Having supported the Government of Pakistan in establishing the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (ERRA) as the key point of coordination and management for earthquake reconstruction, Crown Agents has also worked with ERRA over the last 2-3 years to support the effective use of reconstruction resources.
Initially this support consisted of helping ERRA define a bespoke monitoring and evaluation framework against which all reconstruction projects could be measured. This involved working with ERRA to establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Wing to provide real time monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects and information and analysis on the overall progress and effectiveness of reconstruction process including the social impact of projects. The role of the M&E Wing has been critical in ensuring resources are used well and that lessons are learned to enhance reconstruction activities.
More recently Crown Agents has been engaged with ERRA to review and enhance their financial management processes. Through close collaboration with Crown Agents, ERRA has been able to procure and install a financial management information system (FMIS) to ensure effective use of reconstruction funds. The FMIS was a complex IT project requiring significant process change and implementation across extremely remote parts of the country.
This project, which finished at the end of 2009 has already delivered tangible benefits including:
- Enhanced planning through greater visibility for managers of all commitments and expenditure on a real-time basis;
- More reliable and timely revenue and expenditure data enable government staff to be better informed for budget planning, budget monitoring and reporting;
- Greater transparency and accountability of reconstruction funds through up to date information on the status of all expenditure.
Responding to catastrophes such as the earthquakes in Pakistan, Haiti and Chile requires long term commitment. Long after the emergency phase has ended the reconstruction phase continues. Reconstruction is greatly enhanced by planning early and providing ongoing support so that resources committed to reconstruction are effectively used.