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Does the semi-autonomous agency model function in a low-governance environment ? the case of the road development agency in Zambia

Author

Listed:
  • Raballand, Gael
  • Bridges, Kate
  • Beuran, Monica
  • Sacks, Audrey

Abstract

This paper uses Zambia as a case study to assess empirically whether political interference in a low-governance environment has diminished in the past years as expected after a semi-autonomous agency model was set up ten years ago. The road sector in Zambia has experienced some significant developments since then. The paper uses data on contract from 2008 to 2011 and analyses a number of key trends related to Road Development Agency governance and staffing dynamics as well as procurement and project selection within the institution. The main findings indicate that, after some years of implementation of these reforms, there is reason to question whether the model of semi-autonomous agency enables road management to be shielded from political interference. Zambia may be an isolated case but, so far, this model does not seem to have been able to decrease political interference in the selection or supervision of projects and there seems to have been an increased lack of accountability of civil servants working in this sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Raballand, Gael & Bridges, Kate & Beuran, Monica & Sacks, Audrey, 2013. "Does the semi-autonomous agency model function in a low-governance environment ? the case of the road development agency in Zambia," Policy Research Working Paper Series 6585, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6585
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ken Gwilliam & Ajay Kumar, 2003. "How Effective Are Second-Generation Road Funds? A Preliminary Appraisal," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 18(1), pages 113-128.
    2. Bent Flyvbjerg, 2009. "Survival of the unfittest: why the worst infrastructure gets built--and what we can do about it," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 25(3), pages 344-367, Autumn.
    3. Daniel Benitez & Antonio Estache & Tina Søreide, 2012. "Infrastructure policy and governance failures," CMI Working Papers 5, CMI (Chr. Michelsen Institute), Bergen, Norway.
    4. Raballand, Gael & Kunaka, Charles & Giersing, Bo, 2008. "The impact of regional liberalization and harmonization in road transport services : a focus on Zambia and lessons for landlocked countries," Policy Research Working Paper Series 4482, The World Bank.
    5. World Bank, 2009. "Geography in Motion: World Development Report 2009 (excerpt)," Transnational Corporations Review, Ottawa United Learning Academy, vol. 1(3), pages 40-46, September.
    6. McCleary, William, 1989. "Earmarking government revenues : does it work ?," Policy Research Working Paper Series 322, The World Bank.
    7. World Bank, 2009. "World Development Report 2009," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 5991.
    8. Melvin Ayogu, 1999. "Before Prebendalism: A Positive Analysis of Core Infrastructure Investment in a Developing Fiscal Federalism," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 11(2), pages 169-198.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

    Transport Economics Policy&Planning; Post Conflict Reconstruction; Rural Roads&Transport; Banks&Banking Reform; Public Sector Corruption&Anticorruption Measures;
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