ADB Project Review Mission

The project on Gender-inclusive Access to Clean and Renewable Energy in Bhutan was approved by Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 18 March 2011 with a total amount of USD $3 million through JFPR (Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction) grant to increase women’s role and visibility in policy across South Asia and at the ground level through direct energy sector interventions in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Pursuant to the grant assistant report, ADB has conducted the semi-annual project review mission to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of the project grant.

The main purpose/task of the mission are:

1. Review overall implementation of the project;
2. Update the project implementation schedule in consultation with the implementing agency (IA);
3. Examine the problems that the project has encountered and work out measures with the IA to solve them; and
4. Visit project sites.

The project review mission was scheduled from 26^th to 30^th May 2015. Two mission officials Ms. from Hongwei Zhang, Finance Specialist (Energy)/Mission Leader and Ms. Annie Vizcarra, SAEN Consultant/Mission Member from ADB, Ms. Damchoe Dema from DRE and Mr. Tsheten Dorji from RSPN visited the project sites in lower three Gewogs of Phangkhag, Nagangla and Bjoka in Zhemgang.

The officials met with the women and other community members of Panbang Organic Group in Ngangla Gewog who were trained on organic agriculture, vegetable production, book-keeping and group management. They also interviewed the group and made the field visit for determining the benefits and success of the trainings. They also visited Bjoka Gewog and met with the local community who were trained on bamboo and cane product development. The mission review by interviewing the members so that to determine the benefits and success of the trainings. They also met few of the recently electrified household members in Bjoka and Pantang.

Despite the road-blockages in various locations due to heavy rainfall, it was successful and the mission officials from ADB could determine the impacts and benefits of the project to the rural communities. The officials are of the views that the project has been implemented as per set targets and has benefited the Bjoka Bamboo Group and Panbang Organic Group in particular.

However, the groups need further support from the concerned organizations and agencies for sustainable management of the group.

RSPN thank ADB for the support and DRE and BPC for their technical assistance.

Reported by: Tsheten Dorji, Project Officer