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CSV
Lesson
Closer coordination, capacity building, and handholding can improve project implementation when the executing agency has limited experience on implementing ADB-assisted projects. A review mechanism for assessing the efficacy of the trainings needs to be designed. The executing agency should be well versed in the ADB's safeguard policies to ensure compliance and accurate budgeting of the cost of safeguards. Any delays in the mobilization of experts to complement the staff of the executing agency should be expeditiously addressed.

Project Number: 47101-002
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program (Tranche 1)
Report Date:
Lesson
The practice at appraisal is to provide baseline information and the design and monitoring (DMF) outcome and output targets based on project inputs. In the case of this project, the DMF targets need to be project related. It used a target for the impact indicator that linked project output to the development of other projects. While it is possible to reasonably forecast results, the external capacity development may impact the outcomes.

Project Number: 47101-002
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program (Tranche 1)
Report Date:
Lesson
A detailed market assessment is necessary to come up with reliable cost estimates. The actual costs deviated significantly from the original estimates, aggregating to only $29.35 million or 49% of the $60 million total estimated cost. This was mainly because of the nearly 30% drop in the actual cost of equipment realized through the international competitive bidding process, the reduction in the number of distribution transformers installed, and the reduction in the scope of underground cable installation actually undertaken.

Project Number: 47101-003
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program - Tranche 2
Report Date:
Lesson
A thorough feasibility study of all the key the aspects of a project is critical to identifying constraints and avoiding delays and mid-project changes. The change in location of the 33/11-kilovolt substation resulted in substantial delays in starting the component. The change was necessary because the government land originally identified became unavailable for use by the project. Similarly, the conversion of overhead lines to underground cables had to be undertaken on a pilot basis as the required right-of-way clearances to lay the cables were not issued.

Project Number: 47101-003
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program - Tranche 2
Report Date:
Lesson
In preparing the design and monitoring framework, careful consideration should be given to the relevance of the performance Indicators against the output and outcome targets. Greater cohesion between Indicators and targets will lead to a proper evaluation of project achievements. The effectiveness of the capacity building could have been identified through appropriate Indicators to allow closer monitoring and timely intervention by ADB

Project Number: 47101-002
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program - Tranche 1
Report Date:
Lesson
Executing agencies (EAs) should engage qualified safeguards specialists to support safeguards implementation, supervision, monitoring, and reporting. The project EA, Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), managed the environmental safeguards requirements without the planned consultant. However, engaging an expert to support APGCL in handling pollution control aspects and strengthening internal staff capacity would have been desirable to ensure that issues were detected and reported properly.

Project Number: 47101-002
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program - Tranche 1
Report Date:
Lesson
Project monitoring needs to continue until the preparation of the project completion report (PCR). From loan closure in August 2020 to project completion in February 2022, APDCL implemented the project using its own resources. A streamlined process for monitoring and reporting was not followed during this period. While there were no adverse incidents or complaints reported during this period, it would be in the best interest of the project, the borrowing governments, and ADB to continue keeping a close watch on the project and its operation until at least PCR preparation.

Project Number: 47101-003
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program - Tranche 2
Report Date:
Lesson
Compliance with financial covenants on institutional reforms and asset valuation and reconciliation, need a high level of commitment, capacity, and resources from the executing agency. Further, substantial changes in state-owned enterprises take time to get implemented in full. Despite efforts made by executing agency, the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), lack of capacity and resources resulted in some of loan covenants to be achieved only partially.

Project Number: 47101-002
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program - Tranche 1
Report Date:
Lesson
A needs assessment carried out as part of the project design contributes to the project scope being defined more accurately and project allocations being optimized for project or other development expenditure. Some of this project’s main activities were dropped or carried out at reduced scope because of changes in the situation or reassessments undertaken during implementation. For example, the centralized billing system initially included in the project scope was canceled as it would instead be implemented by APDCL.

Project Number: 47101-003
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program - Tranche 2
Report Date:
Lesson
To avoid unnecessary financing commitments and fund allocations, it is important to undertake a detailed needs assessment of all planned components. The project cost was 31% lower than estimated because of lower bid prices received under the international competitive bidding, the transfer of part of the project scope to another tranche project, and non-implementation of some project activities. ADB financing was 22% lower than its $50 million loan commitment.

Project Number: 47101-002
Project Name: Assam Power Sector Investment Program - Tranche 1
Report Date:
Lesson
Sound planning reduces delays in implementing procurement activities, especially for projects with interdependent components. Specifically, sufficient preparation for procurement planning, scheduling, and costing, given project-specific requirements, are vital in the timely procurement of goods and services. A well-planned procurement leads to a better management of procurement-related activities (e.g., bids, contracts, and others), which in turn, facilitates the timely completion of project components.

Project Number: 38164-013
Project Name: Natural Gas Access Improvement Project
Report Date:
Lesson
Undertaking a rigorous risk assessment, including possible mitigation measures during project preparation, helps minimize implementation delays and cost overruns, both of which could undermine the realization of expected project results. A thorough assessment of potential risk factors such as the soundness of supply and demand projections; adequacy and sources of O&M expenditures, including other possible cost-recovery measures; and financial arrangement among borrowers and development partners helps strengthen project preparation.

Project Number: 38164-013
Project Name: Natural Gas Access Improvement Project
Report Date:
Lesson
Early risk identification and remediation can reduce the impacts of cofinancing cancellation.

Project Number: 38164-013
Project Name: Natural Gas Access Improvement Project
Report Date:
Lesson
A detailed risk assessment that results in the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures is essential to the success of projects.

Project Number: 38164-013
Project Name: Natural Gas Access Improvement Project
Report Date:
Lesson
ADB needs to be more proactive in ensuring project compliance to financial audit requirements.

Project Number: 38164-013
Project Name: Natural Gas Access Improvement Project
Report Date:
CSV