Project Detail |
The Government of Italy (GOI) has provided a bilateral grant to the Government of Afghanistan (GOA) for the rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of secondary roads in western Afghanistan under one of Afghanistan’s 22 National Priority Programs (NPP) – National Rural Access Program (NRAP). Funds were allocated to the core budget and used under the overall coordination of the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the direct responsibility of Ministry of Public Works (MPW). In November 2011, MPW proposed to use the allocated funds for construction of Herat Bypass to improve accessibility around Herat City, as well as inside the city by reducing/eliminating heavy commercial traffic from the city centre. The construction is expected to develop a connection between the road to Islam Qala - westward to the Iranian border – and the ring road south of Herat city as well as works for a 49 km of length around the city of Herat. The feasibility study and detailed design of Herat Bypass were completed under UNOPS supervision and approved by MPW. A work plan signed by the Italian Ambassador and the MPW Minister highlighted that the project would be carried out in the framework of NRAP following the appropriate procedures. Funds are transferred to UNOPS in instalments, and UNOPS will provide fiduciary management to all project aspects and shall report to MPW and Donor on technical and financial aspects. Construction works will be carried out by firms or joint ventures following national open tender procedures. MPW will do evaluation and contract award. Under the project MPW will be responsible for procurement activities, namely selecting and contracting the qualified road construction companies and will retain overall responsibility for management of the project. UNOPS role in the project will be that of Implementing Consultant primarily responsible for the construction supervision and quality assurance services. |