8 - 15 August 2006
Highlights
Guthrie Rubber Plantation to be repossessed
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Government of Liberia on 15 August repossessed the Guthrie Rubber Plantation in Bomi County. The repossession ceremony was attended by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss, and Chairman of the Joint Government of Liberia and United Nations Task Force on publicly-owned rubber plantations, Dr. J. Chris Toe. Senior officials of UNMIL and the Government will also attend the ceremony.
The Joint Government of Liberia - United Nations Rubber Plantation Task Force was established in February 2006 to address ongoing tensions and significant losses of government revenue due to inefficient management of publicly owned plantations. In order to enforce the rule of law within the plantation, the LNP has deployed officers to the plantation and, with the support of the United Nations Police (UNPOL), has been undertaking regular patrols. The UNMIL Pakistani military engineers have constructed housing and office space within Guthrie. In addition, an interim management team was also established by the Government of Liberia and the Rubber Planters' Association of Liberia (RPAL) as a temporary mechanism to regularize employment, promote labour standards and rehabilitate facilities, until a long-term management structure is established in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations of the country. Possibilities for reintegration assistance for the ex-combatants are also being explored by the NCDDRR with the support of UNMIL and other stakeholders.
A. HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES
WFP and partners delivered a total of 347.3 metric tons of assorted food commodities targeting 17,376 beneficiaries in three feeding categories including resettlement, nutrition interventions and Food Support to Local Initiatives (FSLI).
Distribution of resettlement food packages to former IDPs ended throughout the country on 31st July as planned. Verification of a residual caseload of 15,000 IDPs is still in progress and distribution of resettlement package to this group is to begin by the end of August.
Repatriation and Resettlement
During the reporting period, a total of 3,298 former IDPs received 177.8 metric tons of food representing the second and final tranche of their resettlement food package. A part from the residual caseload of 15,000 IDPs currently under verification, this distribution marked the official end of food assistance to former IDPs.
Food distribution also took place for returning refugees. About 790 Liberian returnees from Ghana and Guinea arrived home during this period and were provided 28.4 metric tons of food as first tranche of their resettlement food package. The Vice President of Liberia Hon. Joseph N. Boakai was among the dignitaries and representatives of UN agencies present to receive the returnees at the Free Port of Monrovia. During the same period, 1,888 returnees received food ration totaling 67.7 metric tons as second and final tranche of their resettlement food package.
As of 4th August 2006 a total of 321,634 IDPs residing in camps in Liberia were de-registered. Among these, 307,984 beneficiaries (95.75%) have received in full their four-month resettlement food packages. In the same period a total of 73,283 returnees were repatriated by UNHCR. Among these, 68,722 returnees received the first tranche of their food assistance.
Sea repatriation gains Momentum
The 5th sea movement from Ghana arrived in Monrovia on 14 August 2005 with some 191 Liberian refugees. The latest arrival has brought to total 76,763 Liberian refugees to return home by land, sea and air. Of this total, 52% returned from camps in Guinea, 21% from La Cote d'Ivoire, 20% from Sierra Leone, 5% from Nigeria and a combined 2% from other countries. Meanwhile, increased effort to promote return to Liberia continues. UNHCR offices have agreed to step up Mass Information activities to include the participation of high level Liberian Government officials and prominent leaders on "go and tell" missions while refugees would be facilitated to assess first-hand the security environment and reintegration activities in expected areas of return. In addition, Liberian refugees who return by their own means will be properly identified, deregistered and given assistance. Centers to process spontaneous returnees upon arrival are being pursued.
Returnees Benefit from Skilled Labour Program
UNHCR continues to attract the return of skilled Liberian refugees through its Skilled Labour Program (SLP). Medical staffs in David Selma Town of Lofa County were given construction materials to include zinc, nails and a bag of white wash to construct a staff quarters under the SLP program. The SLP scheme targets doctors and teachers to return and participate in the nation's recovery by enhancing their livelihood in return communities. In another development, shelter-partner Peace Winds Japan has commenced follow-up exercises of distributed shelter kits. The exercise is to ensure that beneficiaries use the materials for the intended purpose and also galvanize the communities' support to assist vulnerable returnees to complete their houses.
Emergency School Feeding (ESF)
Preparation has began for the implementation of the school feeding programme during the next academic year, which will start next September. The Country Office is currently assessing and reviewing the capacity of present and interested school feeding partners in view of signing new Field Level Agreements (FLA). It is also reviewing the current FLA template with the aim of ensuring that the ECWs are fully incorporated in these agreements, addressing key protection issues (as recommended by the March 8-22 Protection Mission to Liberia).
Food Support for Local Initiatives (FSLI)
During the reporting period, WFP and partners distributed a total of 123.4 metric tons of food to 10,473 beneficiaries in support of Food for Work and Food for Training activities. Projects benefiting included UNMIL supported road rehabilitation projects and several community based projects in six sub-offices. Additionally, 1,183 pieces of tools were also distributed to several agricultural and infrastructural projects in Bomi and Lofa Counties. Meanwhile, field data collection for the self-evaluation of the FSLI programme has been scheduled to take place from 14-27 August 2006.
Health & Nutrition Interventions
UNICEF and its partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Government of Liberia and the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) have released the results of the first phase of a three-phase nationwide tetanus vaccination on campaign launched on 25 June in Grand Bassa County. According to the results, a total of 271,911 females between the ages of 14-49 years were vaccinated with TT vaccines during the first phase from June 26 - July 1, 2006 in Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Margibi, and Nimba. The tetanus vaccination campaign, the first of its kind in Liberia, seeks to eliminate tetanus from the country by 2008. More than 800,000 females between ages of 14-49 years will be vaccinated against tetanus at the end of the three phases of the campaign. UNICEF has presented 36 kerosene refrigerators to Bomi (6), Bong (14), Gbarpolu (4), Grand Cape Mount (6), and Lofa (4) Counties. The refrigerators will be used to store vaccines for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, UNICEF conducted a 10-day training of trainers' workshop for 24 senior health workers from Bong, Lofa and Montserrado Counties in the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI). These 24 health workers will serve as IMCI trainers in their respective counties of assignment.
UNICEF participated in a press conference hosted by the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), announcing the observance of this year's World Breast Feeding Week which was marked from 1st to 7th August. This year's observance highlights the International Code of Marketing of breast milk substitutes. The Code aims to protect and promote breast-feeding by prohibiting the advertising and aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes, feeding bottles and teats.
WHO Country Office is supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop comprehensive Blood safety programme. Assessment of the laboratories has been conducted in Monrovia, Phebe, Voinjama and Buchanan. The findings will be used for the development of blood safety guidelines, policy and strategic plan.
WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health to re-examine the 1986 National Drug Formulary with the aim of reviewing it to include new protocols such as combined for malaria, Anti-retroviral drug therapy, etc.
WHO is technically supporting the government of Liberia to carry out county level training in eight counties (Margibi, Bomi, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh and Maryland) for the implementation of the Antenatal care (ANC) HIV/AIDS survey.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
With support from UNICEF, the local NGO Western Technology (WESTECH) constructed four new wells with hand pumps, four latrines (2 two-access and 2 four-access) and 16 family latrines for schools, communities and households in Careysburg District, Montserrado County.
In Fuamah District, Bong County, UNICEF provided support to the local NGO, New Era for the construction of eight new wells with hand pumps and eight four-access latrines for schools in the district. UNICEF local NGO partner, Lifewater has completed 10 boreholes with hand pumps for communities along the Ivorian border region of Gbehlay-Geh District.
The National Task Force on Avian Influenza Conducts Workshop
The National Task Force on the Control and Prevention of Avian Influenza in Liberia held a two-day workshop (9 - 10 August 2006) in Monrovia for members of the County Task Forces on Avian Influenza.
County Superintendents, County Agriculture Officers, County Health Officers, County Surveillance Officers and UNMIL Civil Affairs Officers from seven counties including Bomi, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Margibi, Montserrado, and Rivercess attended the workshop, which was the first in a series of three regional workshops to be conducted throughout Liberia.
The workshop objectives are to brief the County Task Force members on Avian Influenza and its prevention and control as well as to clarify their roles and responsibilities as Task Force members and other main actors.
The identification of challenges, constraints and next steps in terms of making the Task Force operational and ensuring that mechanisms are in place to prevent and control Avian Influenza in Liberia were critical issues discussed during the workshop.
The Vice President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai who gave the Keynote address expressed Government's concern about the possible outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Liberia.
Reasons for the government's concern, the Vice President said, are that the disease can spread very fast and the disease is primarily found in birds, ducks, chickens, and geese, which jeopardizes agriculture and food industries, and therefore threatens the livelihoods of smallholders and food security. He also expressed the need to develop comprehensive national preparedness plans, strengthen surveillance systems, and build central and regional veterinary diagnostic laboratories to deal with this threat.
The Vice President then called on Liberia's partners, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UNMIL, the World Bank, FAO, and UNICEF and WHO to provide all the needed resources to prevent and control the disease in Liberia.
Participants at the end of the workshop proposed that the National Task Force set up a team to work along with each county to develop County Contingency Plan on basis of a specific action plan detailing the activities and time frames to be developed taking into consideration, Districts, and Clans.
The establishment of a national veterinary diagnostic laboratory and regular nation-wide surveillance, among others were essential elements put forward for consideration by the National Task Force.
B. FIELD COORDINATION
Gbarnga
Reports from Cocopa Rubber Plantation in Nimba County confirmed disturbances involving a group of unknown persons, allegedly attempting to steal from the plantation. One (1) person was reportedly shot and wounded while 4 others were beaten with light injuries. UNMIL security, UNPOL and LNP are currently assessing the situation.
According to the Nimba County Development Superintendent, many humanitarian agencies are not attending the Sectoral Working Groups' meetings and therefore not adequately sharing information on their work. The SWGs are faced with weak leadership, lack of suitable meeting venue, and inaccessibility caused by poor roads leading to Sanniquelle, where most sectoral meetings are held. HCS leadership is required.
As part of its support to the Nimba County Support Team, UNDP will conduct several workshops to inform local authorities on the new CST approach. The first workshop will be held on August 30, 2006 in Saclepea and will include participants from local authorities and NGOs. Topics to cover will include data collection and report writing. Assessment forms have been developed to enable local authorities at the field level to gather standardized and accurate information.
UNHCR officials visited Bong and Nimba Counties to obtain an overview of protection issues and gaps in the implementation of the cluster approach. Issues highlighted in meetings with stakeholders in both counties included weakness in the judicial systems in providing redress on protection cases, lack of qualified legal personnel at the field level, understaffing in the LNP and poor infrastructure to support the provision of justice.
Harper
In Grand Kru County, FAO through its implementing partner CARITAS, has started the distribution of fishing inputs (nets, lead, twines, fishing lines, ropes, fishing hooks, and floaters) to 1,441 persons (44% females) in 32 communities in Pinicess, Sasstown, Grandcess, Garraway, and other coastal towns.
Assistance to the health sector in Grand Kru County included the following:
- Donation of one ambulance to the Grand Kru County Health Team by the African Development Bank, in collaboration with UNDP.
- The ambulance will help to ease the constraints faced by health authorities in transporting critically ill patients to the J. J. Dossen hospital in Harper.
- Supply of 3 solar panel freezers by UNICEF to 3 health centres in Garraway and River Cess.
US$ 3,500 worth of drugs provided by Ministry of Health to the County for distribution to Feloken, Pinicess and Gbanken clinics. These clinics had previously been closed due to the lack of drugs. ICRC in collaboration with the local office of the Ministry of Rural Development is constructing 120 latrines and rehabilitating and/or constructing 110 hand pumps in Grand Kru County.
Education authorities in Grand Kru County have started the distribution of 2,500 textbooks, received last June from the Saudi Prince's donation to 8 districts.
IBIS completed its ALP school year on 16 July and graduated 438 out of 1,997 students to level two. The remainder students would attend remedial classes during the vacation in order to qualify for promotion.
Tubmanburg
On 11th August rising tide and water level led to flooding, which destroyed 3 houses along the coast of Robertsport, Cape Mount County and threatened communities along the banks of Lake Piso. Following discussions with Civil Affairs, County authorities and victims of the flood, it was agreed that people along the shores should be moved to higher ground, and that a longer-term solution to the problem of erosion along the seacoast should be addressed.
In Gbarpolu County, flooding and deplorable road condition is also preventing the County health teams (CHT) from reaching the clinic in Weasua, a town across the Lofa Juah River. Samaritan's Purse also cannot reach the area to provide water filters to the communities that do not have hand pumps. As a temporary measure, the Development Superintendent is leading efforts by the community to construct palm log bridges over the smaller streams and river.
Discussions are ongoing between HCS and the authorities of Gbarpolu County on possible ways of preventing the total collapse of the Bamboo Town Clinic, and avoid a possible gap in healthcare delivery in the area. The clinic building is crumbling, and there are no water or latrine facilities.
The Ministry of Health in Bomi reported that henceforth the CHT would be responsible for the distribution of malaria drugs to all the clinics in the County.
UNICEF has provided kerosene freezers for vaccine storage to the CHTs in Gbarpolu and Bomi Counties. There are also plans to provide solar refrigerators to clinics in these areas by October 2006.
The SRSG, the Liberia Minister of Defense, and the UNMIL Deputy Force Commander visited the Mano River Union Bridge in Bo Waterside, Grand Cape Mount County on August 8, 2006. They discussed means of enhancing the level of individual and joint security operations and patrols along the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.
UNHCR/CCF on 8th August turned over several completed community projects in various communities of Gbarpolu County.
Voinjama
Due to lack of improvement in the performance of every Protection sub-cluster (Rule of Law, Human Rights, SGBV, Child Protection and Property), the Protection Core Group chairperson has recommended the adoption of a new system that would be more proactive in tackling protection issues. One suggestion would be to appoint a focal person for each sub-cluster, who would collect specific records to be reported to the Superintendent at the CST meetings and to the focal point in Monrovia.
River blindness, respiratory infections, malaria and worms are reported by International Medical Corps to be the most common health problems in Vahun district, Lofa County. And the updated Cholera Contingency Plan has been distributed to all WATSAN stakeholders in Lofa County.
UNHCR assisted the return of 676 refugees from Guinea on August 10. Since February 2005, UNHCR has assisted the repatriation of 46,552 refugees in 145 convoys.
According to GTZ, heavy rains have damaged 2 bridges and made the Foya - Solomba road currently impassable, thereby hampering the repatriation of refugees by road. Monitoring of the level of the Makona River in midst of the heavy rains is also being done.
Zwedru
In Grand Gedeh County, the roads leading to Zai Town and Jarzon on the Ganta-Harper highway are reported to be deplorable. In addition, 2 damaged bridges along the Zai Town road need urgent attention, in order to avoid the road being impassable. In response to the road and bridge condition, UNDP and UNHCR have put aside some resources to assist in minor road repair work. The Chinese Engineering contingent shall continue with temporary road repairs pending a response from Monrovia on the way forward in addressing the medium term needs in road and bridges rehabilitation.
The Government of Liberia has provided 2,256 pieces of agricultural tools and 8,500 kg of seed rice to the FAO and UNMIL Civil Affairs Zwedru offices, for distribution to farmers in River Gee County. These agricultural inputs were donated by the Government of China, and included cutlasses, regular hoes, diggers, shovels, files, axes, rakes and scratching hoes.
The County Health Team in collaboration with MERLIN fielded a mission to Sennewhen and Janzon, Gbarzon District, Grand Gedeh County to address the outbreak of whooping cough in the area. MERLIN has reiterated calls for collaborative sensitization of communities on the free delivery of health care at all health services in the county. In Sinoe County, an organized criminal group known locally as Issakaba boys is reported to be responsible for 2 crime incidents in Morrisville and Lexington. The group is engaged in petty crimes and extortion.