3.5         Evaluation

3.5.1      Project design takes account of international and regional experience, particularly through the appointment of consultants (Atkins) for the feasibility study who have substantial experience both of airport design and procurement alternatives.  In addition, as authors of the Overseas Territories Institutional Development Study (OTIDS), which led to the establishment of ASSI, Atkins have a thorough understanding of aviation requirements and regulation in the OTs. The feasibility study incorporated a review of all earlier work on development of air access to St Helena .  In addition to original market research into demand for tourism on St Helena , Atkins drew lessons from a study of ten proxy islands where tourism development has followed improvements in access.

3.5.2      Atkins’ economic model, developed for the feasibility study, incorporated advice from eminent economist, Professor Pissarides of the London School of Economics.  Their capital costs estimates and economic assumptions for the ‘long runway’ have been reviewed by an independent economist and quantity surveyors E C Harris.  All endorse the robust nature of the analysis.

3.5.3      Lessons learned from aerodrome design in other OTs were applied.  In particular, a very close check was made with ASSI to determine allowable operational parameters.

3.5.4      Project design has been reviewed by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) through the Gateway process, which is specifically designed to ensure the adoption of best practice in government procurement. Further Gateway reviews are planned at key stages in project implementation.

3.5.5      The project is designed to address a unique problem, and it is unlikely that there will be significant lessons for other DFID programmes. The possible need for ex-post evaluation will be addressed during the Mid-Term Review.

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