This Ops Update is intended for reporting on emergency appeals.
Launched on 2 May 2002 for CHF 6,803,000 for 12 months revised 22 July to CHF 89,285,274 (USD 61.6 m/EUR 60.9m) in cash, kind and services to assist a minimum of 1.3 million beneficiaries for 12 months.
Disaster Relief Emergency Funds (DREF) allocated: CHF 50,000
Period covered: - 27 November - 12 December 2002
IN BRIEF
Appeal coverage: 44.1%
Related Appeals: Southern Africa 2002 Annual Regional Appeal no. 01.16/2002
Outstanding needs: CHF 47,926,580
Summary: In addition to this Operations Update no. 14, an "Operations Fact Sheet" has been issued and is available on the web. The Operations Fact Sheet is generally intended to:
- be an informal update to allow operations a degree of flexibility in responding to donors informational needs.
- be placed on the Federation's website & DMIS.
- respond to information needs for large, complex, multi-country or slow onset emergencies when initial operational information is unavailable or operational implementation is delayed.
- fill the need to immediately disseminate timely operational information to donors.
- be complementary to Operations Updates (formal reports).
Operational Developments
This Operations Update no. 14 provides a detailed overview of all activities undertaken to date, showing what has been accomplished against each objective in the countries within the operation. As a support to the Operations Updates, an 'Operations Fact Sheet' has been created and introduced for this operation, showing in chart format the activities against appeal objectives. The Operations Fact Sheet is a relatively new tool intended to provide a quick reference and a comprehensive overview of the entire operation. The Operations Fact Sheet will be available on the Federation's main and DMIS web site, and will be updated on a regular basis.
Changes in planned activities
Activities in the Southern Africa food security operation are now well under way in all five countries of operation. Most of the appeal objectives are now being implemented following a slow start due to various difficulties related to resources in the beginning and barriers to the import of food. All activities outside the TSP (Transport Support Package) are implemented in close co-operation with national societies, whose capacities are stretched due to the size of the operations.
Since the launch of the appeal various changes have been made to appeal targets as the food security situation develops and changes. New needs have been identified and necessary revisions made for practical reasons. Thus many of the original targets in the appeal have been revised down due to changes in beneficiary numbers or lack of funding for particular activities. Additional objectives have also been identified following a revision of beneficiary numbers and a re-assessment of needs.
Many of the planned distributions are reaching the intended number of targeted beneficiaries, but in other instances distributions are planned to expand at a slower pace, increasing the number of recipients for each monthly distribution round until all of the targeted beneficiaries are covered early in the year 2003.
Water and sanitation
Water and sanitation activities in the appeal are mostly expected to be implemented early in the year 2003. These activities will be addressed separately from other activities on a regional basis rather than as parts of the activities under each country.
Buffer stock
In the original appeal a one month rotating supply of food was intended to be procured and stored in two warehouses in Zambia and South Africa for re-supply to the individual countries of operation, should there be a pipeline disruption or delay. The establishment of rotating food supplies has currently not been implemented. Various difficulties related to moving food across borders in the region have had implications for the applicability of buffer stock and the implementation of this appeal objective is currently on hold in all countries of operation.
Capacity building
Responding to a disaster of the scale that is now being witnessed has in many cases put strain on the capacity of the operating national societies. Much of the activities rely on the already existing Red Cross structures in the countries of operations, with home based care programmes serving as a crucial base for distributions of relief items, both food and non-food items. It has, however, been necessary to increase the number of national society staff to implement the activities. Vehicles have been provided for transportation and monitoring, computers have been purchased to make it possible for the national society to fulfill reporting and financial requirements, and staff has been hired and trained to take on the increased number of new tasks. Following initial difficulties in bringing vehicles and other necessary items into the countries of operations, the Federation has now provided vital support in increasing the capacity of the national societies involved in the operation, which is the key to the ongoing successful implementation of activities. Building on the experience from previous large scale operations, the Federation places a strong emphasis on sustainable capacity building in order to carry on meeting the needs of the vulnerable and to respond to similar humanitarian situations in the future.
Impact of operations on beneficiaries
As food shortages increase, the need for food support in the disaster region grows, and the importance of the Southern Africa Food Operations increases. The disaster is a complex combination of many intertwined factors, that together create a very serious situation in the countries of operations and other regions of southern Africa. Political turmoil and the consequent impact on economics and food production is one of the factors contributing to the increased food insecurity.
Another has been controversial agricultural planning in some countries which has resulted in diminishing food production and the weakening of other coping mechanisms.
The serious food shortages in southern Africa have also been caused by significant climate changes and irregularities resulting in droughts and floods in the region. Following weeks of concern over low rainfall and the development of moderate El Nino conditions in Southern Africa, a drought warning has been issued by the Southern African Development Community's (SADC) Drought Monitoring Centre (DMC). The countries where the situation is most critical are southern Malawi, Swaziland, southern Mozambique, Lesotho, eastern South Africa, eastern Botswana and part of north western Zambia, with western and north western Zimbabwe far below what is needed.
Most importantly, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has now reached hitherto unprecedented proportions, threatening to cause the death of a large part, if not most of the adult populations in many regions, leaving children and the elderly to keep up agricultural production. Without able adults to work the fields, many families have been unable to produce the food they need, and the number of households facing the same situation is rapidly growing as the adult population dies away from their dependents. Having to care for the dying patients over long periods is also a drain on resources as families spend their last possessions on food and medicine for their suffering relatives. Unfortunately there are no signs that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is slowing down in southern Africa. Infection rates are still rapidly increasing in most of the countries, threatening a possible total breakdown of society.
On examination of these facts it becomes clear that the Southern Africa Food Security Operation is unlikely in itself to avert the probability of a severely worsening situation in the region. Most indicators point towards less agricultural production due to the above mentioned social factors. If serious hunger is to be averted in southern Africa, a continued input from the Red Cross movement and other humanitarian actors will be needed for a long period of time.
The Southern Africa Food Operations will only cover a small part of the total needs in this large and populous continent, but by focusing on the most vulnerable population the Red Cross movement is able to assist where the need and suffering is greatest. The operations focus first and foremost on assisting the most vulnerable of the numerous households affected by HIV/AIDS, and through its assistance, thousands of dying patients and their impoverished families receive assistance. The food aid, agricultural starter packs, and other relief items are vital assistance in the short term, and will assist the beneficiaries in bridging the gap until next harvest. The aid, especially as a part of already existing Red Cross structures, greatly reduces the level of suffering that dying AIDS patients have to endure. The food aid and care can in many instances prolong the lives of the patient and make it possible for him to work for some period again. Food shortages cause HIV/AIDS infected people to die much earlier than if they receive good care.
The impact of agricultural starter packs is undoubtedly very important, as it provides vital inputs to impoverished farmers who cannot afford to purchase seeds, fertilizers and other necessary items. The starter packs make it possible for them to sow crops and hopefully, if there is enough rain, harvest food on their own land. This may be the assistance that makes it possible for them to get back on their feet, and continue the cycle of sowing and harvesting without assistance in the future.
LESOTHO
GENERAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: To ensure secure transportation of food from the main warehouse to distribution points, and to ensure timely and fair distribution to the targeted households.
WFP food
In Lesotho the Federation is aiming at general distributions of WFP food to 103,000 beneficiaries in Thaba Tseka and Mokhotlong districts. Beneficiaries are selected by the Lesotho Red Cross and the Federation according to WFP criteria, and the food is distributed by the Lesotho Red Cross. The rations consist of 50 kg of maize, 5 kg of beans and 2 litres of vegetable oil per month.
The Operations encountered many difficulties during the first months due to late arrival of funds and bureaucratic obstacles to importing food items into the country. The first distribution round of WFP food in Lesotho started at the beginning of October, targeting 47,000 beneficiaries in Mokhotlong. Subsequent distribution round in November reached 38,512 beneficiaries belonging to 8,871 households in Mokhotlong district. Continued distributions are planned in coming months, and the number of beneficiaries is expected to rise as distribution lists are being expanded, and as operations start in the district of Thaba Tseka.
Food distributions in Berea
Distributions of Federation-procured food to 3,000 HIV/AIDS affected households in Berea have been added to the appeal target. A ration of 50 kg maize meal, 5 kg beans and 2 litres of vegetable oil will be distributed on a monthly basis for 6 months starting in January 2003. As the HIV/AIDS situation is severe in Berea and the district is not part of the area that is targeted with distributions of WFP food it has been included in the distributions of food from the Federation. The German government through the German Red Cross funded the purchase of food rations containing oil and beans for 3000 people for 6 months and maize for 3 months. DFID through the British Red Cross contributed funds for the purchase of the remaining 3 months rations of maize needed for the food operation in Berea.
TARGETED FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: To provide nutritious food supplement to 5,000 under-fives in vulnerable households of targeted communities.
Nutritious food supplements and nutritional education
Nutritious food supplements will be provided to 5,000 children under five years of age, belonging to vulnerable households. The distribution will be combined with nutritional education aimed at improving the nutritional status of the targeted children. These activities are currently on hold
WATER AND SANITATION
Objective: To improve the availability of safe water and sanitation to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of food distribution.
Included in the appeal targets for Lesotho is the rehabilitation of reticulated systems, construction of 17 springs, latrines for 1,000 families and schools, training of 160 volunteers and vector control. These activities have been postponed for the time being.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Objective: To strengthen the operational capacity of the LRCS to respond to the food insecurity situation.
The appeal aims at providing the Lesotho Red cross with a number of resources necessary to ensure the operational capacity of the national society to operate in the food security operation and a number of important activities have already been implemented. The provision of 3 HF radios and 2 satellite phones for the LRCS has been finalized The LRSC's Mokhotlong branch has already received 4 Nissan pickup trucks that will be used for monitoring and other activities related to the food security operation, and a Red Cross divisional office was officially opened on the 30th of November in Thaba Tseka district. The recruitment of a logistics co-ordinator for the LRCS headquarters is presently under consideration. Also included in appeal targets is the finalisation of a volunteer database for the LRCS.
MALAWI
GENERAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION
General food distribution of food donated by USAID and WFP started in Malawi in July, targeting the districts of Rumphi, Karonga, Chitipa, Nkhotakota and Nitchisi. There were subsequent distribution rounds in August and September, and detailed statistics for these first three months will be available soon. 80,000 people will be targeted according to the appeal, but in the first distribution rounds the beneficiary numbers are lower. New beneficiaries are gradually added to distribution lists.
Distributions in October covered totally 23,017 beneficiaries with a basic ration. Totally 1,364.55 MT of food, maize (1,143.80 MT), pulses (112.52 MT), and corn soy blend (108.23 MT) were distributed in the districts of Chitipa (2,817 beneficiaries), Karonga (3,840 beneficiaries), Rumphi (5,520 beneficiaries), Nkhotakota (7,200 beneficiaries), Ntchisi (3,640 beneficiaries).
General food distribution in Malawi is carried out by the Malawi Red Cross through bilateral co-operation with the American Red Cross.
TARGETED FOOD DISTRIBUTION / SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING
Objective: To ensure secure transportation of food from main warehouse to distribution points, and to ensure the timely and fair distribution to targeted households, namely child-headed and female-headed households, as well as the elderly and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Starting in January, 5,000 orphans and people living with HIV/AIDS will receive supplementary food rations containing maize, beans, CSB (corn soy blend), vegetable oil and sugar. Funding has still not been confirmed, but the project is expected to proceed as planned. The distributions will be conducted through the home based care programme in the districts of Karonga, Rumphi, Nkhotakota, Mchinji, Zomba and Mwanza.
WATER AND SANITATION
Objective: To improve the availability of save water and sanitation to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of food provision.
The rehabilitation of 100 water holes has been planned through bilateral co-operation between the Malawi Red Cross and the Spanish Red Cross. Funding has still not been confirmed, but the project is expected to proceed as planned.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Objective: To strengthen operational and response capacity of the MRCS to carry out the operation.
Proposals are being prepared concerning the rehabilitation of 2 MRCS branch offices. 4 motorcycles and 12 bicycles are already being purchased. Proposals for the construction of 8 new branch offices and the purchase of office furniture are also being prepared
2 Toyota Hi-lux 4x4 vehicles were purchased for the Malawi Red Cross HQ. The vehicles arrived at the end of November, and are being used for activities related to the food security operation in the whole country.
A Malawi Red Cross programme assistant has been hired on a 6 months contract, in order to facilitate planning and implementation of activities related to the food security operation. The assistant started operating on the 1st of December.
NON FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: Distribution of seeds and agricultural tools to improve the 2002-2003 harvest season to 150,000 beneficiaries in targeted areas of Chikwawa, Mchinji and Nkhotakota for the 2002-2003 harvest season.
Through bilateral co-operation between the Malawi Red Cross and the Spanish Red Cross, agricultural starter packs were distributed to 45,000 families in Chikwawa and Mchinji districts. The starter packs contained each 10 kg of maize seeds, 10 kg of fertilizers, and one hoe or spade. Distributions of these starter packs were finished in November.
Distributions of starter packs to another 40,000 families in Lilongwe, Ntcheu, Phalombe and Mwanza started in late November through bilateral co-operation between the Malawi Red Cross and the German Red Cross. Proposals for providing 500 irrigation pumps to poor farmers in Malwai are being finalized. The pumps are funded by the Federation and the selection of beneficiaries is being prepared.
SWAZILAND
GENERAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: To ensure a continuous support of approximately 45,000 beneficiaries for a period of four months with basic food items.
In August 19,500 people in the districts of Hhohho, Manzini and Shiselveni received a monthly ration of 12 kg of maize, 1.8 kg beans and 0.75 litres of oil per person. The food was donated by the WFP and distributed by the Swaziland Red Cross. In the second distribution round that took place between the 10th of September and the 15th of October, 23,853 beneficiaries in 3,150 households received the same amount of maize and oil, but beans were not available. The second distribution of WFP donated food by the Swaziland Red Cross took place in Manzini, Hhohho, and Shiselweni districts. The third distribution in the same districts took place between the 20th of October and the 18th of November. Totally 24,422 beneficiaries in 3,738 households received assistance. 342 MT of food were distributed.
A new assessment was conducted in areas not covered by the WFP donated food, and plans were prepared to distribute food to 27,000 new beneficiaries starting in January 2003. The food will by purchased with Federation funds but the ration size will be the same as in distributions of WFP donated food.
TARGETED FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: To provide nutritious food supplements to the under-fives and to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
5,000 malnourished children have been identified through weight monitoring in Red Cross clinics in the districts of Hhohho, Manzini and Shiselweni. The children receive supplementary rations of CSB (corn soy blend), amounting to 9 kg per month. Distribution of the rations started in November. This project is implemented through bilateral co-operation between the Swaziland Red Cross and the German Red Cross.
Also through bilateral co-operation between the same partners is the distribution of food baskets to 1,500 people living with HIV/AIDS. The beneficiaries, who are clients of the HIV/AIDS home based care programme, will each receive a monthly ration of 12,5 kg maize meal, 5 kg beans, 3 kg sugar, 0.5 kg tea, 2 litres oil, 0.5 kg salt as well as basic hygiene items such as soap and toothpaste. The distributions take place in Hhohho, Manzini and Shiselweni through the Red Cross clinics in these areas, starting in December.
NON FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: Disaster rehabilitation of subsistence farmers by the provision of seeds and fertilisers and basic drug availability in clinics in Red Cross operation areas.
Through bilateral co-operation between the Swaziland Red Cross and the German Red Cross, distribution of basic drugs to 20,000 HIV/AIDS affected people started through the home based care programme and Red Cross clinics in the country. The drugs, funded by the German Red Cross, consist of 45 medical kits containing basic drugs according to WHO standards. The kits were delivered to the three Red Cross clinics in the districts of Hhohho, Manzini and Shiselweni.
Through co-operation between the Federation and the Swaziland Red Cross, the distribution of agricultural starter packs for 5,605 drought affected farmer households will take place at the beginning of January. The starter packs contain 10 kg beans seeds, 5 kg cow pea seeds, and 50 kg of fertilizer, and distributions will be carried out by the Swaziland Red Cross in the districts of Hhohho, Manzini and Shiselweni.
ZAMBIA
GENERAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: To ensure secure transportation of food from main warehouse to designated distribution points and ensure the timely and fair distribution to targeted households.
The distribution of WFP donated maize in Zambezi and Chavuma districts started third week of November. The distributions were carried out by the Zambian Red Cross to totally 9,400 beneficiaries, each person receiving a basic WFP food ration of 12 kg of maize per month.
The Zambian Red Cross also started distributing food donated by the Zambian government for the districts of Chavuma and Zambezi. Of the 11,800 people who were targeted in the distributions 8,000 beneficiaries had received food in November. The rations were the same as in distributions of WFP donated food in the districts.
TARGETED FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: To ensure that HIV/AIDS infected and affected people and malnourished children under five years have access to nutritious food supplements.
The total appeal target for targeted food distribution will be reduced to approximately 80,000-100,000 HIV/AIDS affected
Distributions of Federation funded supplementary food rations to 8,546 beneficiaries started in the districts of Kapiri Mposhi, Sinasongwe and Livingstone on the 6th of November and were completed on the 21st. The distributions were carried out by the Zambian Red Cross and targeted HIV/AIDS affected people, elderly, orphans, home based care clients and their families. The supplementary food ration consists of 3.6 kg of beans per month but a monthly ration of 10.5 kg of maize will be added in later distributions.
In supplementary food distribution rounds in the same districts in December, 24,000 beneficiaries will receive a supplementary ration of 3.6 kg of beans and 10.5 kg of maize per month. The number of beneficiaries will increase to 36,000 in January, again 36,000 in February rising to 48,000 in March. The final target in these distributions of Federation funded food is 60,000 beneficiaries.
In addition to the Federation funded food, the Zambian Red Cross operation will target 20,000 to 40,000 people in HIV/AIDS affected and other vulnerable households with food that is funded by other donors. The dates of these distributions have not been finalized, but the districts of Livingstone, Sinasongwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Kazungula, Kalomo and Choma will be targeted. Rations will be the same as in the distributions of WFP donated food. Distributions are carried out by the Zambian Red Cross with bilateral support from the Netherlands Red Cross.
WATER AND SANITATION
Objective: To improve the availability of safe water and sanitation to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of food provision.
The construction of 15 new water points will be carried out through bilateral co-operation between the Netherlands Red Cross and the Zambian Red Cross. The rehabilitation of another 30-35 water points through the Federation is also included in the project. These plans include an upward revision from the original target of 15 new water points and the rehabilitation of 15. Funding for the project has still not been secured with full certainty, the dates of distribution have not been finalized.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Objective: To strengthen the operational response capacity of the ZRCS to carry out the operation.
The Federation is providing the Zambian Red Cross with two 4x4 pick-up vehicles, one for the ZRCS headquarters in Lusaka, and another for the ZRCS branch office in Livingstone. The vehicles have been ordered and will become operational soon. They will be used for monitoring of distribution and other transportation related to the Southern Africa Food Security Operation. Three motorcycles and two computers have also been ordered for the ZRCS.
Training for volunteers in distribution techniques and procedures in relation with food operation activities is under preparation. The training programme will be implemented in the districts of Chavuma, Kapiri Mposhi, Livingstone, Sinazongwe and Zambezi. A food security co-ordinator for Kalomo branch has been hired, and started working in November.
NON FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: To ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have access to hygiene supplies.
In January the Zambian Red Cross will distribute blankets as well as a monthly ration of 500 g of laundry soap and 100 g of vaseline to 8,000 beneficiaries in the home based care programme. The targeted beneficiaries belong to particularly vulnerable households such as families that are affected by HIV/AIDS. Blankets will be distributed to the same households between April and June 2003. The non food items are funded by the Federation.
The Zambian Red Cross will also distribute monthly rations of 250 g toilet soap to 60,000 beneficiaries. The soap is purchased by the Federation and distributions will start in January, targeting especially HIV/AIDS affected people, elderly, orphans and home based care clients as well as their families.
ZIMBABWE
GENERAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION
From the third week of November the Zimbabwe Red Cross started distributions of food donated by WFP and ECHO to 3,500 HIV/AIDS affected people in the districts of Masvingo and Beitbridge. Before the end of November the distributions were expanded to the districts of Chitunwiza, Bindura, Marondera, Dete, Victoria Falls and Gwanda. Eventually general food distributions are expected to reach a total of 68,481 beneficiaries in all provinces of Zimbabwe.
TARGETED FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: To ensure that HIV/AIDS infected and affected people and malnourished children under 5 years have access to nutritious food supplements.
Due to increased vulnerability among the urban population of Zimbabwe, 2,422 home based care clients in urban areas and members of affected households have been added to the appeal target. The first of these distributions by the Zimbabwe Red Cross in urban areas took place in November.
The first distributions of cooked food to orphans under 5 years by the Zimbabwe Red Cross started at the end of November. 733 orphans under 5 years of age received maize, beans, oil and corn soy blend as a part of the home based care programme. The number of beneficiaries has been revised from the original target of 250 children.
WATER AND SANITATION
Objective: To improve the availability of safe water and sanitation to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of food provision.
With assistance from the Federation, the Zimbabwe Red Cross is planning the rehabilitation of 50 water points and the construction of 50 new bore holes in the country. The construction of 15 new water points and the rehabilitation of 7 existing points for around 27,000 people in Zaka district are expected to start soon. The activities concentrate on cholera prone areas.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Objective: To strengthen the ZRCS by increasing its capacity at central and divisional level, particularly in the field of human and logistical resources.
A training course for Zimbabwe Red Cross volunteers on protection of women and children against sexual abuse took place between the 19th and 21st of October. Totally the training and re-training of 1,000 volunteers for distribution, home based care and protection is planned.
1 national food security officer and 8 regional food security officers started working for the Zimbabwe Red Cross on the 1st of December.
A baseline studies report was submitted to the Zimbabwe Red Cross in November. The studies covered the districts of Chivi and Marondera and provided recommendations for activities related to capacity building.
NON-FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Objective: Ensure that the HIV/AIDS affected beneficiaries have access to basic drugs, winter weather protection and means for income generation for a more dignified lifestyle.
During the first week of November distribution of agricultural starter packs took place in Mudzimurema, Zvimba and Shurugwi districts. 1,086 HIV/AIDS affected families in the existing home based care programme received each a ration of 15 kg maize seeds, 1 kg cow pea seeds, 1 package vegetable seeds and 150 kg fertilizer.
2,094 HIV/AIDS affected households in Buhera, Beitbridge, Gwanda, Chivi and Zvishavane also received agricultural starter packs during the first week of November. The composition of the starter packs was different from Mudzimurema, Zvimba and Shurugwi, containing 4 kg maize seeds, 2.5 kg sorghum seeds, 1kg cow pea seeds, and 1 package of vegetable seeds. The distribution of blankets to 6,861 HIV/AIDS clients in 19 districts started at the end of November. Beneficiaries also received laundry soap, washing soap, and petroleum jelly.
SOUTH AFRICA
The South African Red Cross has appointed a new secretary general who will take up his position on the 1st of January.
PREPARATION
The appeal originally aimed at the establishment of a SARCS office in Messina to monitor the situation on the border with Zimbabwe. Preparation also included the recruitment and training of volunteers for the home based care programme, HIV/AIDS awareness, and first aid in the same area. These activities are currently on hold as there are almost no cross-border population movements into South-Africa, but a limited monitoring role is still likely to be established.
CONTINGENCY PLANNING
Objective: The implementation of a contingency plan for the possible mass movement of people across the border from Zimbabwe and refugee camp preparedness for an initial period of 3 months.
Included in appeal targets is also camp management training for 80 volunteers. These activities are currently under discussion.
FEDERATION SUPPORT AND CO-ORDINATION
Objective: To support and contribute to the Federation Appeal by supporting the components of the operation based in South Africa.
Plans regarding Federation support and co-ordination are being developed
TRANSPORT SUPPORT PACKAGE (TSP) FOR WFP
The Transport Support Package is a complex project, and its successful implementation has depended on solving several obstacles. There have been continuous delays in making the trucks fully operational in the 4 countries due to various constraints in the import, transportation and registration of the trucks. All trucks have reached their final destinations, but registration of some trucks is still ongoing in Zambia. Further delays to WFP deliveries by M6 trucks are expected in the coming months as there are difficulties in providing enough tasks for the vehicles.
The M6 trucks are a vital component for the successful delivery of food aid to remote areas in Southern Africa that are not accessible to conventional vehicles due to difficult road conditions. The M6 trucks, designed and equipped for transportation in extreme conditions, are the only viable means of delivering food aid to the most inaccessible regions where lack of access to other food sources has made the impact of the food insecurity situation particularly severe. The M6 trucks are now gradually starting to deliver food, and it is expected that they will all have become operational by the beginning of 2003.
This is the first time the Federation has attempted a mostly logistical operation of this kind, and the TSP programme is also a pioneer project with regard to co-operation between the Federation and the WFP, providing an unprecedented transport capacity in hitherto inaccessible regions. Transportation with TSP M6 trucks is considerably more expensive than if commercial vehicles were used. This is justified by the fact that no commercial vehicles available in the countries of operation would be able or willing to operate in the regions where the TSP M6 trucks are being used. The transport support package is therefore a vital tool in the effort to reach the vulnerable population in remote areas, providing life saving aid to families suffering from food shortages.
The TSP M6 trucks in Lesotho are now in full use. In Zambia at least 26 trucks have stared delivering food for the WFP to remote distribution points. In Malawi all trucks are ready to operate, and are waiting to start food deliveries.
Lesotho
TSP activities are ongoing in Lesotho, and currently 22 out of 24 TSP M6 trucks located in the country are in full operation distributing food assistance for the WFP. In November the TSP M6 trucks transported a total of 579 MT of WFP food in Lesotho. The trucks are operating in the southern districts of Mafeteng, Mohale's Hoek, Quting, Qachas Nek, and Thaba Tseka. The 24 trucks are divided into 2 clusters, centered around Mafeteng and Thaba Tseka, in order to ease administration and maintenance.
Malawi
58 TSP M6 trucks and 1 fuel tanker are now ready to operate in Malawi, One truck has been damaged and it is not clear yet if it can be repaired. The trucks are divided into 3 clusters. 10 trucks will be in the North, 10 in the Central, and 39 in the South cluster. Drivers have been hired and trained, and deliveries of food for the WFP are expected to commence soon.
Zambia
116 TSP M6 trucks, 1 M6 fuel tanker, and 1 M6 recovery truck are now stationed in Zambia in five clusters. Drivers for all trucks have been hired, but 78 trucks are still awaiting registration. The first 22 out of 24 M6 trucks in Chipata region are already operating and 14 trucks will be moved to Choma by the middle of December where they are expected to begin operating soon. The OMCC telecom delegate travelled to Zambia between the 12th and 18th of December where he programmed communication equipment in TSP and other vehicles.
Zimbabwe (long haul trucks)
The ten long haul trucks that are based in Zimbabwe are now operating in Malawi and Zambia The trucks delivered spare parts, rubb halls, oil, lubricants and forklifts to destinations in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia in November, before meeting in Lilongwe in Malawi for final programming and preparation of communication equipment.
The long haul trucks arrived in Mbeya in Tanzania on the 22nd of November. The Tanzanian government enforced a 600 USD road tax for each of the long haul trucks, sent there to partake in the transport of WFP procured maize from Mbeya, Tanzania to Mzimba, Lilongwe and Blantyre in Malawi. In addition a fee of 44 USD per truck for each passing will have to be paid when the trucks cross the border between Malawi and Tanzania at Songwe.
The food that the long haul trucks will carry is to be transported to Mbeya from Dar es Salam by train, but there have been considerable disruptions in the transportation on this route. Consequently the TSP long haul trucks have not been able to operate continuously.
Presently 7 out of the 10 TSP long haul trucks are operational. Repairs are currently under way and all ten trucks are expected to be fully operational by the beginning of January 2003. 1 trailer was lost in fire, and a new one will be purchased from South Africa.
PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATION AND MANAGEMENT
The Operational Management & Coordination Centre (OMCC) in Johannesburg, South Africa
Two logistics delegates for Malawi and Zambia are expected to arrive in the region after Christmas and a new position for a Water and sanitation delegate has been opened.
There are still 3 open positions for mobile workshop managers. Due to difficulties in recruiting delegates for these tasks through national societies, the OMCC is examining the possibility of hiring staff for these positions in South Africa and the positions have been advertised in South African newspapers. This is done in close consultancy with Geneva and the new staff will receive appropriate Red Cross training before taking their positions.
Outstanding needs and the response to date
Most of the planned activities of the Southern Africa Food Operation are now taking place. Donor response to the appeal has ensured at least partial funding for most of the projects, although further contributions will be needed to ensure full implementation of all activities.
Contributions
See . (in pdf* format - 19.7 KB)
For further details please contact:
- Martin Zak, Federation Head of Operations, Phone: 41 22 730 45 51; Fax: 41 22 733 0395; email:Zak@ifrc.org
- Richard Hunlede, Desk Officer/Nat'l Society Liaison, Phone: 41 22 730 43 14; Fax: 41 22 733 03 95; email:hunlede@ifrc.org
- Bernard Chomilier, Head of Logistics, Phone: 41 22 730 42 63;Fax:41 22 733 03 95;email: chomilie@ifrc.org
- Denis McClean, Head of Media, Phone: 41 22 730 44 28;Fax:41 22 733 03 95; email: mclean@ifrc.org
- Ahmed Ifabua, Human Resources, Phone: 41 22 730 44 84; Fax: 41 22 733 0395; email: ifabua@ifrc.org
Donors providing in-kind relief in response to large-scale emergencies are urged to contact the Federation's Logistics and Resource Mobilization Department to avoid any unnecessary delays in the clearance and delivery of emergency relief assistance.
All International Federation Operations seek to adhere to the Code of Conduct and are committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (SPHERE Project) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable.
This operation seeks to administer to the immediate requirements of the victims of this disaster. Subsequent operations to promote sustainable development or longer-term capacity building will require additional support, and these programmes are outlined on the Federation's website.
For further information concerning Federation operations in Southern-Africa, please access the Federation's website at http://www.ifrc.org and the regional website at http://www.southern-africa.ifrc.org.
Martin Zak
Head of Operations
Disaster Management and Coordination Division
John Horekens
Director
External Relations Division
