Summary
Content
- SUMMARY
- SECURITY
- AIR OPERATIONS
- SURFACE TRANSPORT
- COMMON NON-FOOD ITEMS PIPELINE
- FUEL: PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
- LOGISTICAL PUBLICATIONS: El GENEINA
- PORTS AND CUSTOMS: PORT SUDAN
SUMMARY
Security in South Darfur has deteriorated with at least one robbery on a small group of international NGO vehicles amongst several other incidents. UNSECOORD are imposing a requirement that all UN vehicles travel in a minimum three-vehicle convoy in the state. Roads in West Darfur are open but the situation could deteriorate. All humanitarian agencies should continue to co-ordinate with forces controlling particular areas before entering them.
Air operations continued as normal. Capacity for non-food item delivery items will reduce over the next week or two as the aircraft dedicated to this mission undergoes regular planned maintenance. The number of NFI flights since the project commenced in August 2004 is approaching 200, with almost 1700 tonnes carried.
The UNJLC/CARE Surface Transport Project, designed to supplement and replace where possible more expensive air transport, has completed its fourth week of operation, with in excess of 100 tonnes delivered during that time. Ongoing challenges include less than ideal co-operation by parties using this free service and Government-imposed convoy requirements.
The common non-food pipeline continues successfully with numerous distributions. A Gaps Analysis paper indicating an immediate need for US$11.48 million in funding (or equivalent in-kind donations) to bring pre-rainy season stocks to acceptable levels was released to donors.
Fuel prices are generally stable with slight rises in some areas. Commercial storage capacity for aviation fuel is being increased at Nyala and El Fasher. This should greatly improve fuel availability in the coming months.
UNJLC has published a town directory of main services in El Geneina, together with a workshop needs assessment for light vehicles and generators. The latter document includes recommendations and options for a common workshop.
An initial survey of Port Sudan has been conducted, identifying current and anticipated further congestion at the port, increased inland freight rates and the need for humanitarian agencies to engage competent and reliable shipping agent to attend to import formalities and exemption requirements.
SECURITY
South Darfur: Security seems to be deteriorating with several incidents involving humanitarian workers reported this week. None, thankfully, involved loss of life or injury. On 2nd March, two OXFAM vehicles travelling together were stopped by armed men and the occupants robbed of personal possessions, money and fuel near Bulbul, en route to Kass, about 50km north-west of Nyala; on the same day, a CESVI car avoided a suspected ambush just off the main road in the same area. Full incident reports will be released in due course.
The route from the South Darfur capital of Nyala to Zallingi in West Darfur is open for UN traffic but UNSECOORD is enforcing a minimum three-car convoy rule for all South Darfur routes.
The area around Yasin and Gereida on South Darfur's international border are still insecure but the town itself is safe. The AU has now established a presence in Geireda. Nevertheless, reports of movements by military elements in South Darfur persist.
West Darfur: Most West Darfur roads are open. However, the humanitarian community is advised to contact and co-ordinate with the NMRD before entering areas under their control, particularly areas such as Aro.
The supply route between West Darfur and the North Darfur capital of El Fasher is open. However, there are reports of a commercial truck stolen by the SLA after Kabkabiyah, about 120km west of El Fasher on the road to El Geneina.
AIR OPERATIONS
The WFP/HAS air fleet in-country presently comprises the following assets:
| Cargo aircraft | Based Khartoum | Based El Obeid | Total | Passenger aircraft | No. of aircraft | Seats * |
| Ilyushin-76 | 1 | 2 | 3 | ATR-42 | 1 | 48 |
| Hercules C-130 | 1 | 2 | 3 | Dash 8 DHC-8 | 1 | 36 |
| Antonov -12 | 1 | 1 | 2 | Beechcraft 1900 | 2 | 19 |
| Total cargo a/c | 3 | 5 | 8 | Beechcraft 200 | 1 | 9 |
|
Rotary wing: Two Mi8 helicopters based in Nyala, one in El FasherTotal fleet of three. |
Cessna Caravan | 3 | 10 | |||
| Total passenger a/c | 8 | 161 | ||||
* Seats per aircraft type; total for passenger fleet
The IL-76's and C-130's are utilised mainly for food deliveries to the Darfurs and Southern Sudan; one of the Antonov-12's is dedicated to non-food item deliveries to the Darfurs.
For non-food items, a total of eleven flights had been planned for this week, with 59.6 tonnes of cargo, including 20 vehicles. Operational constraints reduced the number of flights but substantially most of the planned cargo was moved. The number of flights will be reduced to about three a week for the next fortnight as the AN-12 will be on a 5 to 7-day scheduled maintenance from the middle of the coming week. During this time, WFP/HAS will accommodate high priority items such as medical supplies, telecommunications equipment and other relevant cargo on other flights using IL-76's or C-130's.
| Non-Common NFI Air Cargo Performance |
Last week | This week | Coming week | Cumul-ative |
| No. of flights | 7 | 9 | 3 | 194 |
| Total tonnage carried | 59.4 | 60.2 | 33.1 | 1684.8 |
| No. of vehicles carried | 15 | 18 | 6 | 302 |
The present NFI air cargo backlog comprises about twenty vehicles. Only five of these have com-pleted Customs processing and are ready for shipment.
Commercial air services, both passenger and cargo to the Darfurs, seem to be increasing, although consig-nors are advised to verify the reliability of services, particu-larly those of cargo carriers. Flight schedules of the main commercial carriers are available at www.unjlc.org/content/index.phtml/itemid/19037.
SURFACE TRANSPORT
The UNJLC/CARE Surface Transport Project concluded its first month of operation with the dispatch of blankets, water tanks, mosquito nets, school kits and office items to Nyala, El Geneina and El Fasher. Total cargo handled since inception now exceeds 100 tonnes.
| Approximate tonnages (MT) |
Week
|
|||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| To Nyala | - | 10.1 | 20.4 | 28.1 |
| To El Geneina | 19 | 6.8 | 12.7 | 25.5 |
| To El Fasher | - | - | 1.8 | |
| Total | 19 | 16.9 | 33.1 | 55.4 |
Performance continues to be constrained by unreliable delivery to the CARE Warehouse by NGO's being served by the project and inaccurate data on movement requests. Staff limitations also restrict warehouse operations.
The Government of Sudan's requirement for westbound trucks to form convoys of about 200 vehicles at Ed Duian for military escort before entering the Darfurs is delaying deliveries by up to five days as the convoys are accumulated.
At present, three consignments for GOAL, UNICEF and Tearfund respectively are en route to Nyala. Apart from UNICEF commodities, other shipments will be put on a secondary JLC action request to the final NGO/Agency office. Dispatch information is being communicated from JLC/Care Khartoum.
COMMON NON-FOOD ITEMS PIPELINE
| NFI Commodities |
In stock in Sudan as of 3 March 2005
|
||||
| El Obeid | El Geneina | Nyala | El Fasher | Total | |
| Blankets | 6,600 | 32,775 | 2,902 | 32,975 | 75,252 |
| Plastic Sheet 4x5m | 4,630 | 4,455 | 12,509 | 16,833 | 38,427 |
| Jerrycan 10l - 20l | 0 | 20,715 | 8,103 | 14,858 | 43,676 |
| Bucket with lid, 20l | 90,475 | 50,828 | 72,725 | 25,502 | 239,530 |
| Mosquito Nets | 0 | 1,480 | 2,155 | 13,940 | 17,575 |
| Soap (Kg) | 583,727 | 198,104 | 43,807 | 115,344 | 940,981 |
| Women’s wraps | 0 | 40,300 | 15,493 | 35,447 | 91,240 |
| Plastic sleeping mats | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7,004 | 7,004 |
| Sanitary material | 0 | 0 | 200 | 0 | 200 |
NFI consignments procured from abroad by UNICEF - comprising mainly blankets - began arriving in Port Sudan in the past week and are undergoing Customs clearance.
Gap in Funding
UNJLC presented to donors a Gaps Analysis paper, showing the incremental requirements necessary to bring resourcing for the above basic shelter NFI items up to 75% of this year's needs for the target population. Most of these items need to be prepositioned in the Darfurs prior to the onset of the mid-year rainy season. Funds or equivalent in-kind donations required immediately amount to US$11.48 million.
In addition to these funds, a further US$7.93 million (or equivalent in-kind donations) will be required later in the year for the remaining 25% of items necessary to meet the full year's needs.
North Darfur
OCHA, ARC, Maltezer, UNICEF and UNJLC have assessed Galab Camp In North Darfur and identified NFI needs for the approximately 1,800 households resident there. Maltezer will work with the local leaders on a list of beneficiaries and means of distribution and submit a request to the Shelter/NFI working group for consideration.
A number of other Shelter/NFI distributions took place at IDP settlements in North Darfur during the week, notably at Zam Zam Camp with 250 plastic sheets, 1040 blankets, sleeping mats and jerry cans and 520 buckets through the Spanish Red Cross, and 700 plastic sheets through UNICEF for community facilities.
South Darfur
OCHA, Solidairitie and WFP conducted a humanitarian assessment mission in Thur (near Nertitie, West Darfur), where the security situation remains tenuous. NFI needs identified among IDPs in the areas include blankets, sleeping mats, jerry cans, cooking utensils, and soap. CARE as the food-implementing partner for Thur will be asked whether they can facilitate an NFI distribution.
A follow-up assessment mission was conducted with NCA, ACT Caritas and Sudo in late February to better ascertain IDP figures in Labado. Solidairitie conducted a successful headcount, identifying 9,700 beneficiaries in 1,200 households. NCA are able to use Solidairitie's registration for the new arrival NFI distribution.
A more comprehensive analysis by JLC and OCHA is ongoing during this month to identify and confirm the NFI gaps and actual IDP population figures, particularly in the light of the ongoing displacement and movement.
Distributions during the past week and in process include, alphabetically by agency:
- ARC: 24 plastic sheets, 50 blankets, 24 jerry cans, 48 buckets, 24 pieces of women's clothing and 135 pieces of soap released for distribution in Mowaro, together with a further 97 plastic sheets, 200 blankets, 96 jerry cans, 92 buckets, 96 pieces of women's clothing and 495 pieces of soap. Additionally, 8 rolls of plastic sheeting to cover the roof, reception area and floor of a health clinic in Sanan El Naga;
- CARE: 68,445 pieces of soap to be distributed in parallel with food distribution in Dawis, Dibis, Guba, Hashaba, Jemeza, Kirew, Limo, Nyama, Singita, Thur and Um Dhukem;
- CESVI: 1,602 buckets for the Qusa, Bulbul area in support of a water-sanitation programme;
- GOAL: Mosquito nets and kitchen sets are en route through the Surface Transport Common Pipeline, as is water treatment equipment. A total of 5,000 plastic sleeping mats are being transferred from JLC stock in El Fasher to Nyala for distribution by GOAL in Jebel Mara. 5,000 jerry cans, 5,000 buckets with lids, 5,000 blankets and 22,500 bars of soap have been distributed in the Gildu locality of Jebel Mara;
- Solidarities: Delivery of 10,035 pieces of soap to Gornei and 48,015 pieces to Nertiti for distribution in parallel with food;
- UNICEF: school kits dispatched from Khartoum are expected to arrive in Nyala in the second week of March. An additional 100,000 jerry cans are being procured from Nyala and are expected by late March; and
- World Vision: 12,105 pieces of soap for supplementary feeding centers in Dereig, Duma, Mershing, Manuwashi, New Sereif and Sereif.
West Darfur
NFI priorities for West Darfur are:
- NGO emergency blankets distribution: Oxfam's second shipment of blankets and Save the Children US's first shipment have arrived, with Save the Children US's second and third shipment and Mercy Malaysia's still en route. These blankets are being deposited directly at the NGOs' own warehouses with JLC shipping them to final distribution points once determined; and
- Second Round Distribution: In an attempt to map the coverage of all settlements by NGOs, the planned 2005 distribution was discussed at the El Geneina Shelter/NFI meeting. Concern and the Sudanese Red Crescent, both active partners in NFI distribution, were notably absent from this meeting.
Recent distributions include:
- Tearfund: monthly distribution of 38,300 pieces of soap to Child Health Clubs in Dorti, Ardamata and Masteri in the locality of El Geneina; and Beida, Arrara and Congo Haraza in near Habilla, about 100km south of El Geneina. Additionally, 3490 mosquito nets through Children's Health Clubs in Ararah;
- Islamic Relief Worldwide: 1012 kg of soap at Krinding II;
- Save the Children-US: 500 buckets for nutrition program beneficiaries at Krinding, Sis and Fur Baranga; and
- TDH/Triangle: 3303 kg of soap at Riyad Camp.
The Sudanese Red Crescent has expressed interest in conducting distributions at Sisi, Masterei, Jama, Azerni and Beida with the latter two to be addressed following the current assessment of beneficiary numbers. Concern have also restated the agency's commitment to continued involvement.
Islamic Relief Worldwide have offered to conduct distributions as required in Geneina town.
The corridor from El Geneina south to Habilla remains an area of concern. Active NGOs in the area include Tearfund and MedAir but both - and the few others in the area - have limited by capacity. Save the Children-US conducts food distributions in the area and may be willing to assist in NFI distributions.
It is anticipated that a comprehensive plan will have been completed for all areas by the time NFI stocks arrive in late March.
FUEL: PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Fuel prices have been generally stable with the exception of petrol and kerosene in El Geneina, West Darfur, where they increased slightly from SD1375 to SD1500 for petrol and from SD1125 to SD1250 for kerosene. UNJLC is investigating the cause for this price increase.
Although there has been little change in the price of aviation fuel, supply in Nyala is very low.
However, in Nyala, Malaysian oil company Petronas is expected to complete the construction of a large half-million litre capacity Jet A-1 storage tank and two 65,000 litre skid-tanks within the next two months. Storage is also being installed in El Fasher by Petronas and is being considered for El Geneina. The tankage is intended to serve a particular customer but there is no prohibition on Petronas supplying fuel to other clients as long as the needs of the primary customer are met. These installations should markedly improve the supply of aviation fuel, and of ground fuels, in North and South Darfur, and eventually West Darfur.
LOGISTICAL PUBLICATIONS: El GENEINA
A 7-page town directory of the West Darfur capital of El Geneina has been completed and is available at www.unjlc.org/content/index.phtml/itemId/14719. The directory includes addresses, telephone numbers, contact persons and other useful details for the state and local authorities, essential services, health services, utilities and airline passenger services, as well as a town plan.
A workshop needs assessment for light vehicles and generators in El Geneina was published, outlining an estimate of UN and INGO light vehicles fleets in the area, available agency workshop facilities and arrangements, available commercial services, and recommendations and options for a common workshop. UNHCR have indicated that they will use the document to open discussions with possible donors on funding a common workshop for humanitarian agencies in the area. The document is available at www.unjlc.org/content/index.phtml/itemId/19791.
PORTS AND CUSTOMS: PORT SUDAN
Given the importance of Port Sudan to the flow of aid to the Darfurs, UNJLC undertook an initial study of Port Sudan.
The port is very active and running at full capacity. There is moderate congestion as indicated by the number of vessels at anchor awaiting an available berth and those expected to call in the coming weeks.
The imminent deployment and mobilisation of the DKPO mission to Sudan is expected to significantly increase the flow of cargo through the port, further increasing pressure on its handling capacity and storage facilities.
Inland transport rates from the port have increased by about 70% in the past three months, reflecting the increased demand for services without a corresponding increase in the local supply of trucks.
Customs procedures at the port are generally straightforward. Essentially, they require the importer and his shipping agent to present the correct documentation in a locally-accepted manner. Some of this documentation should be acquired and processed whilst the vessel is en route to Port Sudan to minimise delays on arrival. For humanitarian aid agencies, this will involve the importer obtaining the appropriate exemptions from the relevant authorities in Khartoum before the arrival of the vessel.
It is most important to engage a competent and reputable shipping agent when dealing with the import process in Port Sudan. This will help to minimize clearance time and ensure that all correct documentation is acquired and in place in good time. Referrals or references from other importers are important as, in the absence of stringent accreditation requirements for the registration of agents, there is an eclectic range of firms in the market with widely varying levels of service and ability.
A full report on the port and related information will follow in the Customs Report, available on the UNJLC website in due course. Immediate enquiries may be directed to info@unjlc.org.
ABOUT UNJLC
UNJLC is an inter-agency facility reporting, in the current emergency, to the Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, and overall to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. Its mandate is to coordinate and optimize the logistics capabilities of humanitarian organizations in large-scale emergencies. UNJLC operates under the custodianship of WFP who are responsible for the administrative and financial management of the Centre. UNJLC is funded from voluntary contributions channeled through WFP. The UNJLC project document for Sudan can be viewed on the UNJLC website (www.unjlc.org)