Guinea-Bissau - Emergency Water and Electricity Services Upgrading Project

Overview & Synopsis

Ratings for the Emergency Water and Electricity Services Upgrading Project for Guinea-Bissau were as follows: outcome was moderately satisfactory, Bank performance was satisfactory, and monitoring and evaluation (M and E) quality was substantial. Some lessons learned included: a water and energy project can be successfully implemented in a fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) context through a combination of investments aimed at improving and expanding access. A water and energy project can be successfully implemented in an FCV context by combining investments to improve and expand access with adaptability and innovation to address complex development challenges. A key lesson from the project results is the need for future operations to pay attention to the broader operational challenges of the utility, Guinea-Bissau Electricity and Water Company (EAGB). A multi-sectoral approach that combines investments in water and energy maximizes efficiencies and benefits for the people of Bissau. More advantageous energy supply arrangements are essential to improve the financial sustainability of EAGB.