The Reconstruction and Development Programme

The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) is the major policy initiative of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The RDP is an integrated, coherent socio-economic framework which attempts to integrate development, reconstruction, redistribution and reconciliation into a unified programme. The aim of this paper is to assess the performance of the RDP in the first 18 months of GNU rule. An overview is given of the RDP White Paper as well as the initial RDP projects, the Presidential Lead Projects (PLPs). This is followed by an evaluation of the performance of the RDP. Specific attention is paid to institutional deficiencies, local government, community participation, centralization and budgeting. The paper concludes that although the RDP has not performed according to expectations, it is too soon to make a definitive evaluation. However, there is heavy pressure on the government to deliver tangible benefits soon. If this is not done the GNU's image will be badly tarnished.