Table 3.7 Community features
3.2.3.3 Project outcomes
The projects implemented in the three Balkh CCDCs were:
-
Community centre and clinic (Etifaq)
-
Roads (Sarab)
-
Roads and wells (Azadi)
Most of the projects were implemented successfully, if not perfectly. The one exception was the failure of the deep well boring in Azadi CCDC due to the rocky ground – individual smaller shallow water wells were drilled instead. The roads in Sarab and Azadi were successfully constructed: the former is 22.68km long and the latter is 7.13km long with 12 culverts. The community centre in Etifaq has been built but had not yet been inaugurated when the researchers visited the CCDC. The clinic is operating, although it is judged to be in a poor condition.
Photo 3.7 CCDC members in Balkh
The projects benefit the vast majority of community members in the relevant CCDC areas. The one major exception is the case of Yakatoot CDC in Etifaq CCDC – Yakatoot disagreed with the choice of projects, refused to pay its 10% contribution and ceased cooperation with the cluster. The CDC claims it has not benefitted from the community centre or clinic given that they are located far from the community (see map). Nevertheless, apparently some villagers from Yakatoot do make use of the clinic (which is located in Mashi CDC, quite far from Yakatoot). The community centre, located in Hussain Khil CDC, is also quite far from other CDCs and thus not benefitting them to a great extent.
Despite the largely successful implementation of the projects, there were serious concerns regarding the sustainability of the projects. Maintenance and protection plans were lacking for the roads and it was suggested that they might not last more than one or two years given damage caused by flooding. While their were signs that the community was prepared to contribute some resources to the continued maintenance of the projects (given their initial investment in them and belief in their worth), their capacity to do so was limited given the high costs involved. Moreover, the fact that none of the Balkh CCDCs continue to function severely undermines the ability to ensure projects are protected and kept in functioning order.
CCDC
|
Project(s)
|
Success
|
Sustainable
|
In use
|
Benefits all
|
Etifaq
|
Community centre and clinic
|
Yes
|
Limited
|
Yes
|
No
|
Sarab
|
Roads95
|
Yes
|
Limited96
|
Yes97
|
Yes
|
Azadi
|
Roads98 and wells99
|
Yes and No100
|
Limited101
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Table 3.8 Project type and outcome
CCDC
|
Initial disagreement? (reason)
|
Resolved? (how)
|
CDCs satisfied with final choice?
|
Etifaq
|
Yes. Yakatoot against construction of clinic – wanted pipe scheme.
|
Resolved between all but Yakatoot, which remains in disagreement.
|
No. Yakatoot not content.
|
Sarab
|
No – all villages agreed on the road.
|
N/A
|
Yes
|
Azadi
|
No – all agreed on road and wells.
|
N/A
|
Yes
|
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