Monitoring and evaluation of power transmission projects in Zesco
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is an essential aspect in the management of any project. It explains whether a project is meeting its objectives and identifies project areas that need to be adjusted. ZESCO limited is Zambia’s largest utility company responsible for generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Transmission projects in ZESCO are one of the several projects that the utility company undertakes. Currently ZESCO has no prescribed guide that can be used for monitoring and evaluation of projects. The main aim of this study was to develop a time and scope M&E framework for power transmission line projects. The study was guided by three objectives: 1) to scrutinise how power transmission line projects in ZESCO were being monitored and evaluated; 2) to determine ways of managing project information for transmission projects; and 3) to develop guidelines to counter the challenges the organisation was facing in carrying out M&E for power transmission projects. The study reviewed data from the following transmission projects (through detailed analysis of the project documentation); Kariba North Bank – Kafue West 330kV transmission project, Pensulo – Kasama 330kV transmission project, restringing of Kafue town - Mazabuka 88kV line and Leopards Hill to Coventry 132kV transmission line project. A non-probabilistic sampling method called judgement sampling was used in this study. The main research instruments employed in this study were the questionnaire and interview guide. Observation was also used. The majority of the data collected were qualitative in nature. The study established that monitoring and management of information on transmission projects in ZESCO needed to be improved. There was no guide that project managers could use to effectively monitor projects under their control. There was lack of uniformity in the methods used for different projects. Evaluation of transmission projects was rarely carried out on ZESCO projects. Evaluations were mostly carried out on projects funded by international agencies like the World Bank. The study further established that the unit tasked to carry out M&E did not receive the required support from ZESCO management. The M&E framework was therefore developed to guide Project Managers in their work. The study established guidelines to counter the challenges that the organisation was facing in carrying out M&E. Recommendations were also made on ways of improving information management on transmission projects. It is recommended that Directors and Senior Managers who bear responsibility for effecting key corporate decisions be capacitated on the importance and crucial role that M&E provides for an institution during project implementation. There should also be funds in the budget specifically allocated for M&E of power transmission projects. Keywords: monitoring, evaluation, project, management, transmission, ZESCO
Electric Power Transmission-Zambia, Electric Power-Plants-Zambia, Electric Power-Distribution-Zambia, Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation
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