The water quality in the canal area improved from a baseline in 2007 of a range between 0.3 to 1 (average level of dissolved oxygen) to 1.6 in 2012, falling short of the target established in 2009 of 4. The target was only 40% achieved, but according to the ICR (p. iii), it is expected to be achieved fully in the next 6-9 months after natural canal flushing. The project team confirmed that the water quality did improve due to natural canal flushing, and that, by June 2013, the level of dissolved oxygen was at 5.3 mb/l, exceeding the target value. Additionally, without the project-supported canal rehabilitation the other project interventions would not have been feasible.