1. HIGHLIGHTS     

2. SECURITY/ACCESS          

3. LOGISTICS GENERAL

4. EMERGENCY SHELTER/NON-FOOD ITEMS  

5. SURFACE TRANSPORT     

6. AIR OPERATIONS

7. RIVER TRANSPORT

8. FUEL   

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1. HIGHLIGHTS

West Darfur: The Wadi Azum Bridge is scheduled to be completed in the beginning of August.  The opening of this bridge will greatly increase road access east from Geneina toward Nyala. 

Darfur Insecurity: As a result of increased insecurity, many areas of Darfur which had once been accessible by road are now only accessible by helicopter.  Although helicopters are available, the high cost of helicopters will greatly impact logistics costs for Darfur.  Inaccessible areas have increased since June. 

South Sudan WFP Road Rehabilitation: According to a recent WFP survey, rehabilitation of the roads to date has halved travel time, bus services now operate on all major routes and the cost of public transport has decreased by 50 to 60 percent.

2. SECURITY/ACCESS[1]

Darfur

Increased Insecurity: A recent spate of violence against aid workers by IDPs has led many organizations to temporarily suspend activities in certain areas throughout the Darfurs, particularly in the Zalingei area and in parts of North Darfur.  In addition, organizations are taking extra precautions in conducting their activities, such as informing IDPs more specifically about the benefits of their programs.

Furthermore, banditry, hijackings, and other attacks by armed groups continued to impede humanitarian operations throughout the Darfurs.   As a result of the insecurity, many areas of Darfur which had once been accessible by road are now only accessible by helicopter.  Although helicopters are available, the high cost of helicopters will greatly impact logistics costs for Darfur. 

Humanitarian Access:  On July 17, OCHA released an updated map of humanitarian access in Darfur, showing even more inaccessible areas as compared to the June 7 map.  According to the map, there is no humanitarian access in the Kulbus region of West Darfur, eastern Jebel Marra, northern North Darfur and around El Taweisha town in North Darfur.  For further details, the map is available on the UNMIS website at http://www.unmis.org/english/2006Docs/darfur-map.pdf.

North Darfur: Due to present insecurity in the Kafod, Kulkul, Mallit, El Fasher triangle, it has been recommended that humanitarian operations into these areas are postponed until further notice.  Accordingly, the entire northern part of North Darfur remained ‘no go’ for most humanitarian agencies, limiting access to approximately 250,000 people.  In addition, the UN continues to have problems with the denial of access by National Security in Kebkabiyah. 

Meanwhile, relief trucks are using longer routes to avoid the banditry prone routes of Ishma, Um Zueifa and Labado. (WFP)

The UN is currently following a 20-km radius no-fly zone surrounding Shangil Tobayi.  Due to insecurity, the main NGO operating in Shangil Tobayi returns to El Fasher each evening.  

West Darfur: On July 3, helicopter flights to Beida, Harah, and Kango Harazah were suspended due to fighting in the vicinity of Beida.  In addition, agencies are advised to exercise extreme caution in the Habilah area, following the recent ambush of a large aid convoy. 

 
South Darfur: In other developments, attacks by bandits along major and feeder roads in South Darfur continued unabated in the Menawashi and Labado areas which affected the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the general areas of Shearia and Muhajariya.  In addition fighting near Buram, Rezigat, and Hamadiya also impeded humanitarian access in South Darfur.

South Sudan

Insecurity: Insecurity, due to inter-clan fighting and disarmament tensions, continued to affect humanitarian operations in South Sudan during July. As a result of an attack on GTZ on the Juba-Mongalla road, travel on the Juba – Mongalla and Juba-Torit roads has been restricted.  In addition, following fighting in Bentiu on July 17 and 18, humanitarian workers were relocated from the area and commercial deliveries to the Rubkona market have stopped.   

Jonglei State: UNMIS has established a Safe Operating Base in Motot, Jonglei State and the situation has been reported stable.  This base will also facilitate the return of humanitarian agencies to the area.

Security Information: A map illustrating the reviewed Phase IV area and Level 3 road restrictions in South Sudan may be acquired from the UNDSS office in Juba by e-mail: undss.southsudan@undp.org.

Rest of Sudan

Access: The UN continues to work with the Government of Sudan to guarantee unimpeded access beyond Port Sudan and Kassala Town.  While progress has been made, some locations remain an issue.

3. LOGISTICS GENERAL

Sudan-Wide

UNJLC operates two email lists for logistics information in Sudan: sudan.logs@unjlc.org (North Sudan) and southsudan.logs@unjlc.org (South Sudan).   Organizations interested in joining either or both lists should send an email to the list.

UNJLC Logistics Coordination Meetings: UNJLC holds weekly or fortnightly logistics coordination meetings in Khartoum, El Fasher, El Geneina, Nyala, and Juba.  In addition, there is a monthly logistics coordination meeting in Zalingei.  All interested organizations are encouraged to attend.  For more information, please contact sarah.mcniece@wfp.org or the local UNJLC Logistics Officer. 

The August meeting schedule is:

UNJLC Field Contacts:  

Nyala: Jaromir Sliwinski - Jaromir.Sliwinski@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912529835, VHF call sign NL 3.1 Adil Kamoun: Adil.Kamoun@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912170732, VHF call sign NL2.

El Fasher: Sedick Toffa - Sedick.Toffa@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912160884, VHF call sign FL 3.1.  Araki Ibrahim – Araki.Ibrahim@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912169495, VHF call sign FL 3.1.1

Geneina: Neil Barriskell – Neil.Barriskell@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912172159, +882 165 119 4845, VHF call sign GL 3.

Juba:  Robert Sepe – Robert.Sepe@wfp.org, +254 734 333119, +88 2161 2111 7673, VHF call sign JL 1. Mareng Deng – Mareng.Deng@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912174732, VHF call sign JL 2.1.

Rainy Season:  The rainy season has begun to limit humanitarian transport throughout southern Sudan, the East, and the Transitional Areas.  Rains have not yet had a significant affect on transport in Darfur. 

Demining: Demining activities have been hampered by the onset of the wet season in most areas of operations in North and South Sudan. UN contractors remain on stand down for the season. (UNMAO)

Increased Transport Costs: Transport costs are expected to rise during the rainy season.  For example, due to the poor quality of the roads to Buram from Nyala, the NFI transporter, contracted by CARE, has increased its prices and currently all INGOs are asked to contribute a small part of the cost of delivery into the area. UNJLC in conjunction with CARE is working to resolve any difficulties on a case by case basis so as not to impede on the deliveries.

Accessing UNMIS Spare Cargo Capacity: To apply to UNMIS Air, Rail, Surface Transport and Barge Service spare cargo capacity fill out the UNMIS Request Form (CMR) at http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/transport/air/cargo_passenger/ and submit to the UNJLC office for authorization before taking the form to UNMIS Movcon for processing.   Forms should be submitted to UNMIS Movcon from 0800-1300.  UNMIS can not accept any CMR for cargo less than 20KG because the cargo is easy to lose.

Customs: For exempted cargo to avoid waiting/delays for custom clearances in Kaya or Yei, it is recommended that exemptions documents are completed prior to loading the trucks in Kenya and Uganda.  All documents (i.e. bills of lading) should be sent to Juba first to get the exemption from the Ministry of Finance.  There are four persons who have the authority to sign these documents; Minister of Finance, Director of Customs, Under-Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, and the Undersecretary for Economic Planning/Development.

4. EMERGENCY SHELTER & NON-FOOD ITEMS

Darfur

UNJLC Darfur NFI Coordinator:  Alister Shields is the Darfur NFI Coordinator for UNJLC.  Alister can be reached at Alister.Shields@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912391044.

Distribution of Common Pipeline NFIs: In July, distributions of Common Pipeline NFIs reached 17,685 households as agencies completed their pre-rainy season distributions.  The following agencies distributed Common Pipeline NFIs in July: Solidarite, ACF, IRC, IOM, INTERSOS, SCF-US, Spanish Red Crescent, Oxfam , Triangle, WHO, UNICEF, CHF International, Women Improve Development, and Concern.  The commodities were 23,002 blankets, 15,099 items of women’s clothing, 24,419 pieces of plastic sheeting, 60,683 sleeping mats, 22,375 jerry cans, 156,153 pieces of sanitary material, and 60 tents. The commodities were distributed to the following locations: South Darfur – Gereida, North Darfur – El Fasher town, Shangil Tobayi, Al Salam and Zamzam. West Darfur – Kerenek and Kulbus

In addition, the Darfur NFI Common Pipeline supported community projects by providing plastic sheeting to projects such as a women’s training center, schools, and sanitation facilities. 

As part of these distributions, the NFI Common Pipeline donated 60 tents to IOM to support IDPs from Darfur who settled in Kauda, South Kordofan. 

Abu Shouk Flooding: Humanitarian agencies are currently working on plans to improve the dikes where flooding occurred last year in Abu Shouk camp.  UNJLC will reserve NFIs for 1,000 HH in case flooding occurs before the work is completed.

Distribution Reports:  Organizations distributing CP NFIs are reminded that they are required to complete Distribution Reports and submit them to UNJLC. 

Monitoring and Evaluation:  According to the CARE June NFI Monitoring and Evaluation report, IDPs voted utensils as the most important item not currently being distributed (32%), followed by mosquito net (21%), and soap (16%). Firewood was voted the least important item contrary to the May survey where respondents voted firewood as the most needed item. Of the items currently distributed by the NFI Common Pipeline, plastic sheeting was voted as the most useful item (89%), followed by Jerry can (32%), and sleeping mats (16%). NGOs are reminded to contact the CARE M & E team in Darfur prior to conducting an NFI distribution and updating the CARE field monitors if scheduled distribution dates change.   The full report can be found at http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/supply_chain/reports/monitoring.

Please see the complete Darfur NFI Common Pipeline tracking document at http://www.unjlc.org/14717/19774/30543/. 

Donations/Loans to the CP:  Organizations are reminded that if they donate NFI to the CP, the CP will cover the cost of transporting the NFI from El Obeid to the distribution points.  Agencies/NGOs can then access the NFI CP for distribution, if the target population meets CP standards. 

Plastic Sheeting and Community Projects: A high demand for plastic sheeting has been placed on the NFI CP for community projects servicing non-shelter/NFI sectors.  UNJLC has agreed to a loan mechanism with UNICEF for the UNICEF-led sectors.

Joint Distribution: Following a joint assessment to Otash camp on July 25, the GOS Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) and UNJLC agreed that HAC and the NFI Common Pipeline would each supply half of the plastic sheeting requirement for the camp.  CHF distributed the NFIs with the assistance of local NGO Al Ruhama/Al Bassma on July 31. 

Host Communities:  An NFI distribution to 645 households was temporarily delayed in Yassin because the host community did not want to allow Samaritan’s Purse to distribute NFIs to IDPs; instead the host community told Samaritan’s Purse that all the NFIs should be shared equally by every one.  The distribution was allowed to continue after distributions to the most vulnerable members of the host community were also included. 

Other Pipelines: Information on other NFI pipelines and distributions is vital for ensuring that NFI coverage is comprehensive.  All supply managers and NFI coordinators are requested to contact Alister Shields at Alister.Shields@wfp.org with information on their NFI activities. 

South Sudan

NFI Coordination: Robert Sepe is the UNJLC NFI Coordinator for South Sudan.  Robert Sepe can be reached at +254 734 333119, +88 2161 2111 7673, and Robert.sepe@wfp.org.  The next NFI Coordination meeting is scheduled for the last Thursday of August.

Jerry Cans: CARE has 2,300 non-collapsible jerry cans in Loki.  If an organisation has the funds for transportation and is interested in having them, please contact CARE (steve@ci.or.ke).

Fishing Hooks: The Malakal ICRC delegation has indicated that they have a very large number of fishing hooks available and might consider donating them to an interested organisation. To find out if these are still available and if a donation is possible, contact: Floortje Hoette, head of sub delegation Malakal, +0831 822 990, +249 912 177 284 or Khartoum.kha@icrc.org 

Lack of Transport for NFIs: UNJLC notes that lack of transport has been impeding the distribution of NFIs.  There is a strong demand for assistance for transport of NFIs by most agencies. This request is not only for transportation means but as well for additional information on availability of transport, coordination of escorted convoys and possibilities of assistance from agencies such as UNMIS.

5. SURFACE TRANSPORT

Sudan-Wide

Priorities for Demining: UNMAO has requested that humanitarian agencies present priorities for demining.  OCHA is collecting the information.  A list of priority locations/routes should be submitted to OCHA-South (nabafu@un.org, janda@un.org) no later than August 11.

Landmine Incidents[2]: Numerous UXOs, anti-personnel and anti-tank mines were discovered by an UNMO patrol in Akobo. The lack of an accredited demining asset as well as MOVCON restrictions mean that appropriate disposal could not be conducted.  A commercial driver drove over an anti-tank mine in the Saly area on a diversion next to the cleared Damazin-Kurmuk road. 

Landmines were found in two separate incidents on diversion roads.  Agencies are reminded that diversion roads that have not been cleared, although they are next to cleared roads, are not safe.  Two anti-tank mines were discovered on the road between Bor and Mathing 800 meters from each other. Agencies are advised that the Bor – Mathing road has been declared by UNMAO as a “Red” – Mined Road, pending survey. Agencies are advised to use the newly built Bor – Mathing – Padak road.  FSD (demining organisation) reported an anti-tank mine incident in the Saly area on a diversion next to the cleared Damazin-Kurmuk road.  (Source: UNMAO)

Darfur

West Darfur: The Wadi Azum Bridge is scheduled to be completed in the beginning of August.  The opening of this bridge will greatly increase road access east from Geneina toward Nyala. 

Convoy to Darfur: UNJLC is currently planning a light vehicle convoy for El Fasher, Geneina, and Nyala, if the security situation allows.  Interested organizations are requested to submit a form with details about convoy needs to unjlc.khartoum@wfp.org. The form is available at http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/transport/land/light_vehicle_convoys/view.

South Sudan

GOSS Donation to WFP: The priorities for the Government of South Sudan’s recent $30 million donation to the WFP Roads Rehabilitation Project are: Tonj – Wau; Payii River to Shambe; Maintenance bridges and FFW; Bor Dikes; and Mabior – Malakal.

According to a recent WFP survey, roads built so far have halved travel time to markets, schools and health centres. Bus services now operate on all major routes and the cost of public transport has decreased by 50 to 60 percent. The price of commodities has also fallen. In Juba, for example, a bag of cement costs $17 compared with $29 last year. The WFP roads project employs 1,650 Sudanese nationals, including 250 working in de-mining.

Road Regulations/Road Damage: WFP has been working with the Ministry of Transport to establish road regulations as previously repaired roads have been damaged by rainy season use, primarily by the transport of humanitarian cargo.  Bridges are also being damaged. Most bridges in Southern Sudan were constructed more than 40 years ago and were not made for heavily loaded trucks.  As an interim measure, the Ministry and WFP are requesting agencies/NGOs/ commercial sector to wait a minimum of 6 hours after it rains so the roads can dry-out thus minimizing damage.  In addition, the Ministry and WFP are requesting agencies/NGOs/commercial sector to minimize heavy load particularly during the rainy season.   Axle Loads under 5 MT are required during the wet season to avoid damage.  Agencies/NGOs are requested to contract for transport accordingly. (Source: WFP)

Speeding:  Speeding has become a problem both in Juba town and also on the Yei-Juba road with many accidents are occurring.  The UN has imposed a speed limit on all staff and drivers in Juba town of 40 km/h.  Offenders are to be reported to UNDSS.

Force Protection: UNMIS is organizing regular convoys to various destinations (Torit, Yei, and Mundri).  Agencies wishing to join can contact Andrew Robertson, RAO UNMIS in Juba for the further details. (robertsona@un.org , tel: 0912178333)

Wako Bridge: The Wako Bridge has been repaired by WFP. CIVICON will repair the remaining 14 km stretch of road. It has been stressed that the truck loads are too high for the bridges. Security constraints are hindering construction and repair of bridges in parts of South Sudan.

Mvolo Bridge: The bridge at Mvolo is currently out.  WFP has contracted Civicon for the repairs and Civicon has begun setting up operations.  There is a bypass near the bridge but it is only serviceable if it has not rained recently.  The bypass is currently in poor condition because so many vehicles are using it. Civicon is looking into possibilities for improving the bypass until the bridge can be repaired.  Mvolo is along the main assess corridor to Rumbek on the Yei-Maridi-Mvolo-Rumbek road.

6. AIR OPERATIONS

Sudan-Wide

UN Partnership with Sudanese Civil Aviation: The UN has recently partnered with the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) to address the needs of airport infrastructures throughout Sudan. All airports are in the process of being surveyed, with master plans developed and the required work programmed and initiated. Projects which have been completed include upgrading the Rumbek airport, repairing the runway in Wau, constructing a tower in Wau and El Obeid for use by the SCAA, providing fire trucks for numerous airports to improve their emergency response, and installing a navigational aid system and runway lighting in Kadugli.  (Source: WFP)

Updated Flight Schedules: The UNMIS and WFP-HAS updated flight schedules (including helicopter services) can be found at http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/transport/air/schedules.

WFP-HAS Fleet: The total current WFP-HAS fleet consists of: 

Khartoum: Two Dash-8s, two B-1900s, one B-200

El Obeid: One C208

Nyala: One C208, two M18 Helicopters

El Fasher: One M18 Helicopter

Geneina: One M18 Helicopter

Wau: One C208

Juba: One C208

Lokichoggio: Two Dash-8s

Rumbek: Two Twin Otters, one B-1900

Lokichoggio/Rumbek: Eight C208s, two Buffalos

UNMIS Passenger Flights: UNMIS posts the manifests for its passenger flights at 1600 the day before on the UNMIS intranet.

Darfur

NFI Flights: There has not been a regular schedule for WFP-HAS NFI cargo flights to Darfur in 2006.  However, the WFP-HAS small cargo service (25 kg/package up to 100 kg total) is still available.  Interested organizations should contact WFP-HAS at dominic.waldron@wfp.org or kennedy.ooro@wfp.org.   These flights are to North and South Sudan.  In addition, organizations can transport items through UNMIS on a space-available basis. Please contact UNJLC for details at unjlc.khartoum@wfp.org.     

South Sudan

Juba Airport: UNMAO is currently expanding demining operations around Juba airport so that approach and landing lights can be constructed. 

UNMIS Cargo Transport: UNMIS has two cargo flights daily from El Obeid to Juba (20 MT capacity) and organizations can apply to ship cargo on those flights on a space available basis.  There is capacity of up to 1 MT on UNMIS passenger flights, depending on the location.  Items are more likely to be transported if they can be divided into 25 kg boxes. 

WFP-HAS:  WFP-HAS is working on shifting more flights into Juba from Loki but it is not possible to shift all the operations at this time.  The primary constraints are:  Jet A1 fuel supply, parking space and security at Juba airport, accommodation for air crews and land allocation at the Juba airport.  As part of the process to shift more operations to Juba, two international WFP-HAS staff are now based in Juba.  In addition, a booking office is expected to be operational in the coming weeks.

While most WFP-HAS flights are on a per-request basis, there are some fixed flights.  On Monday/Wednesday/Friday, WFP-HAS flies Loki-Juba-Rumbek-Juba-Loki.  On Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday, WFP-HAS flies Loki-Juba-Rumbek-Malakal-Rumbek-Juba-Loki

Cargo Flights from Juba: UNJLC is collecting information on the need for cargo flights from Juba.   Please contact Rob Sepe at Robert.Sepe@wfp.org.      

Airstrips: Renovations are continuing on the Rumbek airstrip.  The airstrip is open during the day and closes at 1600 daily.  The Rubkona airstrip is reportedly in poor condition.  There is an all-weather airstrip 10 km away but it is difficult to access public transport from that strip. 

7. RIVER/SEA TRANSPORT

UNMIS Barge:  UNMIS has commenced a regular barge service from Kosti to Malakal/Juba.  However, the UNMIS barge from Kosti to Malakal does not have any spare capacity for humanitarian agencies at this time. 

IOM Barge: IOM is operating a barge (400 MT capacity) between Juba and Bor to support returning IDPs.  Humanitarian organizations wishing to access spare capacity on the barge are requested to fill in the form at http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/transport/air/cargo/transport_iom_barge and submit it to the following IOM representatives in Juba -  Mladen Kakuca: + 8821654208732, mkakucatdy@iom.int and Mark Petzoldt:  mpetzoldt@iom.int.

Kenya Ports: Kenya's main port is targeting cargo for reconstruction of southern Sudan to expand its business, and the government is planning a second port in Lamu.  In 2005, 4.2 percent of transit cargo was headed for Sudan, an increase from 2.3 percent in the previous year. In addition, the Kenyan Port Authority plans to increase storage space to deal with current congestion at the port. 

8. FUEL

Sudan-Wide

Offshore Oil: International media have reported that Sudan is seeking investment from Brazil’s state-run oil company, Petroleo Brasileiro (Petrobas), to develop its offshore oil deposits in the Red Sea. 

Darfur

Kerosene: Kerosene is only available on the black market in Nyala, while in Geneina, kerosene is frequently completely unavailable. 

Fuel Regulations: In North and South Darfur, commercial trucks are not permitted to transport excess fuel.  

July Diesel Prices in Sudan (SD per L)

Source: UNJLC