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Dominican Republic
FY 2001 Program Description and Activity Data Sheets
>> Return to Home Page FY 2001 Program
With a $16.2 million request for FY 2001 (including $4 million in ESF), USAID's assistance program contributes to five Agency goals: Democracy, Population and Health, Education, Economic Growth and Environment. Principal activities include reform of the justice system, civic education and support for popular participation in democratic processes, election monitoring, reproductive health services, HIV/AIDS prevention, and policy reform analysis and dialogue in the economic, environment, energy, education and health sectors. In the aftermath of Hurricane Georges, USAID will continue to provide assistance in reconstructing the country, which contributes to the Agency's humanitarian assistance goal.
In the health sector, USAID will initiate a new reproductive health activity that builds upon the Family Planning project. USAID will work closely with the Dominican government to increase the efficiency of basic health services and redefine the role of the Ministry of Health. Support will also be given to pilot activities in sustainable water and sanitation systems for rural communities, and the expansion of the HIV/AIDS program. In the democracy area, USAID will continue supporting the development of a more effective judicial process, and strengthen civil society to advocate for the consolidation of the democratic process. Under the policy reform strategic objective, USAID will help promote reforms in the areas of economic competitiveness, basic education, energy, and natural resource and environment management. The promotion of economic reforms will assist the Dominican Republic in becoming more competitive in the global economy. USAID will also work closely with selected NGOs to advocate for greater government commitments and more effective investment in basic education. In the environment and energy area, the focus will be to provide alternative energy to the rural areas, and assist in the development of improved natural resource legislation and regulations.
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ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Dominican Republic
TITLE AND NUMBER: Policies Adopted that Promote Good Governance, 517-001
PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $1,115,000 (DA)
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $1,800,000 (DA)
STATUS: New
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1999 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2002Summary: This recently approved strategic objective combines USAID's previous energy and environment strategic objective with its special objective in economic policy reform. Increased democratic freedom and high levels of economic growth have not yet led to improved economic conditions for the majority of Dominicans, causing many to question whether democracy can produce truly sustainable economic progress and tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens. Major impediments to sustained and broad-based growth exist in areas such as economic competitiveness, education, environment, and energy. The Dominican business community is unprepared to compete in global markets. The Dominican economy focuses on paying low wages to its workers in the free trade zones and attracting low-end, package tourism. This trend encourages never-ending downward spiral in wages, reduced service quality levels in the tourism sector, and inattention to related environmental issues. A major constraint to more widespread participation in the nation's economy is the lack of quality education, which is vital to reduce income inequalities and increase entrepreneurship and competitiveness. Hurricane Georges underlined with dramatic intensity the consequences of inappropriate agriculture on hillsides, deforestation and mismanagement of watersheds. State control of the energy sector has led to costly and unreliable electrical service. Regulatory frameworks are nonexistent to provide clear signals to privatized firms and assure appropriate service levels, cost recovery, and consumer pricing. Potential benefits from rural electrification programs to diversify economic growth and promote more environmentally sound alternative renewable energy use are still lacking.
To address these concerns, USAID is promoting reforms in the areas of economic competitiveness, basic education, natural resource and environmental management, and energy privatization and regulation. Reforms in these areas will allow the Dominican Republic to compete effectively in the global economy and broaden the benefits of democracy and a more open economic system. Policy reform promotion also builds upon USAID's successful renewable energy program, the recent capitalization of the state-owned energy generation and distribution companies, and progress toward revising environmental and natural resource legislation and regulations and creating a Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
USAID's policy reform strategic objective supports the U.S. national interest of economic prosperity by contributing to the strategic goals of open markets, U.S. exports, and economic growth. Poverty and lack of economic opportunity are the main reasons that large numbers of Dominicans wish to emigrate. Protectionist trade policies are a major factor contributing to increasing food prices, creating even more economic pressure on those Dominicans who live below the poverty line. USAID's policy reform dialogue supports Summit of the Americas initiatives for free trade and encouraging small and micro enterprises. Basic education reform contributes to Summit initiatives that recognize the transcendent nature of education and its critical importance to economic and political reforms. Environment and energy reforms contribute to the U.S. national interests of protecting the environment and economic prosperity. USAID support for commercially viable renewable energy, as well as its policy dialogue on power system restructuring, have opened the economy to increased trade and investment, thereby promoting economic growth and providing opportunities for more investment from the United States. USAID's environment and energy objective contributes directly to the Summit of the America's partnerships for sustainable energy use, biodiversity, and pollution prevention.
Key Results: The Dominican Republic improved its score on the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index from 3.45 to 3.35 (ranking is from 5 [unfree] to 1 [free]). Four key socio-economic reform bills were introduced in Congress by the executive branch last year: a capital market law, social security reform, a code to regulate the market that includes antitrust measures, and a law for the issuing of government bonds. Unfortunately, deterioration of the political environment, in particular antagonistic relations between the executive branch and the congressional majority, has resulted in delays in the passage of key legislation. New renewable energy systems increased from 7 to 34, which was 220% beyond target. Farmer participation in soil conservation increased from 4,000 to 5,055 farmers, which was 67% over the target. Installed capacity of renewable energy and hectares treated with soil conservation practices did not reach their targets due to the negative impacts of an extensive drought starting in late 1997, followed by Hurricane Georges in September of 1998.
Performance and Prospects: Technical analyses, training, dialogue and information provided to government economic policy makers led to the initiation of key reforms and the submittal to Congress of those reforms requiring new legislation. The Dominican government sent to Congress seven bills in 1999 aimed at modernizing the functioning of the economy, including a code of consumer rights, a new Market Order Code containing antitrust measures, a new legal framework for the stock exchange and a bill covering social security reform. The government has taken further steps outside the legislative arena to open up the economy. The privatization (capitalization) of several state-run enterprises, such as all electricity generation and distribution companies, a number of sugar mills and cane fields, a wheat mill, and four international airports are among the corrective steps taken by the Dominican government. In addition, the government continues to increase budget allocations to the social sectors. While the agricultural sector remains relatively closed, USAID has provided key analyses to the GODR to assist them in working towards liberalizing food imports. USAID is also assisting the Ministry of Finance and the Dominican Stock Market on the issuance of public bonds and has funded studies on the Exchange Rate Market and provided technical assistance to the Central Bank. Over the coming years, USAID will assist the Dominican private and public sectors to: 1) develop a national competitiveness strategy; 2) carry out a competitiveness analysis and design a competitiveness strategy for the region of Santiago; 3) analyze and design a competitiveness strategy to promote linkages between private and public sector entities involved in the fruit and nut industry, which has very high export potential; and 4) design a competitive strategy for micro and small enterprises and support their initiatives to integrate into the global economy.
Encouraged by the success of USAID-funded demonstration activities in photovoltaics, several Dominican commercial firms have established businesses in renewable energy, resulting in millions of dollars worth of panels imported from the United States. The Dominican commercial banking sector has started to demonstrate some interest in solar energy and energy efficiency. Demand for small wind systems has also increased tremendously in the country due to USAID demonstrated commercial feasibility of renewable energy alternatives. The Dominican government also created an energy regulatory body, which initiated the process of establishing environmental standards and conducting environmental audits of the energy sector. In spite of the capitalization of the electrical generation and distribution companies and the new regulatory environment, however, neither the government nor the private sector have developed plans to address the growing demand for electricity in the rural sector. Consequently, USAID will assist in providing renewable energy alternatives to address this large segment of the population through the design of a national rural electrification plan and identify opportunities for potential non-electrified rural areas.
Building on efforts in demonstrating economically attractive models for effective natural resource management with ample community participation in the design and implementation of activities, USAID will assist the Dominican government in carrying out an environmental assessment, establishing a new environmental law and implementing regulations that will correct current weaknesses in policies for natural resource management and environmental protection. USAID will promote the adoption of policies for the sustained use of the national forests and management of key watersheds. Special emphasis will be placed on the approval of market-oriented policies that enhance the generation of income from sound natural resource management.
In the education sector, USAID will work with selected NGOs to build coalitions within the broader civil society to advocate for greater government commitment and investment to reform basic education. This initiative includes working with local institutions to introduce transparency and better accountability through the decentralization of basic education.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: As this strategic objective was just recently approved, no adjustments to plans are anticipated at this time.
Other Donor Programs: The IDB and World Bank have over $100 million in funds for basic education improvements. USAID will be working closely with them in developing appropriate policy reforms and ensuring civil society participation in the reform process. The IDB has expressed strong interest in participating in USAID's competitiveness strategy activities with the Dominican public and private sectors. Spain, Germany and the European Union are providing funding in natural resources, reforestation and dry forest management. The World Bank and IDB are financing major irrigation projects as well as the expansion of the electric power system.
Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Grantees and contractors include the Santo Domingo Technological Institute, the Foundation for Economy and Development; UCLA, the University of Wisconsin and Georgia State University; the Harvard Institute for International Development, the Boston Institute for Developing Economies, Chemonics International, Inc., Monitor Company, Austin & Associates, Global Consulting, Winrock International, Enersol, The Nature Conservancy, the Mother and Teacher Catholic University, and Action for Education.
Selected Performance Measures: Baseline
(1997)Actual
(1998)Target
(1999)Target
(2000)Target
(2001)Number of identified policy reforms
approved by Dominican
Government (not cumulative)0 4 6 4 4 Number of wind and micro-hydro
demonstration systems installed
in the country as a result
of USAID funding2 (1996) 34 60 (Indicator replaced) Number of farmers participating
in conservation activities
in project areas360 (1994) 5,055 5,500 (Indicator replaced) National rural electrification
plan developed0 0 1 1 Country environmental
assessment completed0 0 1 1 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Dominican Republic
TITLE AND NUMBER: Increased Use of Sustainable Basic Health Services and Practices, 517-002
PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $2,800,000 (DA), $2,900,000 (CSD)
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $4,300,000 (DA), $4,649,000 (CSD)
STATUS: Continuing
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1993 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2004Summary: Recognizing that basic health services, especially those provided by the public sector, are not adequately reaching the poor, the Dominican government has initiated a process of sector reform and decentralization. While capacity at the provincial and municipal levels is being strengthened through sector loans and technical assistance, the translation of these investments into better care and improved health status has yet to be felt. In addition, the country continues to suffer the impact of Hurricane Georges. The number of monthly malaria cases reported early in the year were triple the levels seen in 1998. Thousands of Dominican families lost access to potable water and sanitation systems. After three years without a case of measles, an estimated 200 confirmed cases have been reported in 1999. Finally, the Dominican Republic continues to struggle with changing the behavior of a young, sexually active population to reduce HIV transmission and unintended pregnancy. A reported 54% of adolescent boys are sexually active, averaging 3.3 partners over the last year. Nearly 30% of adolescent girls and young women are reported to have abandoned their studies as a result of pregnancy or marriage.
To address this situation, USAID's strategic objective in health responds to both immediate needs for preventive services and institution strengthening strategies to tackle structural, systemic problems of the public health system. USAID works closely with both governmental and non-governmental organizations as partners to improve basic health services, including reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and child survival. This strategic objective aims to reduce transmission of HIV and other infectious diseases, reduce unintended pregnancy, and increase utilization of basic services such as immunization, pre-natal care, growth monitoring and well-baby care. Using CSD, USAID is promoting policy reforms and pilot demonstrations to improve immunization coverage and community-based Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI). USAID expects to see increased Dominican government expenditures on preventive and primary care, implementation of decentralization and empowerment at the local level and a redefinition of the role of the Ministry of Health as a normative body.
USAID's health strategic objective contributes to the U.S. national interests of health and infectious diseases, as well as population. It is also an important contributor to the strategic goal of economic development. The Dominican Republic is one of the epicenters for HIV/AIDS infection in the Caribbean. This coupled with the high rate of travel by Dominicans and U.S. tourists between the two countries increases the risk of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. USAID's health program also contributes to equitable access to basic health services, a key Summit of the America's initiative.
Key Results: HIV/AIDS/STI services are being offered at 117 delivery points (111% of target) benefiting such underserved populations as sugarcane plantations, youth, family planning users, industrial zone workers, and people living with HIV. In reproductive health, 417 peer educators (185% of target) were trained to provide adolescent reproductive health information and services to youth, parents, teachers and community leaders. The percent of families served with potable water systems in 117 communities increased from 33% to 47% (118% of target), thereby reducing diarrhea and water-borne diseases. Finally, in addition to the adoption of three new models (150% of target) for preventive health practices, the Ministry of Health has decentralized health services to the provincial level.
Performance and Prospects: HIV prevalence projections for the year 2000 forecast national seroprevalence at 2.5%, a significant decline over earlier estimations of 4.5%. Although this promising news needs to be validated with more in-depth studies, it suggests that prevention interventions of the past several years have had an impact on the rate of infection. During 1999, USAID supported the development of a new National AIDS Strategy with participation from a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The strategy was presented and discussed at a National Health Forum to gain multi-sectoral support to fight against this epidemic. In addition to working at the community level to provide educational services to both the general population and high-risk populations, USAID's HIV/AIDS prevention program expanded its scope to include support and services to individuals and families affected by the disease. During the past year, a local nongovernmental organization has formed self-help groups that have reached 515 HIV+ persons and 754 family members. At the policy level, another local organization conducted training for state court justices and attorney generals on the AIDS law. USAID is also supporting voluntary counseling and testing in public maternity hospitals and prepackaged treatment for sexually transmitted infections. The results of these two pilot activities will be assessed to expand the number of sites and incorporate the protocols into national norms.
Continued expansion of post-partum reproductive health services reached fourteen maternity hospitals in 1999, an increase over ten the previous year. As part of an effort to increase access and quality of reproductive health services offered by the Dominican Social Security Institute, USAID introduced a Performance Improvement (PI) approach, which is a methodology used to identify problems in the performance of primary care providers, the causes of these problems, and the interventions that can be applied to address these causes. Early results in using this approach show a 62% increase in client satisfaction and a 200% increase in provider knowledge. These promising results have heightened Ministry of Health interest in adopting the PI approach nation wide. In addition to community-based and clinical reproductive health services provided by NGOs, USAID funded a demonstration project whereby three NGOs were contracted to provide training, logistics and medical services at the provincial levels. The lessons from this project will help further public-private collaborations sought under the reform program. At the policy level, a seminar on population projections for 80 members of Congress was held during National Population Week. The event raised awareness on the critical aspects of demographic changes occurring among the Dominican population.
USAID also launched a national communication strategy, called Proyecto Si (Project Yes), to improve self-esteem and change adult attitudes toward youth. In 1999, youth committees were formed in three major cities to develop strategic plans on applying this strategy to local conditions. During the next year, activities are being planned in three priority areas: health, recreation and employment.
Using CSD, USAID is endorsing its "Total Community Participation" model to establish sustainable water and sanitation systems for rural and peri-urban communities. USAID is providing technical assistance to the Dominican Water Authority to adopt the model for all systems built or rehabilitated by the Dominican government.
Over this past year, USAID provided technical assistance to the Dominican government to develop a monitoring and evaluation system for health reform. This system clearly outlines the key objectives of the reforms with indicators that will be tracked. The development of this monitoring and evaluation system was a highly collaborative effort that has assisted consensus building and opened the debate to all stakeholders. In addition, using CSD USAID is working in four provinces to develop models for decentralization. Using a participatory self-assessment approach, the provinces have defined their weaknesses in management, supervision, quality control and public/private partnership. Based on these assessments, each province has developed a plan to improve performance. The lessons learned from their experiences will be diffused to the other 30 municipal and provincial health directorates. USAID will continue to assist in the decentralization effort at the provincial level and provide support for health policy advocacy and analysis.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: In FY 2000 a new reproductive health activity will be developed to ensure continued provision of services to specific, vulnerable segments of the population. This activity will address the sustainability of NGO partners and reinforce the health reform process.
Other Donor Programs: In the area of sector reform, USAID's funding complements large multi-year loans from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank that total over $100 million. Loans have also been secured in the water sector to continue to expand access and rebuild damaged systems from Hurricane Georges. USAID, UNAIDS and the EU are coordinating assistance to the GODR in producing situational and response analyses for HIV/AIDS. In the areas of HIV prevention and reproductive health, collaboration with UNAIDS, UNICEF, and UNFPA remains critical to maximize scarce UN resources and implement policy reforms. USAID works very closely at the technical level with PAHO, especially in the areas of reform and decentralization, adolescent reproductive health, immunization and integrated management of childhood illness. In the past year USAID has begun formalizing a Japanese-US Common Agenda platform in the Dominican Republic with the Japanese government. The Japanese have agreed to fund two Grassroots Grants to USAID-supported NGOs and a possible Child Health Grant for vaccines in 2000. Finally, a German-financed reproductive health project planned in 1996 will finally commence in 2000 in the eastern part of the island.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Current grantees and contractors include the Academy for Educational Development, Development Associates, Entrena and ABT Associates.
Selected Performance Measures: Baseline
(1996)Actual
(1998)Target
(1999)Target
(2000)Target
(2001)Number of delivery points offering
STI/HIV/AIDS services94 (1997) 117 (indicator replaced) Number of volunteers trained to provide
adolescent reproductive health information
and services50 (1994) 417 527 (indicator replaced) Percent of families served with potable
water systems in target areas26% 47% 44% (indicator replaced) New Indicators: Total health expenditure incurred in
prevention program6.2% -- N/A 7% 8% Married women (15-49) using a modern
contraceptive method59% -- 64% 65% 67% Sexually active population practicing
low risk behavior for HIV/AIDS/STI
Men
Women67%
72%--
--68%
83%70%
84%71%
85%Children 12-23 months of age vaccinated
with diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus58% -- 61% 62% 63%
U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Dominican Republic
TITLE AND NUMBER: More Participatory, Representative and Better Functioning Democracy Achieved, 517-003
PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $3,285,000 (DA), $3,000,000 (ESF)
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $3,686,000 (DA), $4,000,000 (ESF)
STATUS: Continuing
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2002Summary: Although the Dominican Republic cannot yet be termed a consolidated democracy, elections have resulted in the transfer of political power over the past two decades. The 1996 presidential and 1998 congressional and municipal elections were held with a high degree of transparency. However, given the prevalence of clientelism within the political parties, together with the general weakness of most state institutions, this strategic objective continues to focus on enhancing the capacity of civil society, increasing local capacity to monitor elections, and strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights. Civil society groups need to acquire greater expertise in advocating for, and monitoring progress toward, the consolidation of democratic gains in the electoral process, the independence of the judiciary, and the modernization of the legislature and local governments. In addressing these problems, all Dominicans will benefit from a strengthened democratic system and a lively, active civil society better able to defend political and civil liberties against authoritarian encroachments.
USAID's democracy and governance strategic objective addresses the U.S. Embassy's top priority national interests of democracy and human rights, and law enforcement. Strengthening democratic institutions assures adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights. It also contributes to the reduction in criminal activity detrimental to the United States, including drug trafficking and money laundering. Promoting the rule of law also expands opportunities for U.S. commercial interests and protects U.S. citizens in property and investment disputes. Effective government institutions and respect for human rights promote increased economic and social stability, while also discouraging migration to the United States. Strengthening democracy, promoting and protecting human rights, invigorating society and community participation, and combating corruption are all Summit of the Americas initiatives that this strategic objective strongly supports.
Key Results: The Dominican Republic's Freedom House score improved from "partly free" to "free". The Supreme Court replaced over two-thirds of all lower-court judges using rigorous written and oral exams, public hearings, background checks and extensive consultations with community groups. Women now comprise 34% of all judges, including one-third of the Supreme Court. The large number of poll monitoring volunteers (11,000 volunteers, 110% of target) and the unquestionable legitimacy of the Congressional and municipal election outcomes reflected growing civil society support for more genuine and competitive electoral processes. Finally, close to half of all Dominican adults (2,020,000 citizens) participated in the USAID-funded Democratic Initiatives Project, with 57% of these participants being women.
Performance and Prospects: Since USAID began supporting justice sector reforms and modernization beginning in 1997, remarkable advances have been made in strengthening judicial organizations and rule of law. Modest USAID resources have successfully catalyzed Dominican state and civil society funded initiatives to modernize the criminal justice system while deepening independence of the Judiciary from special interests. Strong coordination between key Dominican government officials and an active and lively civil society has defended the justice sector reform agenda from anti-reform backlashes. The achievements of the past two years are by regional standards unprecedented. Key achievements over the last year include: a Judicial Career Law enacted; an Inspector General of Tribunal organization created; National District Public Ministry (National Prosecutors) offices modernized; a Career Law for prosecutors drafted based on best regional practices and presented to the Executive for approval; a state funded Public Defense organization created; a Public Defense system bill drafted and presented to Congress for enactment; a modern adversarial system based Criminal Code and Criminal Procedures Codes drafted in an extraordinary joint venture between government and civil society; 22 trial courts and all prosecutor offices in the National District with improved administration; time to trial was cut in half in the National District and is projected to be reduced further with the introduction of a USAID-funded automated criminal case tracking system; and a community based conciliation and mediation center was designed and established with program assistance and GODR funding and is the model for a future national system. This and other alternative dispute mechanisms have reduced the inflow of criminal cases by more than half in the National District. Accordingly, through 2002 the program will build upon these impressive achievements.
The efforts of the USAID-funded local organization, Citizen Participation, to recruit, train, and certify electoral observers, and to maintain their now customary high standards in conducting quick and parallel counts, represented a major contribution to the totally legitimate and unquestioned Congressional and municipal elections in all 115 municipal districts. Citizen Participation incorporated 11,000 Dominicans in its electoral observations. Over half of the volunteers were women. More than one hundred NGOs assisted directly in the observation process, together with more than twenty groups of various religious denominations. The technical staff used on election day for data input and processing consisted almost exclusively of hundreds of boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 17, thus freeing up the adults to attend the polls. In preparation for the presidential elections in 2000, USAID is supporting Citizen Participation in its comprehensive electoral observation program. Activities include observation of political parties' primary elections, publication of an electoral Code of Ethics, compilation of biographies of electoral board members, and training campaigns for 6,000 pollwatchers. This civic movement is collaborating with the USAID-funded Democratic Initiatives (DI) project - which supports civic education among community groups - in a two-part national campaign to encourage the examination of political platforms during the elections and the implementation of those platforms after the elections are held.
Dominican civil society has taken firm steps toward consolidating those spaces where organizations and institutions can voice concerns, develop action plans, and exchange lessons learned. Two events that took place last year - both sponsored by the DI project - serve as prime examples of how USAID partners continue to expand the number of involved, engaged citizens: 1) Conscientious Vote Day -- 256 NGOs countrywide participated in a day of workshops around the issue of citizen rights and duties in the light of the upcoming elections; and, 2) Our Ideal Municipality - fifteen community organizations, in collaboration with several hundred NGOs, held over 300 workshops around the topic of citizen participation in municipal development. Both events required ample preparation of printed materials, training of facilitators, massive media campaigns, and close monitoring of all activities to guarantee optimal use of resources nationwide. Approximately 35,000 people participated in these two events, which in turn paved the way for further NGO action around issues of citizens' rights (e.g., local participation) and responsibilities (e.g., elections). Through the DI project, USAID will continue to foster participatory grassroots democracy through activities to educate and motivate Dominican citizens in the practice of democratic values and civic responsibilities. USAID is promoting civic education among high-school students in rural and urban areas in cooperation with the Department of State's Public Affairs Office and the Civic Education Center of Los Angeles. Under this activity, USAID has also undertaken a new initiative that seeks an inclusive dialogue among government policy-makers, the private business sector, and grassroots and community groups on the topics of economic and educational reform, environmental protection, and resource management.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: Progress has been made towards a true separation of state powers, one of the major structural changes required to achieve a consolidated democracy. Civil society must now widen its expertise in the areas of public advocacy, policy dialogue, respect for human rights and participatory decision-making.
Other Donor Programs: The IDB is providing $40 million for a land registry and valuation program. The World Bank has contributed nearly $180,000 for justice reform. France and Spain have also contributed to improving the justice system. The IDB is providing funds for civil society advocacy efforts. The European Union is expected to provide funds for democracy and governance programs over the next few years.
Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Current contractors and grantees include the National Center for State Courts, Chemonics International, Florida International University, Casals and Associates, the Foundation for Institutionality and Justice, Citizen Participation, the Interamerican Institute for Human Rights, and the Mother and Teacher Pontifical Catholic University.
Selected Performance Measures: Baseline
(1996)Actual
(1998)Target
(1999)Target
(2000)Target
(2001)Average number of months for
case disposition in criminal courts
(National District)13.8 6.5 6.5 6.0 5.5 Number of cases where service
is provided by certified
public defenders800
M=443
W=3571,301
M=834
W=4672,000 4,000 8,000 Percent of citizens participating
in USAID-funded Democratic
Initiative Project activities48.6%
M=864,300
F=1,145,700
(baseline)53% 55% 55% Number of citizens involved in
monitoring elected officials at
national and local levels*5,000 10,000 N/A 6,000 8,000
*The number of pollwatchers for the 1998 elections was set at 10,000 due to the large number of poll sites needed for congressional and municipal elections. Presidential elections for 2000 require fewer sites and, therefore, fewer observers.
U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: Dominican Republic
TITLE AND NUMBER: Hurricane Georges Reconstruction, 517-005
PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: none
PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: none
STATUS: Continuing
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1999 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001Summary: On September 22, 1998, Hurricane Georges entered the Dominican Republic from the southeast with winds of up to 120 miles per hour. Over a twelve-hour period, it wreaked havoc across the country. Heavy winds severely damaged the eastern region, while the southwest suffered from extensive flood damage. At least 280 people have been confirmed dead. Total direct losses are estimated at $2 billion and total economic losses at $3.3 billion. All socio-economic areas suffered: approximately $474 million in agricultural infrastructure and production losses; $380 million in destroyed and damaged homes; $46 million in electricity losses; $34 million lost in educational infrastructure; rural health care centers damaged and destroyed; hospitals suffered major damages; water systems were made inoperable; communicable and water-borne diseases increased; and thousands of homeless people sought shelter. Over a million Dominicans are estimated to be at risk in terms of their health due to the hurricane. The purpose of this Special Objective is to mitigate damages from Hurricane Georges. This program will focus on those in most need in the areas hardest hit by the hurricane, principally in the southwest, east and the National District.
Key Results: Five key intermediate results are necessary to achieve this objective: 1) Mitigation of Health Risks: Number of people in targeted communities who will be provided with access to rebuilt potable water systems and sanitation systems; 2) Restoration of Shelter: Number of homes in targeted communities that will be built or repaired; 3) Restoration of Food Supply Levels: 300,000 Dominicans will receive emergency food by 1999; 4) Reactivation of Economic Activities: Number of small farmers in targeted areas receiving assistance to rehabilitate their farms and improve their livestock and agricultural productivity practices; and 5) Disasters Mitigated: Number of hectares of land treated with improved soil conservation and management practices in affected areas, including reforestation.
During 1999, USAID funds were used for agricultural rehabilitation, the provision of temporary shelters, and emergency food assistance. A total of 700 m2 of land was leveled to install sawmills, 3,000 meters of roads were rehabilitated, and 1,200 meters of roads were built in order to extract trees felled during the hurricane. To provide temporary shelters, a total of 2,916 houses and 2,432 latrines were repaired or reconstructed. Also, a total of 16,500 MTs of P.L. 480, Title II emergency food (which included rice, beans, vegetable oil, fortified cereal products, wheat and peas) was distributed to 330,000 Dominicans through the World Food Program and the Red Cross. In addition, a total of 100,000 MTs of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Section 416(b) wheat was delivered and sold to local millers. The funds generated from the sale of this wheat (valued at approximately $16 million) are being used to rehabilitate small and medium scale farming and livestock operations throughout the country. To date, nine projects have been approved totaling approximately $8 million. These initial projects focus on rehabilitating coffee, cocoa and sugar cane producing areas, replanting lost crops, agroforestry/reforestation, replacing livestock, and rehabilitating rice-processing factories.
Performance and Prospects: In May 1999, $29 million of the Central American and Caribbean Emergency Disaster Relief Funds (CACEDRF) was allotted for hurricane reconstruction in the Dominican Republic to mitigate the damage caused by Hurricane Georges. In August 1999, USAID/DR signed a bilateral agreement with the Dominican government that obligated the $29 million. USAID/DR is currently sub-obligating these funds through various contractors and NGOs. USAID is using $6.8 million of the CACEDRF to reduce the health risks of hurricane victims. These funds are for activities aimed to reduce the general population's risks linked to vector-borne and infectious diseases, to provide access to potable water, and to rebuild sanitation systems in impacted communities. Assistance is also being used to reinforce a decentralized, epidemiological surveillance system to control hurricane-related diseases and to set-up a Nutritional Surveillance System in response to the increased risk for malnutrition. A total of $7.8 million is being used to assist hurricane victims in repairing and reconstructing their houses. $7.3 million is being used to reactivate economic opportunities of needy people affected by Hurricane Georges. Most of these people are small farmers who lost their crops and face the grim prospect of resuming farming activities under difficult economic conditions on severely degraded soils. In addition, planned activities will support the self-help efforts of microentrepreneurs who need technical assistance and training to undertake or resume their income-producing activities. In the energy sector, approaches focus on water pumping for villages and provisions of electricity and communication services for rural schools and community commercial centers. A total of $4.4 million of the Central American and Caribbean Emergency Disaster Relief Funds is being used to address environmental concerns and to contribute to disaster mitigation efforts. Assistance focuses on stabilizing soils where erosion threatens infrastructure and agriculture and reducing fire risk from hurricane-damaged timber. Efforts also focus on establishing an improved disaster coordination mechanism among the various GODR agencies and civil groups so that disaster response is more timely and efficient. This effort includes strengthening the capability and readiness of non-governmental and community-based organizations so they can help Dominican communities prevent, mitigate and prepare for future disasters.
As was the case with Hurricane David in 1979, well-intentioned hurricane relief can easily become paternalistic and foster dependency if proper design and planning efforts are not undertaken. Reconstruction assistance provided under this program ensures customer ownership and the fostering of joint nongovernmental organization and Dominican government efforts.
Possible Adjustments to Plans: Given the short period of time to implement the Reconstruction Program, one possible change to plans may be an adjustment of funding between sectors, depending on how quickly activities are being implemented.
Other Donor Programs: The IDB and World Bank are providing soft loans to the Dominican government of $117 million and $110 million respectively to assist in the reconstruction effort. Funds from the World Bank are for school reconstruction, roads and bridges, irrigation and water management, and municipal health services. IDB funding will be used for reconstruction of roads and bridges, urban water systems, electricity lines, social spending, community rehabilitation, and disaster mitigation planning. The International Monetary Fund provided an emergency credit line of $55 million. The European Union is providing $42 million, mostly for infrastructure rehabilitation, and small amounts in light construction materials, water purification and emergency relief. Spain provided $21 million for loans for humanitarian aid, small businesses, agriculture, and communications. The United Nations is providing $12 million for social, community and agricultural development.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Grantees, contractors and participating agencies include the Pan American Health Organization, John Snow International, Cooperative Housing Foundation, National Rural Electrification Cooperative Association, International Resource Group, ENTRENA, S.A., the U.S. Peace Corps, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Selected Performance Measures: Baseline
(1998)Target
(2000)Target
(2001)Percentage of homes in benefited
communities provided with adequate
water supplies0% (indicator replaced) Percentage of homes in benefited
communities provided adequate
health care services0% (indicator replaced) Number of Dominicans receiving
Title II emergency food 10 300,000
Selected Performance Measures: Baseline
(1998)Target
(1999)Target
(2000)Target
(2001)Number of people in targeted
communities who will be provided with
access to rebuilt potable water systems
and sanitation systems (cumulative)0 37,000 57,000 92,000 Number of homes in targeted
communities that will be built or
repaired (cumulative)0 0 2,000 5,000 Number of small farmers in targeted
areas receiving assistance to rehabilitate
their farms and improve their livestock
and agricultural productivity practices 20 TBD TBD TBD Number of hectares of land treated with
improved soil conservation and management
practices in affected areas, including
reforestation 30 TBD TBD TBD
1 This indicator does not have a 2001 target because the food distribution program is expected to end in 2000.
2 Proposals are currently being received. Firm targets will be provided within a month.
3 Proposals are currently being received. Firm targets will be provided within a month.U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)
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Last Updated on: January 18, 2001 |
