Both a local (in participating countries) and international demand survey were conducted and completed. The reports of these surveys have been discussed with the Technical Advisory Group for the project, and the recommendations resulting from the survey have been incorporated in project design work. In addition, based on the encouraging results of the survey, the total credit amount for the project has been increased from $75 million to $105 million. 2. Assistance in preparing the charter and by-laws for the guarantee agency: The charter for the agency, the Agreement Establishing the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI), was prepared and adopted by the Summit of COMESA Heads of State in Mauritius in May 2000. Kenya, Uganda and Burundi have already signed the agreement, with further signatures by four more countries expected by November 2000. The consultant is currently working on the by-laws and other legal documents necessary to operationalize the charter. 3. Preparation of Operations Manual and on-the-job institution building and training: The Operations Manuals for import and export transactions are in close to final stage. Consultants are currently working on the parts of the manual which will deal with financial management and environment. This will be followed by computer systems design work and training from late 2000. Consultants are also working on the design of a risk sharing mechanism with the private sector, leading to the availability of comprehensive export credit insurance offered by ATI. 20. Impact With the creation of a new multilateral agency as a direct result of the work supported by the grant, this grant is already showing signs of very significant impact. The demand survey strongly corroborates the notion that the African Trade Insurance Agency will have a major development impact..10/04/2000 11:15:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Madagascar 2. Project Name: Financial Modernization 5. Grant Amount: US$530,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) an assessment of key social, legal, regulatory and institutional constraints to the extension of financial services to small enterprises and clients; (b) an assessment of possibilities for the development of regional investment corporations; (c) an assessment of non-bank financial institutions and their impact in supporting the private sector; (d) an analysis of the provision of insurance services; (e) an assessment of the banking sector following the privatization of state banks; (f) an assessment of the prospects for introducing new financial instruments including leasing; and (g) organization of seminars. 19. Status Implementation will start in FY2001 20. Impact N/A.10/04/2000 10:44:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Tanzania 2. Project Name: Gender And Capacity Building Program 5. Grant Amount: $305,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant will be used : 1) Preparation of a National Strategy for Development Assistance for Gender (2) Enhanced Implementation of Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Gender Sensitive Laws (3) Monitoring and Evaluation 19. Status The Government is in preparatory stage towards implementing the intended activities 20. Impact Activities not yet implemented.10/04/2000 11:55:48 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zambia 2. Project Name: Agricultural Sector Investment Program Ii 5. Grant Amount: $400,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Institutional Reform Agr. Extension and Research Natural Resources Management Rural Finance Private Sector Development 19. Status Project preparation was delayed by more than two years and as a result utilization of the grant was very limited. Now the preparation will go full speed and disbursement of grant funding will show marked improvement 20. Impact Most of the background studies necessary for the preparation of the program are completed using the grant fund. The few remaining studies will be completed and the preparation of the appraisal document will continue..10/04/2000 01:15:55 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Niger 2. Project Name: Community Action Program (Originally Called Community-Based Rural Development) 5. Grant Amount: 360,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components ... 19. Status funds to be transferred to Niger this month 20. Impact none yet.10/04/2000 01:50:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: South Africa 2. Project Name: Municipal Sector Support 5. Grant Amount: US$396,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components na 19. Status na 20. Impact na.10/04/2000 03:28:38 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Gambia 2. Project Name: Capacity Building For Economic Management 5. Grant Amount: US$300,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Development of a strategy for public resource management; Review of implementation capacity; Action plan for procurement reform. 19. Status The Government has done the ground work necessary for the development of a strategy for public resource management and has prepared an interim procurement code. On the former, diagnostic studies on a medium term expenditure framework, financial management, information system and revenue administration reform have been completed. On the latter, it has prepared and discussed the terms of reference for the development of an action plan for implementation of procurement reform. Consultants have Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports been identified and contract negotiations are expected to be completed shortly. The first phase of the reform is expected to be completed by March 2001. The Government is also initiating a review of the implementation capacity of the Department of State for Finance and Economic Affairs. 20. Impact The diagnostic studies have identified the key areas to be reformed, and government has taken steps to discuss the reports and focus on ways to improve resource management..10/06/2000 01:47:20 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Malawi 2. Project Name: Health And Nutrition 5. Grant Amount: US$600,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components WID evaluation, cost sharing evaluation, essential health package study 19. Status a. Evaluation of Women in Development (WID) - The consulting firm (Wadonda Consulting) has completed all data collection and has submitted the draft report to the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) for comments. b. Essential Health Package Study - MOHP originally planned this activity to be done by a local consulting firm on a competitive basis. It went ahead with the process for procurement of the services of a local consulting firm. However, during the bid evaluation, the MOHP realized that none of the local consulting firms showed adequate capability in undertaking the job. It requested IDA to pursue international competitive procurement for an individual consultants. In IDA's last letter to the government (July 14, 2000), we requested MOHP (1) to amend the scope of work to reflect MOHP's preference for individual (rather than corporate), and international (rather than local) experts; and (2) to prepare a short-list of international consultants - and to submit these two requests to IDA for approval. c. Evaluation of Cost Sharing in Hospitals - The selection committee has short-listed six firms for this study. d. External evaluation of the PHN Project - IDA has approved the scope of work and short-list of consultants. e. Technical assistance to formulate a project concept document for a new Malawi health project - Two contracts have been awarded (Ziken International and M.V. Mbuvundula). They have commenced work in organizing the key stakeholders for the design of a new PHN project focusing on child survival and adolescent health. The report is expected to be completed in November 2000, after a stakeholder workshop is held. 20. Impact Assessing the impact of these studies and consultancies is premature since many of them have not been completed. However, in the process of undertaking them, it is evident that the analytical activities are assisting the.government in thinking through critical areas in the health sector, and what they need to request in a new health project..10/10/2000 01:27:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Cavite And Laguna Urban Development And Environment Project 5. Grant Amount: $250,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objective of the Grant is to prepare an Urban Development and Environment Management Project for two fast urbanizing provinces south of Manila: Cavite and Laguna. The Phase I output included a baseline report (development framework plan) and initiated a participative framework for LGUs. The objectives of the Phase II are to: (i) strengthen inter-LGU coordination; (ii) promote urban development management and planning; and (iii) identify interim transport needs within a regional development framework. 19. Status Under the recipient-executed portion, the remaining resources was Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports allocated for Phase II to prepare the comprehensive land development plan for pilot LGUs and to support LGU participation. Final output was delivered in November 1999 as scheduled. 20. Impact The Phase II involve several pilot LGUs for the first time to draft comprehensive land use plan that will allow the LGUs to make long-term rational strategic plan. Linkage with transport sector investment is enhanced under this grant. The Bank and GOP decided not to pursue this project under the Bank funding, GOP is discussing the possible funding for the identified investment components by JBIC..10/10/2000 01:35:57 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Cavite And Laguna Urban Development And Environment Project 5. Grant Amount: $750,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The objective of the Grant is to prepare an Urban Development and Environment Management Project for two fast urbanizing provinces south of Manila: Cavite and Laguna. The Phase I output included a baseline report (developmental framework plan) and initiated a participative framework for LGUs. The objectives of the Phase II are to: (i) strengthen inter-LGU coordination; (ii) promote urban development management and planning; and (iii) identify interim transport needs within a regional development framework. 19. Status The remaining resources was allocated for Phase II to prepare the comprehensive land development plan for pilot LGUs and to support LGU participation. Final output was delivered during November 1999. For the transport component, additional resources have been mobilized under a separate trust fund. The final output for that component was also delivered during November 1999. 20. Impact The Phase II involve several pilot LGUs for the first time to draft comprehensive land use plan that will allow the LGUs to make long-term rational strategic plan. Linkage with transport sector investment is enhanced under this grant. The Bank and GOP decided not to pursue this project under the Bank funding, GOP is discussing the possible funding for the identified investment components by JBIC..10/10/2000 01:41:42 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Lgu Finance And Development 5. Grant Amount: $947,100 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant is financing four areas of technical assistance: (i) identification and initial evaluation of a pipeline of subprojects for the rehabilitation, improvement or expansion of urban infrastructure and social and environmental services under the responsibility of local governments; (ii) design of a technical assistance (TA) program to strengthen policies, operating procedures, and administrative capacity of the Municipal Development Fund (MDF); (iii) facilitation of workshops and development of training module and materials; and (iv) design of technical advisory services for LGUs. This TA would result in studies and implementation plans fully prepared by the Government. 19. Status All the activities according to the action plan has been completed. 20. Impact The grant funds had substantive impact to prepare the World Bank loan, especially sub-project formulation, developing an active program to reorganize and strengthen the MDF, and clarifying the key role of Department of Finance for credit financing policy to LGUs..10/10/2000 01:47:42 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Solid Waste Ecological Enhancement Project 5. Grant Amount: $200,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The objective of the grant is to prepare the above project which aims at improving the operations of the solid waste management in the Philippines. The grant is to be utilized for the following components: (a) formulation of solid waste management sub-projects and organizing roving local workshops; (b) formulation of city-specific promotional activities for recycling to mitigate social impact on scavengers; (c) facilitation of participatory workshops and related activities with donors and local stakeholders for national policy reform and project preparation; (d) development of national policy statement, technical standards, training curricula, public awareness campaign measures, and risk templates for private sector participation to enhance institutional capacities at the national and local levels; (e) formulation of organizational proposals for Project Management Office (PMO) at the national and local levels and concept alternatives for various solid waste management technologies and sub-projects; and (f) formulation of training curricula for recycling to mitigate social impacts on scavengers. 19. Status (a) feasibility studies, EIA reports were produced for two sub-project areas and delivered December 1999; (b) the final report has been submitted and finalized; (c) the national sector assessment report has been finalized and relevant administrative orders were issued for LGUs to upgrade waste disposal facilities which led to national legislation on Solid Waste Management; (d) all the consultants' works have been finalized; and (e) the work has been completed. 20. Impact The expert advice provided under the grant has been timely and relevant and has substantially enhanced the Government's capability to prepare the proposed project in consultation with relevant stakeholders. As a part of the project preparation, the national sector strategy has been adopted by the government and several administrative orders have been issued. These actions are leading to adaptation of national legislation on SWM. The orders are principle guideline documents for LGUs to update waste disposal facilities were also prepared and disseminated to LGUs. GOP and the Bank decided not to create the dedicated financing mechanisms for the.solid waste management, but the prepared project will be financed under the Local Government Finance and Development Project of the Bank..10/10/2000 01:51:44 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Solid Waste Ecological Enhancement Project 5. Grant Amount: $800,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The objective of the grant is to prepare the above project which aims at improving the operations of the solid waste management in the Philippines. The grant is to be utilized for the following components: (a) formulation of solid waste management sub-projects and organizing roving local workshops; (b) formulation of city-specific promotional activities for recycling to mitigate social impact on scavengers; (c) facilitation of participatory workshops and related activities with donors and local stakeholders for national policy reform and project preparation; (d) development of national policy statement, technical standards, training curricula, public awareness campaign measures, and risk templates for private sector participation to enhance institutional capacities at the national and local levels; (e) formulation of organizational proposals for Project Management Office (PMO) at the national and local levels and concept alternatives for various solid waste management technologies and sub-projects; and (f) formulation of training curricula for recycling to mitigate social impacts on scavengers. 19. Status (a) feasibility studies, EIA reports were produced for two sub-project areas Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports and delivered December 1999; (b) the final report has been submitted and finalized; (c) the national sector assessment report has been finalized and relevant administrative orders were issued for LGUs to upgrade waste disposal facilities which led to national legislation on Solid Waste Management; (d) all the consultants' works have been finalized; and (e) the work has been completed. 20. Impact The expert advice provided under the grant has been timely and relevant and has substantially enhanced the Government's capability to prepare the proposed project in consultation with relevant stakeholders. As a part of the project preparation, the national sector strategy has been adopted by the government and several administrative orders have been issued. These actions are leading to adaptation of national legislation on SWM. The orders are principle guideline documents for LGUs to update waste disposal facilities were also prepared and disseminated to LGUs. GOP and the Bank decided not to create the dedicated financing mechanisms for the.solid waste management, but the prepared project will be financed under the Local Government Finance and Development Project of the Bank..10/10/2000 12:24:53 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Tanzania 2. Project Name: Gender And Capacity Building Program 5. Grant Amount: $305,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant will be used for (1) Preparation of a National Strategy for Development Assistance for Gender (2) Enhance implementation of Gender Sensitive Laws (3) Monitoring and evaluation 19. Status The Government is in final preparatory stage towards implementing the intended activities. A coordinator of the agreed activities has been identified within the Ministry of Community Development Women Affairs and Children (MCDWAC) to follow-up day today activities. A meeting was held recently between the Bank staff and the coordinator to discuss procurement, and disbursement procedures as well as the action plan. MCDWAC in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance will establish a special account for disbursement by October 18. Preparation of Terms of Reference and other procedures are in progress for the next steps. 20. Impact Activities will soon start to be implemented.10/10/2000 02:29:49 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Zimbabwe 2. Project Name: Southern African Power Pool 5. Grant Amount: US $ 617, 732. 00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Feasibility Study of the Coordination Center including (i) definition of the operating rules of the Coordination Center (CC); (ii) design of guidelines for the interface between the CC and member utilities; (iii) identification of equipment needs, especially communication hardware and software; (iv) design of a training program for operators; and (v) arrange for a twining between SAPP and a mature power pool; (b) Study of Dispute Resolution Rules; (c) Techno-Economic Study of Transmission Pricing; (d) Diagnostic Study of Compatibility of National Regulations and SAPP Rules; (e) Workshops. 19. Status The Southern African Power Pool is in preparatory stage towards implementing the intended activities. The winner for the implementation of the telecommunication study as a part of Feasibility Study Component has been selected on September 21, 2000 and the contract is being awarded. 20. Impact Activities not yet implemented in Fiscal Year 2000. Significant impact expected with regard to the increase of international power trade among SADC countries..10/12/2000 04:35:34 AM Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Bangladesh 2. Project Name: Central Bank Ta 5. Grant Amount: US$705,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Computerization Study for the automation of BB. 2. Review of the functional structure and legal framework of BB. 3. Review of Human Resource Development Policies of BB. 4. Review of Prudential Regulations and supervision capabilities of BB. 5. Review of BB's ability to deal with a banking crisis. 6. Review of the accounting and auditing standards in the financial sector. 7. Study Tours. 19. Status This Grant has recently been approved by Japan and the Grant Agreement is pending with the Government for their signature. It is expected that the Grant will become effective by November 1, 2000. 20. Impact Not applicable..10/13/2000 01:40:14 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Tanzania 2. Project Name: Second Human Resource Development Project 5. Grant Amount: Y86,300,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components This is a grant to support the Government in its preparations towards reforming Tertiary, Technical and Higher Education institutions within the broader context of Education Sector Reform Program currently in preparation. The components to be supported by the grant include (1) Survey of the institutions focusing on utilization and returns to education and training (2) comprehensive cost studies to cover different levels, ownership, and types of schools/institutions (c study of private sector investment in higher education (d) orientation of policy makers through observation and case studies of education reform (e) Institutional analysis of the education sector and (f) financial systems development 19. Status The closing date was extended from December 31, 1999 to December 31 2000 with the objective of enabling the Government to carry out surveys of the various education and training institutions in 2000 towards their rationalization. Preparations and implementation of the survey exercise is part of the ongoing process of the Education Sector Program by the Government. However, preparations of the sector work has been going on very slowly. This slow process has as a result, delayed preparations and implementation of the surveys as previously scheduled. Nevertheless, the Government is currently keen to move ahead with implementation of the survey. On October 5, 2000, MSTHE submitted a Reviewed Plan of Action and TOR for the Surveys an indication that the Government is now ready to go ahead with the exercise. Given the slow pace in which the Government has been moving with the sector development process, it will be necessary that consideration be given to extend the closing date of the grant from December 31, 2000 to July 31, 2001. 20. Impact Limited because preparation is in the initial stages because of delays described above...10/13/2000 09:35:51 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Rwanda 2. Project Name: Agriculture Sector Support 5. Grant Amount: $303,429 13. Executed by: World Bank Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 16. Grant Components The above PHRD grant resources are being used for the preparation of Rwanda's Rural Sector Support Program in two parts (ARMDP and RSSP) in support of the same objectives that were originally indicated for the Agricultural Sector Support Credit (ASSP) that this grant was originally approved for. Given the situation that was prevailing in Rwanda a few years ago, it was decided to prepare the ASSP in two steps: a pilote project (ARMD) to be followed by a full operation, the Rural Sector Support Project (RSP). The two are described below: (1) ARMDP: Part 1 of the program is the pilot Agriculture and Rural Market Development Project, which became effective in December 1999. The project’s main objective is to contribute to the revitalization of Rwanda’s agricultural and rural economy by successfully identifying policies and institutional mechanisms: (a) to promote efficient, private-sector based, local agricultural input distribution and output marketing systems in order to (b) raise modern farm input use among farmers and thereby the productivity of labor and hence the level of incomes in the rural sector. The learning and innovation expectations by the end of the pilot would be the identification of the most effective strategies to: (a) sustainably improve the supply of and access to modern farm inputs in the context of liberalized market; (b) accelerate the transition towards greater market-orientation among the farmers; and (c) foster the emergence of markets for technical and institutional advisory services in rural areas. (2) RSP: Part 2 will be a 13-year Rural Sector Support Program (APL) stretched over 3 phases. The project identification mission took place in February 2000 to discuss the preparation of the program. The PAD Review Meeting for this operation is scheduled for October 18, 2000. The development objective of RSP's Phase I is to equip farmers, other target private sector operator groups, and the relevant government institutions with the basic institutional and technical capacities that should lay the groundwork for productivity-raising interventions in the areas of: (a) agricultural services delivery systems; (b) small-scale rural infrastructure development and maintenance; (c) rehabilitation of marshland and hill-side farming; (d) promotion of traditional and alternative export agriculture; and (e) diversification of economic activities in the off-farm sector of the rural.areas. Although capacity-strengthening will be the focus of the first phase, activities will be initiated in each of the above five areas in order to test strategies and provide the opportunity for hands-on learning. We will need to recruit several consultants to conduct a series of assessments to be carried out between October 2000 and June 2001. These include: (a) Study on Off-farm productive Activities (b) Evaluation of capacities in the agr. services sector (c) Assessment of natural resources management capacities. 19. Status The PHRD resources have been used to prepare the first part 1 of the program, that is the pilot Agriculture and Rural Market Development Project described above. The latter has become effective in December 1999. The full operation is till under preparation, with a PAD Review Meeting scheduled for October 18, 2000. The appraisal mission is planned from late October to late November, with negotiations in December/January. The scheduled board date is March 29, 2001. 20. Impact The grant resources have allowed for a high level of participation by Rwandese government officials, experts, and local communities in the design of both the pilot project and RSP operation. The pilot project team has in fact received an award from the Africa Region for its highly innovative and particpative design. The series of studies that have been carried out have all been led by or included national experts. These studies were not just technical, but have also included structured surveys of beneficiary groups to capture their interests, concerns, and point of views and input those into the design of the project..10/17/2000 11:12:20 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Country: Nigeria 2. Project Name: Economic Management Capacity Building Project 5. Grant Amount: 400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The design of an integrated financial and economic management information system. 19. Status After initial delays on the Government's side, the announcement for the hiring of consultants is to come out. The terms of reference are being coordinated with the IMF to ensure that they incorporate the needed elements to support the IMF Precautionary Standby Program. 20. Impact Too early to determine..10/19/2000 10:57:55 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Armenia 2. Project Name: Transport Project 5. Grant Amount: US$395,300 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Railway; review of procurement plans for locomotive and track materials; assistance with fiber optic cable installation; study of internal profit centers and management information system development for Armenian Railways. 19. Status Most components have or will be carried out on schedule. However, one component has not been implemented as scheduled and will require another month. 20. Impact Crucial for preparation of outlining the Management Information Systems as required for successful implementation of the project..10/31/2000 03:42:51 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Guinea 2. Project Name: Micro Finance And Small Enterprise Development Project 5. Grant Amount: 350,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. 1. Enterprise Identification and Constraint Analysis 19. Status closed 20. Impact PHRD grant components led to the development of the Guinea Microfinance Capacity Building Project.11/06/2000 12:15:13 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Sustainable Groundwater Use 5. Grant Amount: 581,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Study, 2. Project Preparation 19. Status Component a): The proceeds of the TF were used to fund the study "Mexico - Policy Options for Aquifer Stabilization". The study was concluded successfully. Component b): The preparation of a groundwater management project was initiated as a follow-up to the finalization of Component a), as envisaged in the PHRD Agreement. Preparation is on-going. See paragraph 21. 20. Impact Component a): The study was discussed in Mexico with all stakeholders and its results and conclusions were also included in the Mexico Policy Notes - Water Paper. This has led to discussions about groundwater in Mexico, not only with the current but also the incoming Administration. The impact has been very satisfactory because the study provides a substantial basis to discuss the status, diagnosis, problems and potential solutions for Mexico's groundwaters. Component b): The project is still under preparation and therefore it is difficult to measure an impact. However, the preparation process to date has been highly satifactory in that the various participants have begun to Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports focus on practical measures to address groundwater problems in several seriously overexploited aquifers..11/06/2000 03:35:19 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Malawi 2. Project Name: Private Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: 500,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Participatory Sub-sector Competitiveness Surveys 2. Baseline Monitoring and Evaluation Program 3. Review of Institutional Structure for PSD 4. Project Implementation Plan 19. Status Ongoing 20. Impact The activities financed by the grant resources contribute towards the design and implementation of a Private Sector Development project. Studies and analysis to be undertaken are to fill the information gaps about the private sector in Malawi that are crucial in formulating a longer-term PSD strategy..11/06/2000 04:04:19 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Peru 2. Project Name: Agricultural Research And Extension 5. Grant Amount: US$791,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) Consultant Services (b) Goods (c) Administrative Support Services 19. Status All components have been completed and project preparation has been finalized. The work completed was adequate for the presentation of the Project to the Bank for approval. 20. Impact The Trust Fund has resulted in the preparation of the first three year phase of a twelve year APL for an Agricultural Research and Extension Project. The objective of the project is to establish a private sector-led and decentralized agricultural technology innovation system. The system will permit farmers and farmer organizations to collaborate with research institutions in carrying out adaptive research work and to access technical advisory services for a range of needs from production to management and marketing..11/08/2000 05:25:17 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Japan 2. Project Name: Phrd2-Miga Japan Enh 5. Grant Amount: 850,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components N/A 19. Status The current program was to end December 2000, however an extension has been granted until September 2001. 20. Impact FDI has become a key source of capital, technology and market access. In FY 00, over 75 professional staff of investment promotion agencies have benefited from capacity building / training on investor targeting, investor aftercare, and strategies for attracting FDI..11/09/2000 04:56:11 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Middle East and North Africa 3. Country: Jordan 2. Project Name: Public Sector Reform Loan 5. Grant Amount: US$483,880 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Review and Analysis of existing regulatory and institutional framework of existing legislation that may hinder reform and develop required Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports amendments or texts in accordance with the reform Draft a Public Service Reform Policy Paper Design and prepare a communication strategy in order to gain wide understanding and acceptance of the reform program within the Cabinet, the Parliament, the Government at large, the press and civil society Prepare local decision makers and champions for discussing and leading the legal reforms and possibly the reform law itself through the review and acceptance process. 19. Status No disbursements 20. Impact N/A.11/25/2000 11:20:15 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Technical Assistance For Corporate Debt And Firm Restructuring 5. Grant Amount: $1,096,400 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The Grant is intended to finance (i ) Training and advice to staff of Jakarta Initiative Task Force (JITF), (ii) help to JITF in corporate debt negotiations, (iii) help to JITF in SME restructuring, (iv) advice to Government on competition policy, (v) identification of obstacles to corporate restructuring 19. Status During the period from January 1- June 30 2,000 the grant continued the steady momentum developed during the previous year despite the uncertain policy and political environment. It took the new Government several months to begin formulating its enhanced corporate restructuring strategy but the strategy was adopted in early 2000 and activities financed by the Grant played a key role in its formulation and implementation. The grant financed advice to JITF on corporate and SME restructuring, workshops and advice to Government on competition policy and corporate governance. 20. Impact Activities financed by this grant have had an important and direct impact on the formulation and implementation of Government's crisis response policy for corporate restructuring..11/27/2000 01:27:32 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Senegal 2. Project Name: Social Development Fund Project 5. Grant Amount: US$ 600,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Preparatory stakeholders activities 2. Social and poverty assessment 3. Beneficiary assessment and poverty targeting 4. Capacities of grassroots organizations 5. Design of an institutional mechanism for the project management 6. Financial management and procedural manual 19. Status The four study tours have been done by the project preparation team. All planned studies are carried out and the results used as inputs for the project preparation; but the development of the Manual of Procedures is still underway and will required stakeholders consultations by organizing workshops. 20. Impact The activities funded under the PHRD Grand have allowed to speed the project preparation as well as rendering the process very participatory. More specifically this activities have helped on the following points: (i) the preparation phase has benefited from a good targeting of project beneficiaries; (ii) the project scope is well defined and (iii) the project includes environment assessment, social assessment and gender analysis which enrich the overall strategy defined for the project..12/01/2000 04:53:04 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Country: Zimbabwe 2. Project Name: Zimbabwe Railways Restructuring Project 5. Grant Amount: US$400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) provision of advisory services throughout the concessioning process including development of financial models, assessment of the value of concessions, formulation of the negotiating strategy; and drafting of the concession agreements (b) economic and financial assessment of the restructuring/privatization program; (c) social impact assessment of early retirement and retrenchment of staff; (d) environmental audit of the railways system and preparation of an environment management plan to be implemented by NRZ and the concessionaires as applicable; and (e) provision of advice and technical support for the development of an appropriate regulatory framework. 19. Status So far no activities could be undertaken under the Grant for three reasons: (a) the political climate in Zimbabwe deteriorated quite sharply and rapidly and the Ministries and departments within the country were unable to function properly and take critical decisions pertaining to the privatization of the railways; (b) the Government of Zimbabwe also failed to meet its payment obligations and all disbursements were suspended and the budgetary allocations for the bank staff to function in Zimbabwe were put on hold; and (c) the Ministry of Transport signed some concession agreements in contravention to the agreements and understandings with the bank during the preparatory process However, now the Zimbabwe Privatization Agency appears to have been given the mandate to privatize the railways and they are keen to commence the process all over again with the understanding that the Government would review/cancel the agreements already signed. There are also indications that the Government is making efforts to liquidate the arrears and, once that is done, the disbursements and the lending program for Zimbabwe is likely to be resumed. There is, therefore, a reasonable probability that the Grant will be actively implemented in the near future. A separate request would be made for extending the closing date of the.Grant by one year, i.e., upto December 31, 2001. 20. Impact Due to delayed commencement of implementation, there has been no impact of the Grant so far. However, once the implementation begins, the Grant would prove instrumental in getting the railways privatized. Privatization of the railways in Zimbabwe will have a significant impact in making the national and regional railway networks more efficient..12/07/2000 03:07:53 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam 2. Project Name: World Bank-Keidanren Partnership In Private Hydro Power In Vietnam 5. Grant Amount: $650,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components To carry out its objectives, the Initiative planned a series of R&D and knowledge building activities over the course of the project schedule. The foundation for these activities was a consulting study to: (i) review the legal and regulatory framework for hydropower BOT projects, (ii) develop a model case study for implementation, and (iii) provide policy recommendations for enhancing the overall hydropower PPI environment in the country. In addition, the initiative also aimed at transferring know-how on PPI and specifically, concerning hydro power projects to Vietnamese government officials through two workshops in Hanoi and a study tour to the Philippines. These more formal knowledge sharing initiatives would complement regular technical discussions of the Keidanren-Bank project team being held during the course of the project. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Given the pilot nature of this work, it was also felt that this joint publication would be produced by the project team to evaluate the program, identify achievements, benefits and constraints on the partnership, draw lessons and make recommendations. 19. Status All components were successfully executed, but with a delay both at the start of the project and during its progress. The final report on the joint partnership will be completed in the 1st quarter of 2001. 20. Impact The partnership initiative produced a number of important benefits which ultimately may prove critical for improving the chances for a successful private hydro power project being implemented in the country. The Government of Vietnam concurs with this assessment. Equally, from their own perspectives, both Keidanren and the Bank believe that there are numerous benefits of this arrangement and that particularly, the relationship overall between the two has been strengthened significantly. Some of the other benefits identified through joint discussions are listed below:.For the Government and the Bank, Keidanren’s involvement in the technical discussions did add value to the process insofar as: (i) the overall the quality of output and recommendations; (ii) Government’s understanding of private sector viewpoints concerning the risks that sponsors and financiers risks would have to assume in such an endeavor. Particularly, Keidanren members provided insights as to when risks may prohibitively high, pointing to deficiencies in the regulatory and policy frameworks for such projects. Keidanren offered insights to the Bank and Government on the following technical issues: - Identification and the equitable sharing of risks, - The commitments needed from the Government regarding the commercial and financial issues such as capacity payment, currency convertibility & availability, guarantee of tariff payment, and incentives of taxation, and - Public-private joint venture options for large multi-purpose projects..12/11/2000 02:26:13 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Peru 2. Project Name: Lima Urban Transport Project 5. Grant Amount: $1,325,000.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Strengthening project coordination unit within the Ministry of Transport and provision of TA and training; carrying out of feasibility studies for Northern bypass road in Lima; TA for community participation; TA for concessioning of transport facilities; final designs for civil works in the first year of the project; completion of medium term urban transport strategy study; TA to strengthen financial management of PIU, including audit arrangements 19. Status Because of the very difficult political and economic situation in Peru, the preparation of the project has been delayed and the Board date for the project was postponed to FY03. Of the total grant, an amount of US$1,211,299.19 has been disbursed, representing 91.41% of the total amount. This amount includes US$224,838.19 retained in the Banco Republica in liquidation. By Office memo dated November 22, 2000, MEF's Director of Investments has requested his Vice Minister to intervene, so these funds would become available to further strengthen the project implementation unit and the carrying out of the final designs and specifications of the civil works to be implemented during the first year of the project. As per November 27, 2000, the Bank received a Government request to extend the Grant for 12 months to allow completion of preparation of a Lima Urban Transport project. 20. Impact The grant facilitated the creation of the Transport Council for Lima and Callao, which survived the recent political tensions between the Central and Local Governments and continued preparation of a Lima Urban Transport plan. The project is likely to contribute to improve transport conditions by improving public transport services and reducing congestion and vehicular environmental pollution. The recent political developments are expected to contribute significantly to improve cooperation between different Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports government levels and speed up remaining project preparation..12/15/2000 11:56:44 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2. Project Name: (Old) Enterprise And Bank Privatization Structural Adjustment Credit (Ii) (New) Privatization Technical Assistance Credit 5. Grant Amount: US$ 592,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Initially the PHRD Grant was approved for the preparation of the "Enterprise and Bank Privatization Structural Adjustment Credit II", and was supposed to finance the preparation of two components: (1) Privatization of the Payment System and (2) Privatizing the strategic sector/utilities. The first component "Privatization of the Payment System" was dropped. The "Privatizing the strategic sector/utilities" component of the "Enterprise and Bank Privatization Structural Adjustment Credit II" has become a new project - "Privatization Technical Assistance Credit". The components of the new project are: (1) Privatization of Strategic Enterprises including Utilities; (2) Preparation of Enterprise Privatization; (3) Project Management and Grant Audit. 19. Status Activities at cost of US$ 50,000 were performed under the first component "Privatization of the Payment System" of the old project "Enterprise and Bank Privatization Structural Adjustment Credit II". Subsequently this component was dropped and the second project component ("Enterprise and Utility Privatization, including utility companies) has expanded and became a new project. A reallocation of the remaining funds of US$ 542,000 has been requested to support preparation of the proposed Privatization T.A. Credit. The activities under the proposed new project components are expected to commence in early January, 2001, if the reallocation is granted. 20. Impact As the project scope has changed, the second project component (enterprise and utility privatization, including utility companies) has expanded and gained further importance and urgency since the preparation of the original grant proposal. If the reallocation is granted, the Grant will support preparation of the proposed Privatization T.A. Credit - an absolutely essential precondition for BiH's successful transformation to a market economy, as well as for continued support to the country's reform program.by the international community..12/18/2000 03:49:55 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Advisory Services 5. Grant Amount: $847,920 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Strategic advisory services: $304,360 Beneficiaries: the Financial Sector Advisory Committee (now Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC)), the Ministry of Finance, the Indonesian Banking Restructuring Agency (IBRA) including its Independent Review Committee, the Asset Management Unit (AMU) or other entities assuming similar functions, and Bank Indonesia. Goal: provide high level assistance to help the Indonesian Government address the financial crisis in the most timely, efficient and cost effective fashion. Under the strategic advisory services component, assistance is expected to be provided in the following areas: · integrated financial sector strategy · advice and assistance in the overall bank restructuring process, · planning and management of the most suitable resolution strategy for problem banks, · funding of the Independent Review Committee operational cost, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports such as administrative expenses and auditors fees. 2. Bank evaluation and restructuring and asset disposition: $ 543,560 Beneficiaries: the Financial Sector Advisory Committee (now FSPC), the Ministry of Finance, the Indonesian Banking Restructuring Agency (IBRA) including its Independent Review Committee, the Asset Management Unit (AMU) or other entities assuming similar functions, and Bank Indonesia. Goal: provide technical assistance to help the Indonesian Government institutions created to address the crisis access best international practices to (i) diagnose banks’ conditions, (ii) restructure the banking sector, (iii) address various financial crisis issues and (iv) build capacity in financial-related sectors. Under this component, assistance is expected to be provided in the following areas: · strategy for the entire financial sector, including both the state.owned and private banking sector, · institution and capacity building for IBRA and AMU and strategic advice and assistance to these institutions, · portfolio, financial, diagnostic or system reviews and coordination of such activities to evaluate banks’ financial position, · management of weak banks through ad-hoc management contracts or twinning agreements during the restructuring process, · restructuring state owned banks sale of assets or branches, downsizing, mergers, segregation of good and bad assets, strategic partnerships, twinning agreements, privatization plan, etc. · provide IBRA/AMU assistance in evaluating debt restructurings, · asset management and disposition through an Asset Management Unit (AMU) or other vehicles for this purpose, · legal and regulatory advice and assistance to support the banking restructuring effort and the reform of the legal system concerning financial related activities. 19. Status Further to a request for reallocation of funds accepted by the Japanese authorities in November 1998, an amendment to the grant agreement was signed by the Ministry of Finance on February 8, 1999. In June 1999, the fund's maturity date was extended to December 2000. As of June 30, 2000 $577,504 or 68% of the grant has been committed and $313,418 or 37% of the grant has been disbursed. A detailed status of the activity of the fund is provided below, with amounts expressed as a percentage of the grant total. Use of Funds between July 1999 and June 2000 The primary use of grant funds between July 1999 and June 2000 has been: 1) support for the secretariat of the Indonesian Banking Restructuring Agency's Independent Review committee (IRC). The IRC, composed of eminent international and Indonesian members who meet quarterly, provides experienced oversight and promotes transparency in IBRA’s internal decision making processes and procedures. It is supported by a full time secretariat composed of a senior banker, a senior auditor and an analyst, whose main tasks are to perform diagnostic reviews of IBRA's activities and procedures and to produce regular reports and analysis to the IRC. 2) funding for a housing and housing finance sector strategy for the newly created Housing and Regional development Ministry, which also includes a strategy for the restructuring of the housing state bank BTN and a review of the Government subsidized mortgage scheme. 20. Impact The grant has been extremely useful because of its flexibility (after reallocation) and broad scope of overview covered, as it can easily be used in crisis situations to address urgent needs of the Government. The grant has mainly been used for policy advice and strategy definition and its visibility has been quite high as we have been able to respond quickly and efficiently to requests for ad-hoc information or assistance from the President, the Minister of Finance, IBRA or the Minister of Housing..In two instances PHRD grant funds were used to fund projects together with an ASEM grant, which leveraged the PHRD funds to accomplish more..12/18/2000 04:28:58 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Korea - Republic Of 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Advisory Services 5. Grant Amount: $1,250,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components · assisting in the development of a comprehensive strategy and operational capacity; · resolution of distressed banks, asset management and disposition; · bank privatization; · strengthening supervision; · analysis of non-bank financial institutions; and · capital market development. 19. Status (a) Study of Collective Investment Vehicles A Korean expert on finance was hired to review the collective investment vehicles and related industries in Korea, assess the regulatory and legal framework, and formulate strategies to the Korean government to restructure the investment trust industry. (b) Enhancing the role of the Actuarial Profession in Korea This assistance was focused to identify and recommend initiatives that should be promoted to strengthen the actuarial profession in Korea and upgrade the training, education and qualifications of the actuaries to meet international standards. This was a joint program with ADB. (c) Financial Institution Supervisory Strengthening of the Life Insurance Sector An Australian expert was retained to support the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) and Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) in developing a framework for recapitalization of the life insurance sector, resolution of the insolvent insurers and development of effective supervisory and regulatory guidelines and rules. (d) Strengthening of Korea Asset Management Corporation A Swedish expert hired to prepare a work plan for KAMCO and develop an NPL inventory framework finalized his reports on policy guidelines and principles for corporate loan restructuring. (e) Capital Market Development Conference The conference was held in November 1999 in Seoul, Korea, hosted by Ministry of Finance and Economy of Korea and the World Bank. The.objective of the conference was to share the output gained from various capital market development programs led by the Bank, exchange views on recent developments in other capital markets and identify the agenda going forward for developing capital markets in Korea. (f) Financial Institution Supervisory Strengthening of the Pension Plans. A Canadian expert on the supervision of pension plans was hired to support the Financial Supervisory Commission and Financial Supervisory Service in developing a framework for the supervision of the pension plans. The reform of the pension plans in Korea is one of the important social agenda issues to provide assistance to the aging population. (g) Study of Financial Sector Issues. Two experts on finance were hired to conduct a stock-taking of the financial sector issues, including outlining the public financial resources required to restructure the financial services industry and to provide the government with a road map to address the identified remaining weaknesses in the financial sector. 20. Impact The grant-funded assistance has had a significant and timely value added to the process of financial crisis management. The ability to quickly mobilize financing for international experts has had a positive influence on decisions taken by the authorities..12/20/2000 12:14:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Uganda 2. Project Name: Northern Uganda Reconstruction Project [Nurp] Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$ 487,725 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The purpose of the grant were to finance technical activities for the preparation of NURP II. It was in particular to tackle the destructive combination of poverty and conflict in the northern region. Specifically, it was to: -undertake poverty mapping through district profile -map out donors assistance in the north and suggest optimal arrangements for coordination -review implementation arrangement under NURP I and lesions learnt 19. Status The grant was signed in December 1997, to finance technical activities for the preparation of NURP II, which activities commenced immediately. [i] COWI consulting firm was constructed to undertake the study, which was started in December 1998. The consultants completed their work in October 1999 and the report had since been reviewed by government and accepted. The last withdrawal application for US$ 103, 487 was submitted in December 2000 for payment. [ii] US$ 468,053 is total payment to COWI, covering reimbursable operational costs as agreed in the contract. However, the Government had to recover overpayment to COWI totaling US$ 10,753 from the last withdrawal application following recommendation by the Auditor General of Government. Audit report for the FY00 is being prepared by Government. [iii] The COWI report has provided good analysis of problems and development priority issues that emerged from the districts. It highlighted the major sector issues and the impact of conflict on the development in the north. Major donors in the North were also highlighted, but the number has always been changing due to interest being given to the situation in the north. [iv] The COWI report triggered a study that would assess the current needs of communities in the north as perceived and prioritized by them. [v] A current balance of US$ 65,085 and Ushs. 90 million in the Special.Account from the grant has been committed by government for the community needs assessment study. This study will complement the COWI report by bringing out the perspectives of the communities. Five individual consultants have already been selected by Government and will commence work in December 2000 or early January 2001. This work is expected to take three months. [vi] Government has moved ahead and prepared a concept document from the COWI report. The concept document was discussed by stakeholders in Soroti in November 2000. The workshop has defined the scope of the project and recommended a way forward in the preparation of the NURP II. 20. Impact The grant has facilitated the preparation of the concept document on which Government has now moved to seek PPF financing that will follow IDA concept review meeting planned for January 200. The PPF will further research on specific design issues like the IEC and M&E, financial management and procurement, preparation of operational manual and handbooks..12/20/2000 04:28:31 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Regional Private Sector Development 5. Grant Amount: US$ 622,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components a) Design elements of enterprise-focused assistance: supplier strengthening programs b) Design elements of micro-finance scheme c) Prioritize remaining legal/regulatory, institutional and programmatic changes in the business environment at the State Level. d) Design a monitoring scheme for authorities to evaluate efficacy and efficiency of regional promotion efforts. 19. Status Letter of Agreement was signed in December 1999. Implementation of the grant is underway, should be completed by August, 2001. There has been a change in the task manager of the grant. The change was effective since Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports July 01, 2000. This report only covers the status since that date. Several preparatories studies have been undertaken as well as a workshop. The studies help to assess the feasibility of the proposed activities. It would also support state and local governement in complimentary activities to enhance the implementation of the program identified. 20. Impact The grant helped to put together different actors at the state level (federal goverment, state government, private sector, civil society, and universities) and facilitate a much better understanding of the issues at stake during preparation. Impact on preparation performance of the Regional LIL is also positive to the extent that the PHRD is helping the key technical, economic studies in some of the areas of the country, where information was scarce but indispensable for the project (Campeche, Yucatan, Quintana Roo). These studies will be a key input for the operators of the project..12/20/2000 05:20:39 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Uganda 2. Project Name: Utility Reform 5. Grant Amount: US$ 550,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Develop strategic framework for utility sector reform 2. Review of institutional and regulatory framework 3. Preparation of action plans for power and rail sectors 4. Development of Labor policy 5. Capacity building program 19. Status Objectives under the grant were achieved since the project (P050439) was appraised and negotiated during FY 2000. All consultancies have been substantially finalized; the outstanding issues are: a payment pending for some additional work that needs to be done in relation to the PSD medium term strategy as part of the development of a strategic framework for utility sector reform, and a final payment to the labor consultants linked to the organization of a workshop with workers at enterprises slated for privatization in which GOU's policy on retrenchment will be formally presented. The workshop should take place before the end of December 2000. 20. Impact The grant was instrumental in the preparation of the project; it funded several critical studies and support to GOU at critical junctures in the process of project preparation. Key areas of support included: the preparation of an overall medium term private sector development (PSD) strategy as part of the development of a strategic framework for utility sector reform, an environmental pre-audit of all public enterprises (including utilities) to be privatized as part of GOU's program for Privatization and Utility Sector Reform, a labor consultancy to assist GOU in the design of a policy for retrenchment of workers, including safety net measures, and specialized support to GOU in the areas of private sector development and institutional framework for implementation before and during project appraisal and negotiations as part of the capacity building component..12/22/2000 09:13:00 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: China 2. Project Name: Corporate Restructring In State-Owned Enterprises 5. Grant Amount: US$550,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The grant is to assist the recipients in identifying methods and techniques to reduce the indebtedness of state and local public enterprises that currently prevents the ownership transformation of these enterprises. The components are: - review of corporate financial restructuring techniques used in developed markets and in advanced transition economies and assessment of its applicability in China Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports - pilot testing of corporate financial restructuring techniques - dissemination of materials on private sector development and corporate restructuring 19. Status The implementation of several Grant funded activities has been slower than anticipated due to a number of reasons. In particular, the municipal clients inexperience with Bank procurement guidelines has significantly slowed the rate of preparation of procurement documentation under this Borrower executed grant. Only in Q4 of FY00 did several consultant tenders taken place, and contracts have been negotiated in the last months. The closing of the Grant was noted and discussed with the client only last spring at about the time when these tenders took place The formal Request from China’s Ministry of Finance for the Extension of the Closing Date of the TF was received April 18, 2000. Follow-up action by the Bank was affected by the departure of the task manager. The Banks SOE program for China as a whole, including the various grants has been recently put under new task management, and the EASPS unit is committed to ensuring a significant acceleration in the implementation of the corporate restructuring activities. The remaining activities to be financed under the Grant, and already under preparation, include pilot testing of selected techniques for corporate financial restructuring techniques set out below: Ø Shenyang Government has requested expression of interest for technical assistance to support the Shenyang Economic and Trade.Commission in the development of their economic policy and operation to benefit the industrial sector and to provide services to firms. Ø Wuhu Government is in the advance stages of preparing an assignment to analyze and prepare a restructuring and privatization plan for a municipally owned industrial firm. Wuhu is also currently preparing an RFP for a similar but slightly larger assignment regarding a second SOE, part of which would be funded under this grant. This activity is supposed to take place in Spring 2001. The Bank has issued no objection to the Terms of Reference for the Phase 1 restructuring activities of the Guangha Group and sole source the assignment to China Eagle Securities Co., Ltd. The China Eagle has been asked to submit technical proposals and the Wuhu Government will then negotiate the description of services and contract terms. Ø Changsha Government has prepared an assignment to restructure and prepare for privatization two municipal SOEs. This activity has not yet been tendered and would be completed only in mid-2001. A multi-city effort to review corporate financial restructuring techniques including a study tour to Eastern Europe, participation of some resource persons at a workshop, and first-phase studies on industrial turnaround funds have been carried out. Draft legislation that resulted in part from these activities is now under review by the legal committee of the People’s Congress. Once a go-ahead signal from this committee is received, phase two consultant activity (largely as an extension of phase one contracts) will elaborate draft implementation regulations and proposed implementation processes. This will happen in Spring 2001. 20. Impact It is too premature to assess the impact at this stage..12/28/2000 01:04:17 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Africa 3. Country: Rwanda 2. Project Name: Post Conflict Rehabilitation And Reintegration Ta 5. Grant Amount: 1,000,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1- Settlements and basic rural infrastructure: assistance to Government for settling refugees, supply clean water in rural areas, rehabilitate basic physical infrastructure and provide electricity in rural areas. 2- Social infrastructure: provision of a strategic framework for education and health sectors, equipment, supplies, textbooks. Review of social sectors expenditure and financing. 3- Capacity building: capacity building activities for unskilled elementary Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports school teachers, development of local capacities to carry out development activities. 19. Status 1- Settlements and basic rural infrastructure: activities under this component have been completed, except for some rural electrification and infrastructure activities. These remaining activities would be the only ones undertaken under a proposed grant extension. 2- Social infrastructure: activities under this component have been completed and have contributed to additional Bank support in the form of a new Human Resources Development Project (Education), and a supplemental Population and Health Project. 20. Impact The first component, combined with other Bank projects, has contributed to the successful privatization of Electrogaz, Rwanda's national utilities company, as well as optimize resources under a Bank project financing small infrastructures. Different studies and activities carried out under the second component have contributed to the approval by the Board of a new Education Sector project (Human Resources Development Project) in June 2000, and a supplemental Health project in December 2000. A recent public expenditure review of the social sectors have contributed to.successfully bringing the country to the HIPC decision point. The Bank board approved substantial debt reduction in December 2000..01/04/2001 11:16:34 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kyrgyz Republic 2. Project Name: Rural Water Supply & Sanitation Project 5. Grant Amount: 643600 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (1) Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Feasibility Study - Fichtner consultants (Germany) has been selected through QCBS and is currently undertaking the study. Draft Feasibility Study has been submitted to the Bank and the Government for review. (2) Final Design and Specifications - this component has been incorporated into the Feasibility study to ensure continuity of approach proposed by the consultant. 10 pilot villages have been selected and final design and specifications are now being drafted. (3) Public Health Study - this component has been taken over by UK DFID (former Know-How-Fund). This partnership was formed due to lack funds within the PHRD grant to complete the full study, as well as to request the UK DFID which has developed specialized expertise in this field to take the lead. UK DFID will finance the health component under the proposed project. (4) Social Assessment - to maintain consistency in approach, social assessment has been merged into the Feasibility Study. However, given that international NGOs and local NPO (non-profit organizations) may be invited to partner with the Bank and the Government to implement this project,, additional local consultants will be hired to test the feasibility of this approach (hiring expected in calendar year 2001. 19. Status Satisfactory progress. The feasibility study consultant (Fichtner) has been hired and draft feasibility study has been completed. Due to additional work required to be carried out by consultants, the study will not be completed until late June. 20. Impact A number of institutional changes recommended by the consultants have already been effected by the Government. Also NGOs and local villages are getting involved in designing the project...01/08/2001 02:55:41 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kazakhstan 2. Project Name: Environment Management And Rehabilitation 5. Grant Amount: US$696,000 Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The components as follows: (a) carrying out of a pollution study to determine the feasibility of using the water from the Nura River, including the assessment of additional investment required to: (i) isolate the mercury in a pre-determined section of the river; (ii) rehabilitate a reservoir which can store uncontaminated water in upstream; (iii) construct a canal to link the reservoir with the existing canal that was originally designated to channel water to the city of Astana; (iv) rehabilitate existing canal; (v) daily supply volume of such a scheme; and (vi) operating cost of such a new water supply; (b) carrying out of a water management study for the Nura river basin; and (c) purchase of computers and water and soil sampling equipment to facilitate the consultants' work under the Grant. 19. Status The Grant Agreement was signed by the government in November 1999. Two technical specialists and an accountant have been hired to supervise the work under the various components and manage the grant funds. Computers have been purchased. The procurement of international firm using QCBS method is nearly complete. The firm will carry out the pollution and the water management studies mentioned in components (a) and (b) above. The overall status is satisfactory. 20. Impact The Grant has helped organize the local team for launching the technical studies needed for preparation and appraisal of the Environmental Management and Rehabilitation project..01/08/2001 05:05:08 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Kazakhstan 2. Project Name: Pension Reform Investment Project 5. Grant Amount: US$505,500 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Component 1: Fiscal and Actuarial Modeling will assist in the development of pension policy simulation with particular emphasis in the use of demographic and labor force date, fiscal, state fund, and mandatory non-state fund pension models. Component 2: Financial Sector Evaluation will assist in the formulation of policy proposals of social security and financial sectors deepening, and determination of steps to strengthen each of the following sub-sectors to support voluntary and mandatory private pension investments: (i) bank instruments; (ii) treasury bills and government bonds; (iii) equity market; and (iv) insurance industry. Component 3: Policy Analysis of the State Pension Program will assist to develop proposals on composition of on-going state benefits to ensure that the income support needs of those suffering a loss of wage earner will be met (proposals would include: transition state benefits and disability and survivors' benefits). Component 4: Regulatory Analysis of the Mandatory Non-State Pension Program will assist to formulate procedures for regulatory bodies to certify, regulate, and supervise non-state pension plans; (i) in reviewing pension-related regulations and contracts, and (ii) in establishing an appropriate institutional regulatory framework,; and provision of legal assistance in the preparation of legal standards. Component 5: Social Safety Net Analysis will review the projected benefits under reform proposals in terms of benefit equity and adequacy including the analysis of pension benefits and of minimum pensions. Component 6: Project Coordination will coordinate project-related activities and exchange of relevant information among the various offices of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, National Bank of Kazakhstan, and the National Securities Commission. 19. Status Closed Grant 20. Impact The Grant was used to complete the preparation of the Pension Reform Implementation Loan (PRIL) which is the added component of the restructured Financial and Enterprise Development Project. The PRIL.supported the implementation of the Pension Reform Adjustment Loan Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports (PRAL). Several technical assistance activities were financed by the Grant and assisted the policy design in support of the PRIL and PRAL before these two operations became effective. 1. Development of the Information Technology (IT)System of the State Pension Payment Center (SPPC). Consultants were employed that assisted the Government determined the technical and policy requirements including the required regulations to implement pension reform. The introduction of the multi-pillar pension schemes required new systems and institution to carryout new functions necessary to operationalize the state mandatory and non-state mandatory pension schemes while maintaining the old PAYGO schemes. An IT strategy plan was developed that became the basis of the Government's investment plan for the institution. 2. Development of Financial System. Consultants assessed the financial management of the pension system including an audit. The audit discovered weaknesses in the financial management system. The findings from the audit became the basis of a plan to correct and improve the deficiencies which is part of the adjustment loan conditions. Furthermore, consultants were engaged to review broadly the financial sector of Kazakhstan. The review included the determination of availability of financial instruments, adequacy of financial regulations and institutional governance. Local officials were also exposed to the difficulties and complexities of providing the financial sector support required for a funded pension system through seminars and workshops in other countries that have carried out similar pension reforms. 3. Development of Fiscal and Actuarial Modeling. Consultants developed the actuarial model for Kazakhstan to conduct simulations and projections of various policy options. The actual model has been updated regularly as better data became available to simulate various pension reform options. The consultants provided the reports to the Government and were used to evaluate the impact of the reforms on the fiscal sector. In addition, the model was used in the analysis of pension benefits and determine the adequacy of benefits. 4. Project Coordination and Administration. Consultants were hired to assist the development of the project management's procurement and financial management systems. These systems were used to carryout the implementation of the PRIL..01/08/2001 10:25:56 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: South Asia 3. Country: Sri Lanka 2. Project Name: Pensions Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: US $ 395,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Major components are: a) Drafting laws and regulations for the establishment of a regulatory authority for private pension funds through provisioning of advisory services and training, b) Development of a new structure for private pension and provident funds through provisioning of advisory services and training; and, c) Reviewing of existing legislation and drafting of new laws and regulations to modernize and promote competition in the insurance industry. 19. Status The Grant has enabled the Government to obtain services of a consultant to propose a regulatory framework for the superannuation benefit funds and provide training for the staff of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) on fund management. During the year 2000, the Government had set up an independent insurance regulatory authority and is in the process of recruiting a Director General for the Insurance Regulatory Authority. The proposed official is expected to have experience also in other supperannaution benefit funds and take an active role in the reform agenda. The Government has demonstrated a firm commitment on pensions reforms with the President appointing a committee to review the current Government pension schemes and to propose a sustainable Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports system.The Government also has initiated discussions with the labor unions which is a step in the right direction. A contributory pension scheme has been introduced in the Central Bank for the new recruits. The Government is also exploring the possibility of introducing similar programs for other services as well. Government has indicated that they intend to draw up a reform agenda to increase retirement savings and hold a series of workshops to support the development of this reform agenda. 20. Impact Awareness was created among policy makers by this activity. This also helped to bring together a multi-disciplinary team to work on pensions...01/09/2001 11:22:38 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Lithuania 2. Project Name: Community Services Ii 5. Grant Amount: $502,750 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components N/A 19. Status This operation was canceled by the Government. Therefore, no grant agreement was signed, and no funds were disbursed. The PHRD was closed. 20. Impact N/A.01/09/2001 12:56:22 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Pilot Poverty Alleviation Project 5. Grant Amount: 251,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The PHRD grant was used for the preparation of the Pilot Poverty Alleviation Credit. The grant was used to recruit personnel for the Tajikistan Social Investment Fund; hire short term international consultants for technical assistance on design issues in MIS; procurement and disbursement, financial management, management, community participation and poverty ranking.. The grant was used to establish the Tajikistan Social Investment; develop its operational manual; train staff; enhance poverty targeting mechanisms; identify micro projects; and establish the working relationship between TASIF and the three international NGOs involved in the project. This has substantially created local capacity to implement the PPAP and has created ownership and understanding of this project in the Government, TASIF and the International NGOs. It has created the basis for successful implementation. In addition funds were used for translation of all project documents to ensure a clear understanding the part of the Borrower. 19. Status THIS GRANT IS LEGALLY CLOSED, AS OF JULY 2000 20. Impact The grant has been invaluable to the successful and timely start of the PPAP. It was used for the setting up of the Tajikistan Social Investment Fund. It also allowed TASIF to successfully identify and implement a number of micro projects before the credit became effective. This enabled a lot of troubleshooting and, design testing, solving of unforeseen issues and problems in the design before the credit became effective..01/10/2001 10:00:50 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Latvia 2. Project Name: Social Protection Project 5. Grant Amount: 53,000,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components 1. Preparation and implementation of standards of living measurement and poverty monitoring program. Preparation of Survey, questionnaires, Preliminary report. 2. Social assistance to most vulnerable groups. Assistance in drafting the Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports new social assistance legislation. 3. Social insurance. Developing a strategy and framework law for social insurance reform. 4. Labor market efficiency. Developing and preparing guidelines for implementing an unemployment insurance system. 5. Health care management and services. Improvement of policies on health expenditures management, evaluating the effectiveness of medical technologies. 19. Status Closed 20. Impact Developed environment for launching and successful implementation of the Pension Reform in Latvia..01/12/2001 11:45:28 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Ukraine 2. Project Name: Community Development Program 5. Grant Amount: US$432,150 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components The Grant is comprised of three components: (a) consultant's services - US$304,100; (b) study tours, training and workshops - US$118,050; and (c) goods - US$10,000. The activities for which the Grant are intended include: (a) design a system of formula-based transfers, as well as design a legal and regulatory system for sub-national borrowing; hold a workshop on inter-governmental transfers and potential reforms; and (b) design a Municipal Development Loan Fund (MDLF), including: (i) assess alternative structures and select most appropriate structure of MDLF; (ii) establish evaluation criteria for access to MDLF; (iii) create Operational Manual; (iv) train MDLF staff in funds management, project evaluation, project implementation and management; and (v) hold workshops to present concept and procedures of MDLF to local governments and assist with business plans and project preparation. 19. Status The Grant became effective on March 6, 2000. However, to date the Recipient has not opened a Special Account to facilitate use of the funds. It is anticipated that the Recipient will open the SA by the end of January 2001. Additionally, as the closing date for the Grant is March 31, 2001 it is expected the Recipient will forward a request for extension to the Bank shortly. 20. Impact No impact has been recorded to date, as the Grant's funds have not been utilized..01/16/2001 01:59:00 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Russia 2. Project Name: Treasury Modernization 5. Grant Amount: $497,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Part A: Information System - Designing information systems for expenditure control and treasury management, including functional design of the systems, software search, specification of technology architecture, and implementation strategy. Part B: Training Strategy and Program Design (1) designing and developing a training strategy and plan for the implementation of the revised Treasury system country wide; (s) development end-user manuals and training materials; an (3) designing and specifying training facilities for the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance. 19. Status On-going until closing date 20. Impact Not yet applicable (please, see comments below).01/16/2001 09:15:41 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Country: Uzbekistan 2. Project Name: Health I 5. Grant Amount: 745,746.00 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Preparation of the Health Project consisting of three components: 1) Primary Health Care 2) Training of GPs 3) Health Financin and Management 19. Status completed 20. Impact Project prepared, loan approved by the board in 1998..01/18/2001 06:31:22 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Hungary 2. Project Name: Hungary Health Sector Reform Project 5. Grant Amount: 471408 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components N/A 19. Status The Japanese Grant was made available for Hungary in April 1999, in response to the GOH's request for financing technical assistance in health reform preparations and for the preparation of a possible future World Bank project. Originally the Prime Minister's Office would have been in charge of implementing the Grant as well as of leading the health reform in Hungary. However, due to internal political fights within the Government, the MOH took over the leadership role over the reform. In the mean time funds were not utilized for over a year. The Bank contacted several possible implementation agencies (Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy) throughout that year and non of them were in the position to propose a concrete plan concerning the utilization of the funds nor displayed willingness to disburse the Grant. The Bank was informed that the main reason behind this decision was the uncertainty regarding the main directions of health reform in Hungary. In the absence of any positive indication that Hungary wishes to utilize these funds, the Bank canceled the Grant in April 2000 and informed the GOH about this decision. 20. Impact N/A.01/18/2001 04:10:12 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Turkey 2. Project Name: Gas Sector Restructuring Project 5. Grant Amount: $724,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Review of Studies and Action Plan for Restructuring, Assistance with Implementation of Action Plan especially setting up a regulatrory agency, feasibility studies, training 19. Status Grant still moving slowly . It has been signed and the terms of reference agreed upon. However, consultants not yet hired. 20. Impact None yet..01/24/2001 10:19:32 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Croatia 2. Project Name: Municipal Environmental Infrastructure Project 5. Grant Amount: US$216,840 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components a) Installation of an information management and reporting system; b) staff training in procurement; c) design and implementation of a procurement tracking system; d) installation of financial management and accounting systems; and e) preparation of a final report on the results of the TA and recommendations for action. Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 19. Status The main components of the grant are completed. All that remains is preparation of the final report evaluating the results. 20. Impact The TA financed by the grant has increased the efficiency of ECO, the agency responsible for implementing the Municipal Environment Infrastructure Project in the areas of procurement, information management and reporting. Procurement is proceeding smoothly, reports are timely and complete and accounting procedures follow international standards..01/24/2001 04:12:00 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia, Korea - Republic Of, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand 2. Project Name: Enhancing Flows Of Foreign Direct Investment To Asia 5. Grant Amount: $ 1,000,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components The overall objective of the PHRD-II grant is to provide technical assistance in order to enhance flows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into five countries targeted under the Miyazawa Initiative: Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. There are two main initiatives to obtain the overall objective: - Provide advice and assistance to investment intermediaries on how to target and attract new foreign direct investment. - Provide information on the uses and availability of Political Risk Insurance (PRI), including services offered by MIGA, to potential investors in the region to foster investments into the five target countries. 19. Status 1.- Political Risk Component: Since July, 1999, a Representative for Asia, Isabella K. Stoehr, has been stationed in Tokyo within the World Bank Tokyo office. Since that date, Ms. Stoehr has been active in the community of private investors in the region of the five target countries, as well as establishing contacts with investment promotion intermediaries. She has visited Korea, the Philippines and Thailand. Ms. Stoehr also visited Australia and Singapore, as sources of potential investors into the region. Information on PRI and MIGA's offering in this arena has been provided by: - one-on-one meetings with investors (201 meetings with potential investors have been conducted since the opening of the office in July, 1999), - seminars organized by various industry associations and government agencies (conducted eight seminars at private corporations and four with associations and government agencies), - proactively working with national insurance agencies to co-operate on projects (working closely with EID/MITI of Japan and established relationships with ECICS of Singapore and EFIC of Australia),.- attending and speaking at various regional/sectoral conferences (spoke at three conferences and participated as a panelist at one). 2.- Advice and Assistance to Investment Intermediaries Component: An extensive recruitment campaign was initiated and in December 1999, Mr. Bill Luttrell was appointed as consultant to provide technical assistance to investment intermediaries. Mr. Luttrell is stationed at MIGA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. working with MIGA’s Investment Marketing Services (IMS) group. Since his appointment, Mr. Luttrell has visited all five of the target countries. The technical assistance is being actively implemented by undertaking a series of "Facilitated Needs Assessments" of the leading Investment Promotion Authorities (IPAs) in each country. These self-assessments, together with background information collected by the consultant, help to determine the current capacity, performance gaps, strengths and weaknesses of the IPAs. The results serve as the basis for capacity building programs to help clients move up the ladder of effectiveness towards best practices in investment promotion. Since December 1999: - initial meetings have been held with the investment promotion agencies (IPAs) of the five countries to introduce the program and to form a Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports consensus on strategy going forward; - self-assessments have been specially developed for this program and have already been delivered to both the Board of Investment of the Philippines and the Board of Investment of Thailand; - background information on agency performance and investor perspectives has been gained by interviewing a range of private sector investors and other related intermediaries in Asia; - attended various regional/sectoral conferences (spoke at the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) annual meeting held in Bangkok and at the FIAS/UNDP High-Level Roundtable of IPAs on Foreign Direct Investment and Sustainable Human Development in Asia: Past Experiences and Future Prospects, also located in Bangkok. - additional self assessments are scheduled in July for Korea and Indonesia. - meetings have been held with all of the investment promotion agencies and proactive efforts are being made to increase the Asian content of the MIGA web-sites, IPAnet and PivatizationLink. 20. Impact Major progress has been achieved in increasing awareness among investors in the region regarding the role and availability of PRI, including MIGA’s programs. This could not have been achieved without a local presence. In terms of upcoming projects in the five target countries, MIGA is currently in the process of: - underwriting an infrastructure project in the Philippines,.- approached by various sponsors for two major infrastructure projects in Korea, - possible participation in the privatization of a power project in Malaysia. The fact that MIGA is now cautiously looking at new projects in Indonesia is very promising and Thailand's imminent membership to MIGA will enable MIGA to provide support to investors into in this country too. This will broaden MIGA's ability to provide coverage in the five target countries. The general increase in awareness of PRI as a risk mitigation tool by the fact that MIGA has been asked to assist in a number of investments into other countries, outside the region sponsored by Japanese and other Asian investors (Brazil, China, Laos, Mongolia, Peru, Pakistan, Vietnam, Zambia). By working with Asian investors with investments into other regions, in the medium term this should create a working relationship and a better understanding of the value of PRI for future products in Asia. As regarding investment intermediaries, this program is already raising awareness levels of best practices in attracting foreign direct investment. The investment promotion authorities of all five countries have shown high interest in MIGA's approach to the self assessment process and are eager to use the process as a tool for constructive capacity building..01/24/2001 08:20:30 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Indonesia 2. Project Name: Basic Education Iv - Strengthening Local Education Capacity 5. Grant Amount: $860,950 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (a) provision of advisory services to teams from the Recipient's Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and regional planning agencies on the preparation of district proposals and provincial implementation plans for participation in the Projects. (b) provision of advisory services and workshops to the Recipient on coordination of the preparation of the Projects, including verification of data, preparation of guidelines for the operation of the Projects, and facilitating discussions and reviews on the preparation process of the Projects in the participating districts and provinces. (c) preparation of working papers for new initiatives on budgeting and financing of education, evaluation of teachers and performance incentives, multi-grade education programs, and provision of additional schools and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports equipment especially in remote areas. 19. Status (a) On-going, satisfactory progress (b) On-going, satisfactory progress (c) On-going, satisfactory progress 20. Impact Over the course of the last 18 months, discussions with Government have result in modifications to the project design that allow it lend substantial support to their decentralization program. The objective of the project is now to increase school effectiveness through decentralized management and community participation in school management. To achieve the objectives the project will support activities to: · increase school effectiveness in achieving minimum service standards by providing block grants to targeted schools based on proposals.developed by schools and their communities; and by providing funds to districts to support improvement in teaching and learning in the targeted schools and their school clusters. · build capacity at school and district levels to implement the newly decentralized basic education management system by providing technical assistance and training for financial and management systems development and to foster equitable access to quality basic education. · build capacity at national level to provide policy guidance and to monitor national education service standards by providing technical assistance and training for policy monitoring and for project implementation in a decentralized environment; and by providing support for economic and institutional research and development to contribute to decisions about financing of education..01/30/2001 04:37:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Vietnam 2. Project Name: Banking Reform, Regulation And Supervision 5. Grant Amount: $ 1,282,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components A reallocation of funds was approved in December 1999 so that the remaining resources could be used for the following activities: 1. The restructuring of the state owned commercial banks (SOCB) 2. The restructuring of the joint stock banking sector (JSB) 3. The review of banking regulation to support the restructuring of the banking sector 4. The creation of a legal and regulatory framework to support the restructuring of the banks and asset resolution As many of the issues were linked, it became difficult to break out the consulting service contracts into the different components that were set out in the original proposal. The bank restructuring consultants agreed to undertake most of the services noted in the original proposal and signed legal agreement to the extent that the legal agreement did not required any changes. Specifically the bank restructuring consultants for the SOCB and JSB restructuring will need to: 1. Provide advisory services to the SBV’s Bank Reform and Restructuring Committee on the development of an action plan for bank restructuring; 2. Provide training to senior officials through study tours, secondments, technical workshops, and training materials on various topics related to banking reform; 3. Provide of advisory services to the SBV on the resolution of distressed assets and insolvent banks; 4. Assist in the development and implementation of appropriate accounting standards; 5. Provide advisory services to SBV on its day-to-day organizational issues including in particular its supervision of banks and its regulatory structure; and 6. Provide advisory services to the Recipient on debt restructuring, Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports corporate governance, information flows, ownership structures, as they relate to state-owned enterprises’ restructuring. 19. Status To be extended to June 30, 2001.20. Impact To date, the grant has been crucial in allowing the State Bank of Vietnam ("SBV") prepare for the implementation of the banking reform program that is central to the proposed WB PRCS and the IMF PRGF. The consultants engaged assisted the SBV with preparing strategies for the restructuring of the state owned banking sector and the joint stock sector. The use of the remaining funds (usage set out below) is critical for SBV for the implementation of the banking reform measures, including the restructuring of the state owned banks and SOEs, as required by the PRSC/PRGF programs. 1. Consultant Services..... (a) Provision of advisory services to the SBV's Bank Reform and Restructuring committee on the development of an action plan for bank restructuring. (c) Provision of advisory services to the SBV on the resolution of distressed assets and insolvent banks. (e) Provision of advisory services to the SBV on its day-to-day organizational issues including.... supervision of banks and its regulatory structure. (f) Provision of advisory services to the recipient on debt restructuring, corporate governance... 2. Training, Materials/goods (b) Provision of training... training materials on various topics related to banking reform. 3. Administration In support of all the above..02/02/2001 04:54:32 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: Peru 2. Project Name: Financial Sector Adjustment Loan Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$250,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Report/Study on Cost Reduction Measure in the Private Pension System in Peru Report/Study on Cost Reduction Measures in the Insurance Premium component of the Private Pension System Report/Study on reduction in regulatory costs of overseeing the pension industry 19. Status The Grant has been fully disbursed and is closed. The consultant studies were of a practical orientation and essential to identify inefficiencies and cost factors impacting the structure of the private pension system and the returns/benefits provided to beneficiares. All studies were completed on schedule and served as input into supporting the conditionality and legislative reforms under the subsequent loan. 20. Impact The results of the studies identified cost bottlenecks in the administration of the private pension sector. Some of these, such as the frequent transfer of affiliates from one pension fund to another, generated large costs in terms of sales commissions to agents. This issue was identified as a priority for action which the government undertook as a policy reform in order to drastically slow down the rate of transfers of affiliates from one AFP to another. This action served as a conditionality benchmark under the FSAL adjustment loan which provided a measure to determine compliance with cost cutting regulations. The benefit to affiliates/pensioners is that the cost structure of the pension fund management will decline and lower commissions will eventually be charged to affiliates, thus increasing their future investment returns..02/05/2001 12:12:31 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports 3. Country: Mexico 2. Project Name: Improving Electricity Access: Development Of Off-Grid Renewable Energy In Rural Areas 5. Grant Amount: $249,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components Pilot Sites Selection: 3-4 Pilot sites will be selected based on potential size of market package, end users located within a contiguous area, presence of potential public service centers customers (schools, rural clinics, etc. potential for productive applications, accessibility and political impact. Market Characterization: Household surveys to determine income levels, household composition, fuel expenditures, energy end uses, willingness to pay for alternative energy supplies and other socioeconomic data. Site configuration and resources survey to determine the relative needs for minigrids and individual installations, and the feasibility of using site-specific energy resources, if any. Analysis of market barriers that impede consumer acceptance and participation by private investors and a plan to address these barriers. Determination of appropriate technology delivery mechanism implemented by the private sector. Preparation of Investment Package: An investment project will then be designed to apply suitable approaches to the electrification of off-grid customers via a public/private sector partnership. An effort will be made to blend regular investment funds with grant funds from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), justified on the basis of environmental benefits and accelerated commercialization of renewable energy technologies. The project concept package will be presented and discussed in a workshop in Mexico City or other venue. Based on feedback from the workshop, the project package design will be finalized. 19. Status The Secretariat of Energy, the lead agency for preparation, has created a Steering Committee with members from the CFE, IIE and CONAE. Pilot sites in the states of Chihuahua and Quintana Roo have been selected. A well-attended workshop was held in Chihuahua in March 2000 on Private Sector Roles in Delivery of Electricity Service to Rural Areas sponsored by the Bank, the SE, State Government of Chihuahua and Winrock International. Two Mexican companies have completed market assessment surveys in the candidate sites. The results are now being analyzed by an independent expert and will be used in the design of the private sector-led delivery mechanisms..20. Impact The preparation work so far has made a significant impact on the planning methodology of the Secretaria de Energia for rural electrification, since the project would introduce new mechanisms for offgrid electricity service that have not been done before in Mexico, i.e, emphasis on basic rather than 24 hours AC service, cost-recovery from users based on willingness to pay, blending public subsidies with user payments and risk capital by the private service provider, and introducing competition in service provision..02/05/2001 06:09:36 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Ukraine 2. Project Name: Public Administration Reform/Programmatic Adjustment Loan 5. Grant Amount: US$281,400 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components This grant was approved in 1997, in support of the Ukraine Public Administration Reform Project (formally called Civil Service Reform). The grant was restructured in 1999 and the amount reduced to US$281,400 from US$526,400. The reason for restructuring was due to the delay with the grant's effectiveness, as some of the grant's tasks had been completed by other donors (the Diagnostic Studies on Pay, Employment, and Management Processes). The task to establish a Public Administration Reform Management Unit, however, remained. The emphasis of the restructured grant therefore became public administration reform. In September 2000, with the approval of the new Ukraine CAS, all adjustment loans under preparation, including the Public Administration Reform Loan, were merged into the Programmatic Adjustment Loan. However the public administration program components as well as the objectives and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports components of the PHRD grant remained the same. The new project ID number is PO 70693. 19. Status Grant implementation is proceeding satisfactorily. To date, US$150,700 was utilized out of the total of US$281,400. The Government has asked for an extension of the grant in order to complete the remaining work. 20. Impact The Grant has already had a positive impact on building the capacity of the Working Group on Public Administration reform in developing the reform agenda and managing the reform process as evidenced by good progress with the preparation of the Programmatic Adjustment Loan..02/09/2001 11:58:21 AM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Cambodia 2. Project Name: Post Conflict: Northwest Rehabilitation Project 5. Grant Amount: US$1,681,800 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (a) provision of basic agricultural inputs; (b) rehabilitation of reservoirs for irrigation; (c) construction of wells, ponds, reservoirs and latrines; (d) construction and equipment of schools; (e) construction and equipment of communal health centers, and provision of goods and advisory services to district health offices; (f) rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and culverts; (g) establishment and operation of literacy, life skills, and primary health care training classes for local communities; (h) provision of sub-grants to the local development fund of twenty selected communes to be used for the implementation of small-scale infrastructure projects identified by such communes. 19. Status Grant disbursement has experienced significant delays. Although the LOA was signed in July 1999, the first disbursement took place only four months later because of the problems the Bank faced with introduction of SAP. Further replenishments were delayed because of a difficult fit between Bank procedures and government [assisted by UNDP/CARERE] procedures established for the SEILA program of which the grant is a small part., and difficult communications especially with the provincial governments implementing the program. Because of the delays the government has requested extension of the grant until June 30, 2001. Despite the delayed replenishments, the government has continued implementation as planned and has contracted 97% of the planned activities, evenly distributed on the different components, while having received only 47% of the grant. As the closing date for the grant has passed, further replenishment and implementation of the grant have stalled until the new closing date is agreed on. 20. Impact The grant has already in large parts been able to attain its objective in addressing immediate rehabilitation needs in three severely conflict-affected provinces in northwestern Cambodia with a view to establishing a secure environment conducive to reconciliation. A Bank supervision mission in March 2000 noted the reality of the peaceful integration process and the impressive start made by the government.through the SEILA program in bringing long- needed repair and development of administrative, economic and social infrastructures. The mission was also impressed by the commitment of the districts and communes themselves as evidenced by their material and other contributions to the program..02/16/2001 04:20:39 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Moldova 2. Project Name: Third Private Sector Development Project 5. Grant Amount: USD320,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components 1. Private Sector Review and Business Environment Assessment will help to identify issues and problems with policy environment, legal framework, access to international markets, and access to technology for Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports the private sector. 2. Private Sector Advisory Services will evaluate assistance needs of the private sector and the existing business advisory services for the private sector provided by the Agency For Restructuring and Enterprise Assistance (ARIA). 3. Corporate Governance. Changing and strengthening the ownership structure to be able to provide a good governance and support the private enterprise growth is also critical for the next stage of development. 4. Access to Finance, including Venture Funds and Equity Markets. Access to finance is one of the critical factors affecting private enterprise development, especially for SMEs. In Moldova, access to finance has been limited to the banking sector and generally inadequate. The study would identify other forms of access to finance that could be practical in Moldova, including venture capital funds and through equity markets, and propose measures (including legal, policy and institutional aspects) that would improve access to risk-finance for the private sector. 19. Status N.A. 20. Impact N.A..03/06/2001 04:56:42 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Europe and Central Asia 3. Country: Tajikistan 2. Project Name: Structural Adjustment Credit Ii 5. Grant Amount: US$475,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components Reform of Public Adminsitration, Privatization, Reform of Budget System, Reform of Government Structure 19. Status Ongoing 20. Impact N/A.04/05/2001 05:59:23 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: Latin America and Caribbean 3. Country: El Salvador 2. Project Name: El Salvador Judicial Reform 5. Grant Amount: 380,000 13. Executed by: World Bank 16. Grant Components (i) Judicial Administration and Procedural Review. Activities include: development of judge evaluation and discipline system; studies of corruption and inter and intra institutional coordination; review of procedural codes and other procedures; updating of a Master Plan for improving the court systems; identification of legal education needs; technical visits to best practice locations (e.g. Singapore’s delay reduction programs, Australia’s information technology applications, and Canada’s court decision publication systems) for knowledge generation; consultation workshops (for about 200 participants) with different stakeholders (see below); and activities also include diagnostic assessment of nature of women participation in the judicial service and preparation of action plans for a proactive program (recruitment, selection, training) to broaden their representation in the judicial service; (ii) Access to Justice Program. Activities include: in small towns development of pilot delay-reduction programs for different cases (e.g. for debt collection, alimony payment, administrative and tax collection); studies and surveys related to cost of litigation in urban and rural areas, access to legal information, court infrastructure in regions most affected by the war, training needs of justices of peace working in rural communities. (iii) User Participation and Knowledge/Dissemination Program. Activities include: national and international consultants necessary to prepare a detailed plans for the development of justice institutions (including UTE) external relation functions; organize stakeholder discussions/workshops (two focus groups of about twenty) and prepare plans to promote user participation (NGOs and others stakeholders) in judicial reform; and Financial Sector Program – Grant Progress Reports develop a knowledge management and public communication program regarding judicial reform accomplishments so far and the proposed next steps; and (iv) Project Coordination Unit Administrative Support. Activities include: experts in project performance indicators, training in Bank norms and procedures, implementation plan development and coordination; and purchase of equipment to prepare database of judicial statistics for the project. This also include administrative support for operation of the project.unit during project preparation, appraisal, and launch. 19. Status Over 90% of the funds have been expensed and consultants for the most remaining activities have been hired. Consultants will be hired in the areas including (ii) Access to Justice Program and (iii) User Participation and Knowledge/Dissemination Program. 20. Impact The proposed judicial reform aims to strengthen the judiciary and accompanying commercial legal framework in order to strengthen the administration of justice by: (i) increasing the efficiancy and effectiveness of the commercial judicial decision making; (ii) improving alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in urban business centers and rural communicites; (iii) improving the procedural codes in terms of promoting an efficient and effective process; (iv) establishing continuing legal education for lawyers and judges, and establishing communication channels for user feedback; and (v) improving access to justice and upgrading physical infrastructure..04/25/2001 02:52:09 PM Policy and Human Resources Development Fund Status Report Fiscal Year 2000 4. Region: East Asia and Pacific 3. Country: Philippines 2. Project Name: Development Of Debt-Financing Facility For Private Infrastructure Development 5. Grant Amount: $400,000 13. Executed by: Government 16. Grant Components (1) Technical assistance to identify a pipeline of financially viable projects in the key infrastructure sectors and develop transactions and risk allocation models. (2) Consulting services to identify to explore option and to develop a PPI financing facility which can take advantage of the Bank's credit enhancement instruments as well as possible direct lending through GFIs. 19. Status Component No. 1 Status: This component would follow work done on the financing facility and as such has not yet been initiated. Component No. 2 Status: Initial diagnostic work has indicated that the major private infrastructure finance issues is the problem of project guarantees that the Government of Philippines is not able to offer, but yet are essential to the bankability of a given project. 20. Impact Very little implementation of the grant thus far and minimal impact WB157747 J:\PHRD\REPORTS\FY2000_AR\FY2000 Annual Report Vol II.doc August 27, 2001 5:33 PM