Summary
Content
In this update:
- Bangladesh - Cyclone Sidr
- Private Sector Interaction - Logistics Cluster Guidelines
- Logistics Cluster Funds
- LRT Training - Feedback from the November training
- Logistics Cluster presentation to NGO's in Paris in December
- Uganda update as at 16/11/07.
- Missions and Events
- Tim Smith moving on from the global logistics cluster support cell.
Deadlines for comment/feedback:
Final chance to comment on guidance regarding logistics cluster interaction with the private sector COB Friday 23rd November.
Those interested in joining the panel on disbursement of cluster funds. Feedback by COB Monday 26th November.
Bangladesh - Cyclone Sidr
Activation of clusters is still being considered in Bangladesh. There should be a decision within the next 24 hours. There has been talk of activating five clusters but no mention of the logistics cluster. We have information which suggests that the infrastructure is largely intact and transport accessible. On the other hand, the government is talking about logistics challenges related to the response.
A separate brief on the situation and LRT/logistics cluster plans will follow by COB Tuesday 20th November.
Private Sector Interaction - Logistics Cluster Guidelines
We have had several useful discussions regarding the guidelines for interaction between the logistics cluster and the private sector. Those of you who attended the global meeting in Copenhagen will remember the discussions regarding the guidance from World Economic Forum vs. logistics cluster guidance vs. draft guidance presented by the Logistics and Transport Initiative (TNT, UPS and Agility) at the global meeting in Copenhagen.
Whilst many have expressed opinions, few have formalised their input. We have only received written comments from Save the Children US. Therefore, despite having talked about the issue for several months there has been no conclusion. The document drafted by the Logistics and Transport Initiative makes an attempt to address the key elements. In order to move things along we propose that guidelines drafted by the L&T should be accepted by the logistics cluster unless we get a clear indication of how they should be changed. If you have thoughts on this issue please let us know before COB Friday 23rd November.
For ease of reference we attach the relevant documents (attachments 1-5) in chronological order.
Logistics Cluster Funds
We reported a few weeks ago that there was around US$1 million to be allocated to cluster participants' projects following an incoming donation from the UK to the cluster cell, which was in excess of the requirements for support activities, LCA's, LRT training etc.
At the time, FTS (OCHA financial tracking system) was showing that the "core projects" of the +/- US$8 million appeal were 124% funded (US$5,361,339 vs the required US$4,326,519). It was on this basis that we decided to announce the disbursement of "excess" funds. However, it now transpires that FTS was showing a Dutch contribution of US$750,000 against the logistics cluster which was actually for the Emergency Telecommunications cluster.
The bottom line is that instead of being able to allocate/distribute US$1 million, the funds up for reallocation amount to US$284,820. We still need a panel to decide on the allocation of these funds. So far only CARE has expressed an interest in being part of the panel but we would imagine those who are looking for funds (e.g. IOM, Islamic Relief, WHO) would also like to be involved. Please let us know by (the extended deadline of) COB Monday 26th November.
We cannot leave this issue without an apology. We should have double checked the figures before rushing to announce the amount funds ready to allocate. Apologies for raising the expectation.
LRT Training
The second Logistics Response Team training took place in Brindisi, Italy between November 4th and 11th. There were 20 participants from 13 organisations; ACF, WHO, UNJLC, IOM, UNICEF, Save The Children, CONCERN, UNHCR, Islamic Relief, WVI, CARE, OXFAM, and WFP.
Most of you already know the background and concept of the LRT. The training takes logistics staff from many different UN Agencies and NGOs through a simulated emergency. The objective is to have a roster of knowledgeable logistics staff from different humanitarian organizations who are ready to deploy as a Logistics Response Team at the beginning of a new emergency. The 20 trained in November join 18 who took part in the first LRT training in May 2007.
Logistics Cluster Presentation to NGO's in Paris
The Logistics Cluster Support Cell will organize an information sharing meeting on Monday, December 17th in Action Contre la Faim HQ in Paris.
The Agenda:
- Practical presentation of the cluster approach
- Presentation of the logistics cluster
- Presentation of the LRT
- UNJLC / Logs Cluster
- Example of cluster activation
NGOs who wish to send representatives, and have not yet confirmed participation, please contact Jean Francois Milhaud: jeanfrancois.milhaud@wfp.org
Uganda update as at 16th November:
Coordination & Information Management:
- The Logistics Cluster had ceased holding weekly meetings as per agreement with Cluster Participants in line with Logistics Cluster exit strategy.
- IASC guidelines on the modification/closure of a Cluster are being applied to ensure correct procedures are followed in order to maintain a transparent approach with partners. Proposal based on the IASC Cluster Modification/closure document has been prepared and final document submitted to OCHA in Soroti.
Interagency Air Operations:
- To date, the Interagency helicopter operation has airlifted over 682.6mt of relief supplies and carried over 706 passengers (mostly distribution teams) to inaccessible areas.
- Current operational capacity consists of one Mi-8MTV helicopter
- Air operation closure is scheduled for 25th of November'07 the last day for Cargo Movement Requests submission will be 23rd of November'07
- On 14.11.07 a WHO trip to Bukwa and Kapchorwa took place, Cholera preparedness kits were delivered to above mentioned locations.
Warehousing:
- The Interagency NFI warehouse in Soroti (500m2 capacity) will continue to operate until 10th of December, no additional stock expected to be received
- In Katakwi Town, 350m2 warehouse will be closed on 16th November.
Road Updates:
- Katakwi District: the main Soroti to Katakwi road is passable, some road rehabilitation in progress
- Katakwi District: the local authorities in coordination with UNDP are planning to rehabilitate a 6km stretch of road south of Ngariam Corner as part of the early recovery programme to support long term improvements in access
- Amuria District: road situation in the district improved due to the dry weather during the previous week; few roads in areas around Ajelik in the Acowa sub-county and in Oblanga sub-county also remain problematic but passable on 4whd. Possible reassessment planned for next week
- The road to Soroti via Agu bridge is dry and passable to all types of vehicles;
- WFP had assessed the road and bridge condition situation in Awoja, the bridge is still officially closed. Water level has gone down and the road before and after the bridge is dry.
- Katakwi district: Road from Toromo to Magoro is still impassable even by 4whd
- Amuria district: Section of road from Morungatuny to Obalanga, 6,3 km around Aita bridge requires urgent repair. Bridge remains closed.
- Amuria district: Obalanga, Kapelebyong (about 4,9 km) culverts are washed away, which cause constrains for transport, only passable by 4whd vehicles.
Boat:
- Since the last update, water levels have dropped significantly in the area around Awoja Bridge, as a result the boat provided by WFP as an Interagency resource is no longer required and it has ceased operations.
- The boat operation will be closed on 16.11.2007
- During its subsequent use it provided an invaluable contribution to broadening the reach of agencies operating in the locality. Providing both a lifeline for people needing to be evacuated and access to the affected area for assessments and distributions conducted by local authorities, NGO's and the Clergy.
Missions
- Mahfoud Bouhembel travels to CAR on 21st November to conduct the inter agency logistics assessment.
- Mahfoud will also attend the humanitarian reform/cluster approach workshop in Cote d'Ivoire on 4/5 December.
- Anastasia Lubkovskaya is expected back from Uganda at the end of November.
- Humanitarian reform/cluster approach workshop being held in Haiti on 19/20 November is being attended by WFP's Lucien Jaggi (Mirjana Kavelj, the logistics cluster officer based in Panama was unable to make it due to an unexpected commitment).
Message from Tim Smith - moving on:
For those of you who don't already know, I have resigned from my position as head of the global logistics cluster support cell and will be leaving WFP at the end of November. My reason are purely personal. I continue to be very supportive of what we are achieving with the logistics cluster under the guidance of our chair and with the ready participation of so many organisations. I consider myself very lucky to have worked with such a capable team and have no doubt that you will continue to reap the benefits of the logistics cluster through the hard work and dedication of WFP and the support cell.