Belarus - Utility Efficiency and Quality Improvement Project

Overview & Synopsis

Ratings for the Utility Efficiency and Quality Improvement Project for Belarus were as follows: outcomes were unsatisfactory, the Bank performance was satisfactory, and the monitoring and evaluation quality was substantial. Some lessons learned included: the project, originally an ambitious and innovative concept aimed at enhancing utility performance and establishing the first regional sanitary landfill, could not be executed in Belarus due to factors beyond the project and World Bank control. Nonetheless, the concept has inherent merits and could serve as a valuable model for potential replication in other countries with similar objectives, particularly those focused on improving utility performance. Utilizing in-country specialist resources or establishing third-party monitoring arrangements is essential for verifying implementation performance, especially in situations where country practices differ from World Bank policy requirements, and if these requirements are considered sensitive. Additionally, embracing virtual and digital technologies more extensively can enhance performance verification, particularly during prolonged crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It is advisable to incorporate these measures during project preparation, ensuring that they are well-timed and adequately funded. When considering project suspensions, it would be beneficial for the Bank to allow a longer transition/grace period (of at least six months) for wrapping-up ongoing critical project activities, data collection and communication with PIUs. In the case of this project, only one month was provided after the suspension, resulting in substantial disruptions and challenges for ongoing subprojects and investments in WSS utilities. This abrupt termination of contracted and ongoing work activities caused significant damage. Additionally, it had adverse effects on the PCT staff, who had undergone extensive training. Furthermore, this situation led to a complete absence of cooperation from the government regarding the preparation of the ICR.