Description:
This paper provides a methodological
tool to support the collection and preparation of
standardized, comprehensive data regarding public spending
on infrastructure services that can be rigorously compared
across countries. Infrastructure is defined to cover six
sectors: irrigation, energy (primarily power), transport,
communication, wastewater management, and water supply. The
guide is designed to provide a much richer and more complete
measurement of infrastructure spending than the limited
highly aggregated data currently available through the IMF
Government Financial Statistics. Originally developed for
Africa, the methodology is relevant and readily applicable
to any developing country. With the aim of being as
comprehensive as possible, the methodology covers central
and sub-national government expenditures, non-budgetary
vehicles (such as road funds), state-owned enterprises
(SOEs), and public-private partnerships (PPPs). While the
methodology focuses on collecting quantitative data on the
level and composition of spending, this is complemented with
qualitative data that provides the institutional context.
Importantly, the methodology allows for cross-classification
of infrastructure spending by purpose (power, roads, etc)
and by function (operational versus capital spending). This
guide provides practical guidance -- including concepts,
definitions, and classifications -- for each of the three
stages of work, namely: (i) pre-field, (ii) field, and (iii)
back office.