Time-Critical Aid: Disaster Reconstruction Assistance--A Better Delivery System Is Needed
NSIAD-87-1
Published: Oct 16, 1986. Publicly Released: Oct 16, 1986.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
GAO reviewed the Agency for International Development's (AID) administration of the disaster reconstruction assistance projects to help Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru after the floods and droughts resulting from the weather phenomenon called El Nino in 1982 and 1983, focusing on steps AID could take to improve the future delivery of time-critical disaster reconstruction assistance.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should establish a clearly defined program category specifically for delivering time-critical disaster reconstruction assistance. Such a category of assistance would address only time-critical elements of rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance beyond the scope of the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance's mandate, which for compelling humanitarian and political reasons should be provided quickly. |
Closed – Implemented
The House and Senate Committees did not request AID to go on record on how it would specifically use its existing policies and procedures.
|
| U.S. Agency for International Development | The Administrator, AID, should require that guidelines governing time-sensitive disaster reconstruction assistance be established and issued. These guidelines should include instructions for: (1) determining the extent to which time-sensitive disaster reconstruction assistance is needed; (2) considering host country agencies' current implementing capabilities; (3) placing less emphasis on institution building in disaster reconstruction project design and instead concentrating on the most expeditious method of efficiently and effectively delivering the disaster assistance; (4) preparing to take a more direct role in ensuring that the disaster project is effectively implemented; (5) confining project coverage to seriously affected regions; (6) treating the disaster reconstruction project as a short-term high priority; (7) using existing procurement, contracting, and waiver authorities; and (8) using expertise on commodity procurement and engineering to assist in design and planning. |
Closed – Implemented
The House and Senate Committees did not request AID to go on record on how it would specifically use its existing policies and procedures.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Disaster relief aidFloodsForeign aid programsForeign financial assistanceFunds managementProgram managementWeatherIrrigation systemsDisastersGovernment procurement