A study to examine the performance of NEPAD'S institutional mechanisms and arrangements in the implementation of the infrastructure short-term action plan (STAP)
Date
2009-10-27T07:32:12Z
Authors
Myataza, Lindelwa Teresa
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Abstract
The aim of this research is to examine the performance of NEPAD’s institutional mechanisms and arrangements in the implementation of the Infrastructure Short-term Action Plan (STAP). Specific reference is made to NEPAD’s roads programme. This research is qualitative. Primary and secondary data is used for analysis. The various issues arising out of the analysis and interpretation of data are addressed. The findings of this research indicate that the key causes of the identified implementation challenges include lack of institutional capacity, particularly in NEPAD’s governance and management structures and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). This problem is exacerbated by NEPAD’s inordinate reliance on external institutional mechanisms and arrangements for programme planning and implementation support, with negative implications for programme management, evaluation and communication. What has amplified implementation delays is NEPAD’s apparent reliance on aspirational projects for implementation and aspirational project structures for implementation management/ coordination. Instead, when implementation challenges arose, NEPAD merely addressed the effects of problems, and even then only superficially. In the short-term, the use of relevant project management methodologies may facilitate effective planning at the various stages of the project life cycle and efficient management of project management functions based on programme/project requirements. To support NEPAD’s objectives for integrated regional development and integrated project implementation, transformational interventions will be required. In addition, relevant trans-sectoral and trans-disciplinary institutional mechanisms and arrangements may need to be integrated at the various levels of planning/management subject to situational or project specificity. The development of effective supranational authorities at regional/sub-regional levels including a strong role of the state with its broad-based institutional formations at national levels will help to enforce implementation of collective agreements that have implications for the implementation of cross-border regional infrastructure programmes/projects.