Reconstruction Project Effectiveness: how Regulatory Authorities Operate in Unkraine and Afghanistan

In conditions of armed conflicts and regional conflicts, reconstruction and rebuilding become an integral part of restoring stability and improving living conditions. Organizations responsible for this process ensure coordination, control, and effective implementation of recovery projects.

The wars in Ukraine and Afghanistan have numerous differences, particularly in the causes of the conflicts. However, there are certain challenges that Ukraine has faced since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Following the events of 2001, Afghanistan required significant reconstruction and housing provision for its population.

In this article, we compare the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) with the State Agency for Infrastructure Reconstruction and Development in Ukraine, taking into account their tasks and structure.

Recovery Challenges

Ukraine faces recovery challenges starting from the events of 2014, including the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in the east of the country, to the full-scale invasion by Russia. Economic difficulties, corruption, and the need for structural reforms define the path to effective recovery.

Afghanistan is recovering after a prolonged period of war and conflict. Regional instability, terrorism, and a low level of infrastructure development are significant tasks for both the government and international partners.

Creation Context

The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR):

SIGAR was established in 2008 during operations in Afghanistan to provide independent and objective oversight of projects and activities related to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The main task of SIGAR is to conduct audits and provide recommendations for the improvement of reconstruction programs.

The State Agency for Infrastructure Reconstruction and Development of Ukraine:

The State Recovery Agency was formed based on the State Agency for Infrastructure Projects and the State Agency of Motor Roads (‘Ukravtodor’) in January 2023 to optimize work processes, avoid chaos in planning and implementing recovery projects.

Funding and Structure

SIGAR is funded by the U.S. Congress and has an independent structure to ensure objectivity.

The Recovery Agency of Ukraine receives funding from the government and international donors and collaborates with various government agencies.

Tasks and Focus

SIGAR specializes in monitoring and overseeing reconstruction programs in the context of global conflict.

• The audit and inspection management conducts audits and inspections of reconstruction activities in Afghanistan.
• The investigations management conducts criminal and civil investigations related to programs funded with U.S. dollars for reconstruction.
• The special projects team is created to study new issues and provide operational reports to federal agencies and Congress.
• The “Lessons Learned” program is designed to identify and preserve lessons from the U.S. reconstruction experience in Afghanistan and provide recommendations to Congress and executive bodies on ways to improve efforts in current and future operations.
• SIGAR submits quarterly reports to Congress as required by current legislation. These reports are compiled by the SIGAR Research and Analysis Management, summarizing all audits and investigative actions of SIGAR.

The main tasks of the State Agency for Infrastructure Reconstruction and Development of Ukraine include implementing state policies in the areas of road management, construction, repair, modernization of infrastructure, residential property, industrial complex, social sphere, utilities, improvement of settlements, waste management, engineering and transportation, energy infrastructure, civil defense facilities, military objects, objects in aviation, railway (excluding maintenance) transport, maritime, general-purpose road transport, and urban transport.

The agency is also responsible for implementing state policies in the field of development and maintenance of border crossing points for automotive and railway traffic.

Among other functions, the agency also implements, within its competence, state policy in the field of public-private partnerships for the development, construction, repair, and modernization of infrastructure facilities, coordination of project documentation for the construction of facilities, etc.

Therefore, SIGAR and the State Agency for Infrastructure Reconstruction and Development of Ukraine, despite differences in geographical context, share a common goal – to ensure the efficiency and success of recovery programs. Their diverse approaches reflect the unique challenges of each country and emphasize the importance of adapting strategies to the specific context of recovery.

This material was presented by the Institute of Analytics and Advocacy as part of the Public Engagement Support Program “Join In!”, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Pact in Ukraine. The content of the material is solely the responsibility of Pact and its partners and does not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) or the U.S. government.