Summary
Content
An introduction to the logistics cluster (LC) concept and what the LC could provide to the humanitarian logistics user group was made. A brief on the planned services was given and feedback requested on the user groups requirements.
The coordination of current and planned logistics assets; with MINUSTAH and US military assets, was also discussed.
Transport issues in country:
- Roads
Roads are inaccessible countrywide with bridges out on virtually all the main roads and with significant damage to secondary roads; Gonaives, road from PAP is now drying out however water is still to deep for light vehicles to freely access, detour around the lake 5 kms before Gonaives is being assessed; it is expected that weather permitting access by road will be possible in the coming days. In the South- East and North West impassible road connections are paralyzing operations; daily roads updates will be provided through the LC. (See presentation for detailed roads- update)
- Ocean Transport
A WFP chartered, (Haitian) 800 mt vessel, provided last week service from PAP to Gonaives, the same ferry provided a second sea-lift on 08/09 along with cargo from MINUSTAH; the LC is working to secure that vessel to establish regular service to Gonaives, (ferry also serves Jeremie). WFP is also working to secure additional vessels and possibly landing craft to reach locations along the Southern Coast. US Military support landing crafts are currently doing rotations from PAP to Gonaives and Saint Marc. Space is available for humanitarian community on opportunity case basis and should be coordinated through the Logistics Cluster lead (WFP).
- Air Transport
Air assets from MINUSTAH and US Military are currently being tasked through the Logistics Cluster and EJOC (Emergency Joint Ops Centre – MINUSTAH). Operations with MINUSTAH are being staged from their Logistics Base and serving locations throughout Haiti. Operations for US Military assets are being staged from the far Western end of the airport and are currently serving main hubs of Gonaives, Jeremie, Les Cayes, and Port de Paix; additional locations are being re-conned. WFP will bring in 4 MI-8’s helicopters in the coming days and are expected to be operational next week. The current plan is for them to be based out of PAP. Additional military assets have been offered by few countries.
- Storage:
Storage capacity in Gonaives is very limited. WFP’s warehouse in Gonaives is currently being used as a Hospital. And storage at the port itself is also limited The issue is being addressed but in the short-term there is no excess capacity, agencies and NGOs should plan on mobilizing goods arriving by air and sea to forward them on as quickly as possible for the time being.
Cluster Preliminary Plan:
Discussions took place on planned;
- Staging Areas
- Hubs
- Destinations
Coordination with MINUSTAH and other assets:
- EJOC, MINUSTAH participant briefed the LC on coordination issues and the need to coordinate closely with the EJOC for the use MINUSTAH assets; all requests are to be channeled via the Head of the LC who liaises closely with the EJOC;
- Use of CMR (UNJLC format), versus the MINUSTAH CMR is being clarified by the LC with EJOC; trying to avoid the use of different formats.
Security:
- Security issues raised; need to liaise closely with MINUSTAH (EJOC) to arrange for security at Landing Zones and other areas as needed.
- UN staff are not cleared to travel on the ferry that has been running between PAP and Gonaives; although cargo is allowed.
Fuel:
- Fuel is in critical short supply in Gonaives and Agencies & NGOs. It is highly recommended to secure own supplies prior to travel
- JET A-1, is also in critical short supply country wide; loose fuel tanker during Gustav severely damaged a large section of the fuel terminal in the Port at PAP; alternative supply options are being looked at.