Regions and Countries

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p. 4 of 5 BACK | NEXT I. Country Strategy II. Current Development Trends and Issues III. Implementation of the Country Strategy and Program IV. Portfolio Management Issues V. Country Performance and Assistance Levelsl

Country Strategy and Program Update 2003-2005: Samoa

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IV. Portfolio Management Issues

A. Portfolio Performance

24. Three ADB-financed loan projects are currently being implemented, including two loans approved in 2000, for the education sector⁹ and small business development,¹⁰ and one loan approved in 2001 for power sector improvement¹¹ (Appendix 2, Table A2.7). Overall, the Education Sector Project is progressing on schedule. The first subproject for the Falefitu Primary School has been substantially completed, and the enrolment has increased by 200 students to approximately 330. Three other subprojects are currently under construction, and tenders for three additional satellite schools have been approved by the Tenders Board. A number of subprojects are currently under preparation, and the collaboration and coordination between the Education Department and the Public Works Department in this area is excellent.

25. The Small Business Development Project was approved on 21 November 2000 and declared effective on 8 June 2001. Some initial delays in project implementation have been experienced mainly due to the complexity of project design and the number and diversity of stakeholders involved. The Government is fully aware of the causes of the delays and is working towards speedy compliance with the remaining conditions for loan disbursement. The Government remains fully committed to the smooth and efficient implementation of this project.

26. The Government and the Electric Power Corporation are taking measures to meet the conditions for loan effectiveness of the Power Sector Improvement Project. The loan agreement was signed on 29 April 2002 but has yet to become effective.

B. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation

27. Under the ADB-financed technical assistance (TA) for macroeconomic planning, management, and policy formulation, special emphasis has been placed on sector and project planning and programming. Special units in TD are responsible for monitoring and evaluating externally assisted development projects, as well as the Government's own development programs.

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