Inadequate project design undermines project implementation. Good project design is a basic requirement for project success, and inadequate design can prevent project success. In this case, design did not demonstrate adequate technical understanding of the availability of suitable water or the feasibility of its use for water supply and sanitation (WSS) projects in four of the six provincial towns. The cost estimates at appraisal, based on project preparatory technical assistance (PPTA), were too low, as actual costs were almost 225% higher than the appraisal estimate for the Wabag water supply subproject and 650% higher for the Madang sewerage subproject. The risk of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) grant not being approved was not identified, and this curtailed capacity building in the Waterboard.
Provincial Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project