Tajikistan - Post-Conflict Rehabilitation Credit

 ICRR 10406 Report Number : ICRR10406 ICR Review Operations Evaluation Department 1. Project Data : OEDID : OEDID: C3022 Project ID : P055133 Project Name : Post-Conflict Rehabilitation Credit Country : Tajikistan Sector : Other Non-sector Specific L/C Number : C3022 Partners involved : Prepared by : Michael R. Lav, OEDCR Reviewed by : H. Levy Group Manager : Alice Galenson, Acting Date Posted : 07/28/1999 2. Project Objectives, Financing, Costs and Components : Objectives : (i) to provide foreign exchange for critical imports; (ii) improve the performance of the social safety net for the most vulnerable groups in the country . Financing and Costs : The US$9.7 million IDA credit was disbursed in one tranche. The credit was approved in FY 98 and closed, as scheduled, on December 31, 1998. 3. Achievement of Relevant Objectives : The Project provided foreign exchange in accordance with its objectives . The counterpart funds generated by the project were used to provide social safety net payments thereby reducing arrears (US$6.8 million equivalent), and to finance expenditures related to the implementation of peace (US$2.9 million equivalent) including the costs of (i) transportation of refugees returning from CIS countries, (ii) rehabilitating their homes, and (iii) demobilization and re-integration of ex-combatants. 4. Significant Achievements : The project was quickly prepared and processed and provided the government with funding though a difficult post-conflict period. Two surveys were undertaken in difficult circumstances to ensure that expenditures were being used appropriately. 5. Significant Shortcomings : None 6. Ratings : ICR OED Review Reason for Disagreement /Comments Outcome : Satisfactory Satisfactory Institutional Dev .: Not Applicable Modest Despite being rapidly prepared in very difficult circumstances, the project had a modest impact on institutional development, particularly in the area of budget management (two surveys confirmed that funds intended to support the social safety net were in fact so used . Given Tajikistan's wide ranging problems at this time, this was an important result .) Equipment and support provided for the CNR was also important in helping this key institution to function. Sustainability : Likely Likely Bank Performance : Highly Satisfactory Highly Satisfactory Given the limited objectives of this operation, Bank performance was highly  satisfactory in producing quickly a project which met essential needs. Borrower Perf .: Satisfactory Satisfactory Quality of ICR : Satisfactory 7. Lessons of Broad Applicability : Flexibility and speed are essential if the Bank is to be of real help in post -conflict cases. Balance of Payments support provided both. Equally important is the correct assessment by the Bank that a new government emerging from a conflict merits this kind of support, as in this case . 8. Audit Recommended? Yes No 9. Comments on Quality of ICR : The ICR is clear and concise, appropriate for a project with simple objectives (even though the circumstances made implementation challenging).