Argentina - Integrated Drug Prevention Pilot Project

 ICRR 11271 Report Number : ICRR11271 ICR Review Operations Evaluation Department 1. Project Data: Date Posted : 08/21/2002 PROJ ID : P058526 Appraisal Actual Project Name : Integrated Drug Prevention Project Costs 6.9 0.0475 Pilot Project US$M ) (US$M) Country : Argentina Loan/ Loan US$M ) 4.75 /Credit (US$M) 0 Sector (s): Board: HE - Other social Cofinancing - - services (93%), Central US$M ) (US$M) government administration (7%) L/C Number : L4472 Board Approval 99 FY) (FY) Partners involved : - Closing Date 12/31/2001 12/31/2000 Prepared by : Reviewed by : Group Manager : Group : E. Hazel Denton Roy Gilbert Alain A. Barbu OEDST 2. Project Objectives and Components a. Objectives To test the applicability of a multi -sectoral drug prevention strategy in the Argentine context via : (i) obtaining a more accurate picture of illicit drug use in Argentina; and (ii) preventing its citizens from becoming illicit drug users . b. Components The project had two major components and a small project implementation unit (PIU): (i) Promotion of local solutions to illicit drug use on a pilot basis via (a) Training local community members and sector professionals; (b) Training youth leaders; and (c) Financing the implementation of municipal plans for drug prevention . (ii) Establish an MIS system to facilitate generation and exchange of information as well as M&E of the project via : (a) A survey-based epidemiological study on drug consumption patterns; (b) Development of training modules to be disseminated by holding workshops; (c) Creation of a network of monitoring centers to strengthen existing institutions focused on drug prevention; and (d) M&E of the project implementation. c. Comments on Project Cost, Financing and Dates The loan became effective nine months after Bank approval due to the Government delay in issuing the Presidential Decree required for loan signing . During this period a presidential election took place, which left the Federal budget discussion for the Government's Fiscal Year 2000 incomplete. This seriously affected a number of activities, including this project. Because of budgetary constraints and a shift in priorities of the new administration, the Government decided to cancel the project . The only disbursement was for the 1% front end fee of $47,500. 3. Achievement of Relevant Objectives: The Project Completion Note does not indicate whether the objectives were achieved without the project . 4. Significant Outcomes/Impacts: Not applicable. 5. Significant Shortcomings (including non-compliance with safeguard policies): Not applicable. 6. Ratings : ICR OED Review Reason for Disagreement /Comments Outcome : Not Rated Not Rated Institutional Dev .: Not Rated Not Rated Sustainability : Not Rated Non-evaluable Bank Performance : Not Rated Unsatisfactory There did not appear to be an adequate appreciation of either the 'old' or the 'new' Government's commitment to the project concept. Borrower Perf .: Not Rated Unsatisfactory While the loan was signed by the 'new' Government in February 2000, it was not  until December 2000 that the Government decided to request loan cancellation . Quality of ICR : Not Rated NOTE: NOTE ICR rating values flagged with ' * ' don't comply with OP/BP 13.55, but are listed for completeness. 7. Lessons of Broad Applicability: Given that the nature and degree of illicit drug abuse in Argentina did not appear to be as serious as in other countries, the Bank team should have been aware that this would be a low -priority loan, and therefore to proceed without a supporting legal framework at election time would a risky strategy . Eventually it proved a waste of resources for both the Bank and the Borrower . 8. Assessment Recommended? Yes No 9. Comments on Quality of ICR: As the project was not implemented, only a Project Completion Note was prepared by the Region .