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   
_________________________________

1. HIGHLIGHTS

Darfur Insecurity: Insecurity has required UNJLC, as manager of the NFI Common Pipeline, to balance current needs with the maintenance of stocks to meet future needs in case of displacement. Decreasing access due to insecurity and seasonal rains, is severely constraining humanitarian cargo deliveries. Intermittent fuel shortages are further impeding surface and air transport options.  

Fuel: Demonstrations have taken place throughout August over fuel and price increases in Khartoum. Fuel prices have increased in North Sudan by 30%. Fuel shortages have led to a 100% increase in local transport costs in El Fasher.

2. SECURITY/ACCESS

Darfur
Mounting Insecurity: Insecurity continues with no improvements predicted in the near future. The spate of violence against humanitarian workers has led to the temporary suspension of activities by many organisations, particularly in the 'Birmaza Triangle' (North Darfur).
OCHA has released an updated map of humanitarian access in Darfur, showing increasing inaccessibility. See the HIC website - www.humanitarianinfo.org/darfur. Go to Map Centre, Humanitarian Access NEW! and Darfur Humanitarian Access 27 Aug 06.
 
AU Escorts: Although AU escorts may be recommended on a case by case basis for humanitarian road traffic, the increased targeting of the AU, especially in North Darfur, has resulted in roads effectively becoming "no go", further decreasing humanitarian transport. 

North Darfur: Two WFP-contracted trucks were hijacked on the road between El Fasher and Kabkabiya on 24 August, marking a continuation in attacks on humanitarian vehicles. Movement restrictions are still in effect and project activities continue to face severe disruptions, particularly in north and northeastern areas, where most locations remain "no go". Kulkul and Sayeh are noted as particularly tense.

Road Access: UN "no go" roads are: Kutum-Korma, Tawilla-Korma, Om (Kabkabiya Road)-Korma, Kabkabiya-Jebel Mara and Ed Al Nagab-Jebel Mara. Al Sarief-Saraf Omra road has been changed to Category C (medium risk). Boundary of El Fasher-Tine across to Mellit-El Fasher is now also Category C with a minimum of three vehicles.  

West Darfur: All roads remain category 'D' (high risk) except the Morni-Umshalaya road which is categorised as 'C' (medium risk). Helicopters are being used to conduct activities. A proposed assessment of the accessibility and security situation on major roads in the state has been postponed due to the recent spate of attacks.

South Darfur: Banditry attacks have been witnessed on all major and feeder roads in South Darfur. MSF-Holland suspended all activities in the general area of Sharia, 90 km northeast of Nyala, following banditry attacks targeting the agency. The Ishma-Labado road was reopened after a year, although there have since been reports of isolated incidents, including the ambush of a WFP convoy at Um Daraba, 30 kilometres east of Nyala. It is now considered "no go" (UNDSS Nyala).

South Sudan
General Insecurity: Inter-clan fighting continues to affect transport. Organisations are advised to avail of armed escorts along Juba-Mongala and Juba-Torit roads, with DDO clearance through UNDSS, South Sudan. A UNMIS boat convoy was attacked by unknown persons in a location 60-km west of Malakal. The stretch between Canal Mouth Upper Nile and Tonga has been declared as RED NO GO with all river transport stopped between those points.

Change in Security Levels/Travel Restrictions: South Sudan is currently Phase Three, thereby increasing humanitarian access. The requirement for armed escort west of the Nile during road movement is removed. However, the use of armed escorts east of the Nile is maintained. MOSS and Mine/UXO requirements remain extant for both areas. (UNMIS Regional Security, Juba).

Source: UNMIS Regional Security Southern Sudan (Juba)

Security Map: A map illustrating 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 GOS to guarantee unimpeded access beyond Port Sudan and Kassala Town. Despite some progress, several locations remain an issue, including Tokar (Port Sudan). Access to Tokar is restricted.

3. LOGISTICS GENERAL

Sudan-Wide
Landmines: Mine action activities have been hampered by rains in most areas of operations in North and South Sudan. UN contractors remain on stand down for the season.

UNJLC Logistics Coordination Meetings: UNJLC holds weekly/fortnightly meetings in Khartoum, El Fasher, El Geneina, Nyala and Juba. A monthly logistics coordination meeting in also held in Zalingei. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.  For information, please contact julie.spooner.@wfp.org or the local UNJLC Logistics Officer.

In addition, UNJLC operates two email lists for North and South Sudan for the sharing of logistics related information - sudan.logs@unjlc.org and southsudan.logs@unjlc.org. Those interested in joining should send an email to the list.

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 and Fionnuala Lucey - fionnuala.lucey@wfp.org , +249 912174731, VHF call sign NL 3
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, +249 734 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 and Scott Sweet  - scott.sweet@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912167734, VHF call sign JL 4.

South Sudan 
Transit Cargo to Southern Sudan: Transit traffic from Mombasa to Southern Sudan has increased by over 25,000 tonnes in the first six months of 2006, according to the Kenyan Ports Authority. A total of 77,684 tonnes (imports and exports) was handled at the port since January compared with 51,407 tonnes in the same period in 2005. The main imports were grain sorghum (22,799 tonnes), gas oil (10,853 tonnes), assembled motor vehicles (4,240 tonnes), cereal flours (3,576 tonnes) and jet fuel (3,116 tonnes). (East African, Nairobi, 14 August, 2006)

Public Works Programme Component in the Rapid Impact Emergency Project: GOSS has identified the need for a quick impact public works project in state capitals outside of Juba (including Yei), to improve local government capacity. Up to US$1 million will be made available in each town. The UN Area Coordinator's office and UNDP will monitor and evaluation project implementation. Grants will be awarded to community based NGOs and organisations fulfilling certain criteria.

Common Warehousing:  UNJLC has conducted a survey to determine aggregate storage space needed for Juba-based NGOs, where there is currently a shortage of warehousing. Following the outcome, UNJLC will investigate options for common warehousing.  Two options are being considered - one being the UN management of a common warehouse storage space of between 1 and 5 warehouses.  The second option involves approaching international and local businesses to investigate their capacity. While roughly 4,000 sq. metres have been located for future warehousing, NGOs are yet to be organised into groups to share space. This will be an action point for September for UNJLC. Businesses are interested in providing warehouses, although face the same land issues facing humanitarian agencies in obtaining building permission. An agreement is expected by end 2006 to open up other possibilities.

Electricity: There are currently plans to install an electricity power station in three locations in Kuajok (Warrap), Bor (Jonglei) and Rumbek (Lakes). Also expected is a hydraulic electricity station.  Last week, the GOSS Minister of Irrigation signed a MoU with Egypt to set up Rain Measurement Centres, and discussed the resumption of the Jonglei Canal project.

Rainy Season: The rains have now reached their peak and are beginning their southward recession.  By early-November the dry season should set in over most IDP and refugee areas in Darfur and eastern Chad. (FEWSNET) Access has been greatly reduced around Tokar (Red Sea) due to flooding. Rains continue to impede accessibility in some areas of West Darfur, especially in the south and southwest corridors, with truckers to Habila experiencing delays.

Cumulative Rainfall: Please click http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/infosheets/weather for the latest update.

UNMIS Spare Cargo Capacity: To apply for UNMIS Air, Rail, Surface and Barge Service spare cargo capacity, fill out the UNMIS Request Form (CMR) on   http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/transport/air/cargo_passenger/ and submit to the UNJLC office for authorisation. Forms should then be submitted to UNMIS Movcon for processing between 0800 and 1300. UNMIS cannot accept any CMR for cargo less than 20KG since small packages can more easily be lost. 

Customs: Government officials from the North and South are currently discussing possibilities for standardising customs and tax procedures.

4. EMERGENCY SHELTER & NON-FOOD ITEMS

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

Donations: GOS has received in-kind donations of relief from Libya (25MT) and Algeria (36MT), composed mostly of food plus 2500 blankets.

Women's Clothing Shortfall: JLC is regrettably anticipating a shortfall of topes by end September for a period of three months until new stocks arrive in mid December.
 
Distribution of Common Pipeline NFIs: This month, regional insecurity and tension in camps led to a significant decrease in regular distributions. Instead, the Darfur NFI Common Pipeline supported community projects by providing items to health clinics, latrines, youth centres, a cholera ward, maternity wards and children's centres. In addition, a distribution to more than 3,000 households in Buram was impeded for over two weeks because transporters were unable to cross a wadi between Nyala and Buram. 

The following agencies reached 16,925 households with Common Pipeline NFIs in August: Malteser, IRC, WHO, ACF, SDCO, Spanish Red Cross, CRS, TDH, UNICEF, SCF-US, Concern, War Child. Commodities were 7,192 blankets, 10,151 items of women's clothing, 4,121 pieces of plastic sheeting, 27,699 sleeping mats, 5,715 jerry cans and 5,925 pieces of sanitary material. Distributions occurred in: South Darfur - Bileil and Nyala Town; North Darfur - Abu Zareaga, El Fasher Town, Gallab, Shadad, Shangil Tobayi, Tabit and Wadaaha; West Darfur - Abu Suroug, Ardamata, Dorti, Habileh, Kerenek, Mornei and Riyadh.

South Darfur
Distributions: SDCO completed a distribution in Banat village (Bileyl). A distribution also took place in Katayla (Ed-ElFursan). WVI has distributed 1100 blankets from UNJLC- CP for 510 HHs in Manawashi Camp. Also distributed were 1,730 mosquito nets from their own pipeline.
WVI has reported the presence of 6,393 IDPs in Netaga Village, 8,900 IDPs in Merar Village and 9,381 IDPs in Kerakeri Village, in Shariya Locality. Coordination is to take place with SPCR who are already operating in these areas to verify the figures. An NFI request will then be made based on the figures provided by SPCR to UNJLC.

According to HAC, NGOs are carrying out an assessment to flood affected areas of Ed El Fursan, Kabum, Falandugi, Markundi, Katila, Drader and Afuna in Ed ElFursan Locality. An NFI Request will be submitted to UNJLC following the results of the assessment. 
 
West Darfur
Distributions:  200 plastic sheets were distributed in Krenik by Save the Children US to improve latrine facilities. CRS conducted a full distribution of NFIs for the newly displaced of Abu Saroug which included 2,780 blankets and 1,385 plastic sheets. 180 pieces of plastic sheeting were used by UNICEF to cover schools in four IDP camps. Finally, 25 pieces of plastic sheeting were used by UNICEF to upgrade latrines in Mornei, following the out break of cholera in the camp.

Theft of NFI items: In Abu Suroug and Geneina, unknown groups robbed transporters and a warehouse of Common Pipeline NFIs. All items taken in Geneina were recovered and action taken against those responsible.

UNJLC Assessments:  A UNJLC/OCHA assessment was carried out in Sisi Camp to determine household numbers and their needs before distribution of NFIs can begin.

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

Monitoring and Evaluation:  According to CARE's July NFI Monitoring Report, IDPs voted plastic sheeting as the most useful NFI currently being distributed (82%), followed by jerry cans (8%). All 387 households interviewed are currently using plastic sheeting as rooftop shelter with 15% reported to have at least one sheet in reserve. Firewood was voted the most needed NFI (53%) not currently being distributed, followed by clothes (37%).
The full report is available at http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/supply_chain/reports/monitoring.

NFI Common Pipeline Stocks as of 26 August, 2006
 
*The "Number of Households" column shows the projected number of households that could be covered with the total stock.   Please see the complete Darfur NFI Common Pipeline tracking document at http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/supply_chain/pipeline_overview

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

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

South Sudan
Workplan: UNJLC, along with WVI, served as the sector leader for the WP 2007 NFI & Emergency Shelter Sector. Through work plan meetings with UN agencies and NGOs, UNJLC initiated planning to create the framework in which all NFI and emergency shelter operations will be defined for 2007. Early drafts of the Sector plan have identified three main areas for objectives: 1 - provision of NFIs to support emergency response and assist returnees, IDPs and vulnerable populations, 2 - NFI Coordination, 3 - Capactiy Building of Sudanese distribution mechanisms.

NFI Coordination: Robert Sepe is the UNJLC NFI Coordinator for South Sudan.  He can be reached at Robert.sepe@wfp.org. and +249 734 333119, +88 2161 2111 7673. Please refer to the meeting schedule on page 3.

Flooding:  The river along the South Sudan/Ethiopian border in Upper Nile has overflowed its banks.  An assessment conducted by CARE and local authorities indicates that many households were forced to flee. NFI response was coordinated by NGOs. 

Lack of Transport for NFIs: UNJLC notes that lack of transport has impeded NFI distribution with a strong demand for assistance in transportation by most agencies. Requests have come in also for additional information on transport availability, coordination of escorted convoys and possible assistance from agencies such as UNMIS.

Rest of Sudan (ROS) NFI Coordination: Sarah McNiece is the UNJLC NFI Coordinator for non-Darfur North Sudan. She can be reached at Sarah.mcniece@wfp.org and +249 912170728, +249 187089433.

5. SURFACE TRANSPORT

Darfur
Convoy to Darfur: Fifty vehicles registered for the UNJLC-facilitated light vehicle convoy to the Darfurs. Due to the situation in Darfur - the reported  military build-up of the various parties, the constraints that AMIS is facing, limited access to the operational areas, and the continued theft and car-jacking of UN, UN contracted, and NGOs vehicles - the convoy was postponed. However, due to current emergency needs in Darfur and following an assessment by UNDSS, the convoy is to be reinstated to North and South Darfur, with a decision on West Darfur still pending. Organisations interested in joining future convoys should contact unjlc.khartoum@wfp.org. The form is available at http://www.unjlc.org/sudan/transport/land/light_vehicle_convoys/view.

South Darfur: Commercial trucks hired by CARE to transport NFIs from the CP to Buram were forced to return to Nyala, due to road conditions. However, HAC is assisting SDCO with transportation of another consignment for the area and sending the NFIs released by UNJLC to SDCO. CARE trucks are to accompany the SDCO trucks. Recent updates report that one truck has already arrived in Buram, with two en route. Two trucks still remain in Nyala, although CARE and UNJLC are actively working to resolve the situation.                         

South Sudan
Landmines: Mine action activities have been hampered by the wet season in most areas. UN contractors remain on stand down for the season. One person was seriously injured in a UXO incident near the John Garang memorial and Customs Market in Juba. MAG has commenced clearance of the area with movement restrictions in force. For similar reasons, caution is advised on the Wau-Kuajina-Tonj road. (UNMAO)
Clearance of the Wau railway station has been completed by the Kenyan Military Demining Company.

Road Conditions: Rains have resulted in the impassibility of a number of roads around Bor and Malakal. The Malakal-Melut (North) and Bor-Pochalla roads are used by civilians during DRY season, but not cleared by UNMAS. The Malakal-Dolleib Hill (South) and Malakal-Nasser (East) roads are unsuitable during the wet season. Users of the Bentiu-Rubkona-Kadugli road are advised to take precautions (high-lift jacks, tow cables and winches).
 
Road Conditions Map:  UNJLC GIS has created a rainy season road conditions report. UNMOs, some road engineers, and WFP field stations feed into this report, although it is hoped that increased circulation will result in more input. It will be shared with the community via the south sudan logistics e-mail list, from the UNJLC office and in the OCHA-Juba conference room.

On 13 August, the GNU Minister for Transport Kuol Manyang Juk announced plans for roads linking Juba with Kenya and Kosti. Also announced was the GOS/China agreement for the transport sector. Work has begun on a road linking Kassala with Hameshkoreib.

Road Regulations/Road Damage: Recommendations to redress the damage incurred by unrestricted axle loads are having limited effect, with heavily-loaded trucks still carrying goods into Sudan and logs from Sudan into Uganda. This is having a disastrous effect on certain sections of roads, in particular Kaya-Yei, where repairs under Phase II have not yet been completed.

WFP Road Repairs:  WFP's lack of funding during the last dry season means critical trunk roads have already begun to fail during this wet season and regular road maintenance not completed. It is anticipated that conditions will prevail until the end of the rains. Recent increases in funding will allow WFP to commence planned road works under Phase III of their Emergency Road Repair and Mine Clearance Special Operation, specifically completion of the road from Bor to Malakal as well as continuing works on the Tonj-Wau , Wau to Abyei, Yei River to Shambe, Juba to Mundri and Mabior to Malakal roads. Work from Rumbek to Shambe is largely complete.

Road Conditions: Roads in Bau, Geissan, Damazine, Rosaries and Kurmuk (Blue Nile) are deteriorating due to the rains, causing delays in dispatches and deliveries.

Jekou Bridge:  This is now in place, although further road works are needed for this important link for wet season use.

6. AIR OPERATIONS

Sudan Wide
Updated Flight Schedules: UNMIS and WFP-HAS updated flight schedules 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
UNHAS is currently negotiating the funding for two extra helicopters for Darfur.

UNMIS Passenger Flights and Cargo Transport: UNMIS posts the manifests for its passenger flights at 1600 the day before on the UNMIS intranet. UNMIS has two cargo flights daily El Obeid to Juba (20MT capacity). Organisations 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 divided into 25kg boxes. 

Darfur
WFP-HAS: Due to high demand for helicopter flights because of insecurity and the current reduced helicopter flight schedule, UNJLC is assisting WFP-HAS with prioritisation of passengers for helicopter flights in West Darfur. In addition, WFP is assessing the viability of adding two extra helicopter rotations to the current schedule; one to the south-west corridor, the other to the Kulbus area. UNJLC is working with WFP-HAS and the humanitarian community on options for cargo and passenger transport to ensure the continuation of humanitarian operations despite logistical impediments. A third helicopter is to be sent to Darfur (Geneina-based). Although UNHAS has brought in as much fuel as possible to Geneina, the reduced schedule is still in implementation to allow for fuel to be stockpiled.

NFI Flights: There has not been a regular 2006 schedule for WFP-HAS NFI cargo flights to Darfur. However, the WFP-HAS small cargo service (25 kg/package up to 100 kg total) is still available to North and South Sudan. Interested organisations should contact WFP-HAS at dominic.waldron@wfp.org or kennedy.ooro@wfp.org. Organisations can also transport items through UNMIS on a space-available basis. Please contact UNJLC for details at unjlc.khartoum@wfp.org.   
An updated list of commercial options for air cargo transport is now available on the UNJLC website at www.unjlc.org

South Sudan
Repairs to Airstrips:  The clearance of Juba Airfield has been suspended until demining assets are operational (due 1 October). Annual mine clearance of Kapoeta airstrip extension has been suspended (UNMAO) although emergency repairs of Rumbek Airstrip are now complete.

Bor Airstrip Assessment:  UNJLC has been requested to facilitate an interagency short-term technical assessment with WFP-HAS of the Bor Airstrip (Jonglei State), with the aim of supporting a proposal for its long-term rehabilitation. The airfield has been shut down for most of the rainy season, although WFP's Food For Work project has now commenced. UNJLC will also facilitate a technical assessment for the long-term rehabilitation of the airfield. The assessment team will be comprised of members from UNJLC, WFP, UNHAS and GTZ. 

Juba Based Air Cargo Survey: As a result of NGOs' request through the OATG (flight coordination group in South Sudan), UNJLC has initiated a survey on Juba-based cargo to show the demand for a Juba-based WFP-HAS cargo flight. The survey will attempt to gain a snapshot of needs from October to December 2006. Anyone with information should contact Rob Sepe at Robert.Sepe@wfp.org.     

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

7. RIVER/SEA TRANSPORT

Barge Services: All RTC (GOS) barge services operating from Kosti to Malakal and Juba were reported as operating normally with no major constraints.

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. 

Juba Port: Rehabilitation of the port is expected to begin by the first week of October, ending by March 2007. Material sourcing and purchasing will come from Japan (JICA), Kenya, Uganda and Sudan.

8. FUEL

South Sudan
Shortages: Fuel shortages were being experienced in Juba, particularly in diesel. Rumours have circulated that shortages were due to a need to offload a stock of old fuel, although of poor quality. By the end of the reporting period, however, new supplies were arriving.

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

Looting of Fuel: Eight drums were looted from Musbat(North Darfur) on 22 August by Arab militias. Umkadata - Twelve AU escorted fuel tankers were ambushed during the month. Four are still missing. All fuel had been taken from those recovered. 

Fuel Prices: Fuel continues to be in short supply in North Darfur. A tanker due in El Fasher at the end of the reporting month has not yet arrived. The price of petrol on the black market is 2,500 per gallon. Diesel prices have increased in El Fasher by 25% to and petrol by 19%. In Nyala prices of both commodities are reported to have remained the same. The price of petrol has increased in West Darfur by 12% to 1400 SD and diesel by 10% to 1000 SD. 

August Diesel Prices in Sudan (SD per L)

See Image 1
 
Source: UNJLC