OCHA Situation Report
Sierra Leone
September 2003
13 October 2003


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

KEY EVENTS
   Yellow Fever outbreak
   Security Council extends UNAMSIL's mandate
   UN Agencies and GoSL celebrate World Peace Day
   Nigerian lawmakers call on UNAMSIL


HUMANITARIAN HIGHLIGHTS

Yellow Fever outbreak

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) has reported a total of 90
cases of Yellow Fever, from eight districts in the country: Tonkolili,
Bombali, Kenema, Koinadugu, Port Loko, Kambia and Kono. Of the 90 reported
cases (as of 29 September) four laboratory cases were confirmed, all from
the Tonkolili District, where majority of the suspected cases emanate
from. Earlier, the MOHS gave out 100,000 doses of vaccine in four
chiefdoms in the district. They have now finally secured funds to carry
out mass immunization campaign in the remaining seven chiefdoms of the
district. The first case of the disease, which resurfaced early last
month, was reported in Bumbuna. The alarm for mass immunization by NGOs
was heightened when a 38 year-old refugee woman suspected of contracting
the disease from the Taima camp, died before a blood sample was taken for
laboratory confirmation.

Water and Sanitation Survey

After the success of the water and sanitation survey in Kambia, UNICEF and
OCHA continue to support the District Recovery Committees in organising
inter-agency Watsan surveys in Kono and Kailahun Districts. More than 50
data collectors are now engaged in visiting all villages to ascertain
their water and sanitation facilities. The data from Kambia have been
processed by OCHA / SLIS and a draft survey report is currently being
discussed by the DRC and its watsan partners in the district. A concern
raised in Kono is that none of the Watsan implementing partners had the
facilities or machines for testing water samples. This has been reported
to the MOHS.



SECURITY HIGHLIGHTS

Overall security

UNAMSIL (United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone) reports the overall
security situation in the country to be calm. However there have been some
concerns about security along the border regions, particularly along the
Mano River Union Bridge in the south. Similarly the Sierra Leone Police
(SLP) are concerned about the porous nature of the border in the Kamakwie,
Tambakha and Koinadugu areas, in the Northern Province that have resulted
in increased smuggling of goods across the borders. The police have also
reported hunters from Guinea, coming across, poaching and crossing back
into Guinea.

UNAMSIL's mandate extended

The UN Security Council has extended UNAMSIL's mandate, which was to
expire on 30 September, until 31 March 2004. The Council welcomed the
Secretary-General's proposals to adjust UNAMSIL's size, composition and
deployment, should the security environment remain favourable. By the end
of August, troop strength had been reduced from 16,900 to 12,311
personnel. Starting in November 2003, troop strength would be reduced to
11,500 and it is envisaged that by October 2004 troop strength will stand
at 5,000.

Government posts immigration and customs officers to border areas

The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) has posted two Immigration Officers
and two Customs Officers to the Kailahun District. These officers have
taken up position at Beidu on the Sierra Leone - Guinea border. It is
expected that more postings will be done soon. Meanwhile, no cross border
raids were reported in the Kailahun area as the Republic of the Sierra
Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has intensified their border patrols. The RSLAF
has also reinforced their position at the Mano River Bridge, which was
re-opened recently to expedite humanitarian activities. In a bid to lessen
the looting of goods, only individuals with hand luggage have been allowed
to cross the bridge, which has been further barricaded to prevent movement
of vehicles. Other reports indicate that fewer Liberians crossed the
border into Kailahun District, as the situation is relatively calmer in
their country.

Demarcating chiefdom borders

The UN and the GoSL are working with local authorities around the country
to settle border disputes, which appear to be on the uprise especially in
resource rich areas - where control of territory is an issue. Recent
border disputes in Koinadugu District and Kono District resulted in unrest
and the burning of houses. Police have been deployed in the area to
forestall further attacks. A similar land dispute erupted between Kenema
and Pujehun Districts over the change of borders between Barri and Niawa
Chiefdoms. The conflict apparently originates from a government survey in
July, when the details of a boundary adjustment were defined. Over in the
Masimera Chiefdom, Port Loko District, the Rolal and Mayelma communities
have been grappling with land dispute to the extent that people from one
community could not go to the other community for fear of possible
hostilities. The district authorities are investigating the situation.



POLITICAL HIGHLIGHTS

International Peace Day

UN agencies in collaboration with the GoSL organised a series of
activities at the UNAMSIL HQ and at the National Stadium, in commemoration
of the International Day of Peace. Weeklong activities dedicated to this
year's theme "Global ceasefire" were organised throughout the country. A
videoconference was organised with four peacekeeping missions around the
world, Sierra Leone included. During the conference, a Liberian refugee
child ex-combatant had the opportunity to share his experiences with other
children from different nationalities and in particular with the Goodwill
Ambassador for the UN, Mr. Michael Douglas, who visited Sierra Leone last
year. The videoconference was followed by the flag raising ceremony and
performances by refugees and returnee children. Radio programmes,
involving female ex-combatants, and quiz competitions formed part of the
programme.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Sierra Leone's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has said that it
would submit a report of its findings to President Tejan Kabbah early next
year.  President Kabbah will submit the report to parliament. The report
will also be passed on to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to be discussed
by the UN Security Council. Some 450 Sierra Leonean testified in the TRC
public hearings, which ended in August 2003. The Commission continues to
assure its witnesses that it would not give out any of its findings to the
Special Court and in fact some of its sensitive documents will be taken
out of the country for safekeeping, after the compilation of the report.
The TRC was set up in 2002 to probe atrocities and rights abuses committed
during the country's civil war.

Nigerian lawmakers call on UNAMSIL

On 08 September, a five-man delegation of Nigerian lawmakers from the
Committee on Army, Federal House of Representatives visited the country to
assess the current activities of Nigerian peacekeepers serving with
UNAMSIL and to get information that will facilitate their decision making
process concerning the Nigerian Army. The delegation met with the Acting
Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Alan Doss and UNAMSIL
Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Daniel Opande.

US ends temporary stay status to Sierra Leoneans

On 03 September, the United States announced the termination of its TPS
programme, which gives a special protective status to some 2,700 Sierra
Leone nationals living in America. According to the notice, Sierra Leone
no longer met the criteria for the programme as the country's civil war
was over and conditions in the country had improved significantly. This
means that Sierra Leoneans in America covered by the temporary stay
programme must either leave the United States by 03 May 2004 or make
arrangements to stay under another US immigration status.



DONOR HIGHLIGHTS

World Bank approves $30 million for reforms

The World Bank has approved a $30 million credit to support the
government's strategy to reduce poverty through improved governance and
economic growth. The money will be used to help consolidate the progress
made so far in governance and management of public resources in Sierra
Leone. The loan, also referred to as the third Economic Rehabilitation and
Recovery Credit (ERRC III), will continue to support the government's
institutional and policy reform agenda to stimulate economic growth. It
will also allow for the importation of essential commodities, including
food, petroleum products, raw materials and intermediate goods required
for economic reconstruction and the rehabilitation of social and economic
infrastructure throughout the country.

EU donates $97.3 million for recovery efforts

The European Union has approved a package of $97.3 million (84.7million
Euros) for various projects, including agriculture, mining, highway
infrastructure as well as budgetary support and emergency situations for
Sierra Leone.  The EU is plans to undertake an assessment mission in the
country as part of its annual review.

Donors study resumption of Hydro Electric Dam

A high-powered delegation from the World Bank, African Development Bank
and the Italian government visited Sierra Leone to study means to complete
the Bumbuna Hydro Electric Dam in Tonkolili District in northern Sierra
Leone.

United States - helping Sierra Leone back on its feet

According to a press release by the American Embassy, the United States
has so far donated $209 million to foster recovery efforts in Sierra
Leone. This money is being used to: build schools and hospitals, train
police, provide humanitarian aid, undertake economic development projects
and to support US peacekeeping operations. The country has also benefited
from a debt relief of $63 million. The statement indicated that the US
Congress has given $144.8 million to support UNAMSIL, in addition to $516
million the US government had already invested in UNAMSIL since 01 January
2003. Another $5 million was given to fund the Special Court, which will
receive a total of $15 million by the end of this year. The Truth and
Reconciliation Commission (TRC), has also benefited from a $500,000
donation.

Development Partnership Committee (DEPAC) meets

On 10-11 September, the Vice-President chaired the 4th DEPAC meeting,
which was attended by key Ministers and representatives from bilateral and
multilateral partners and NGOs and discussed the power sector, including
the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project (BHP), the education sector and the
Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRSP). The financial gap to complete the BHP
was closed thanks to generous contributions from Italy, OPEC fund, ADB and
IDA. The completion of Bumbuna will not only go a long way to solve the
country's energy crisis, but also contribute to reducing poverty,
promoting growth and creating employment. Partners commended the
Government for its efforts in developing policies favourable to attaining
the Millennium Development Goals, but stressed the need for sustained
investment to achieve the goals. Partners also recognized that progress
had been made to push forward the PRSP. It was agreed that the draft PRSP
will be ready by end March 2004 for discussion with partners in April
2004. The next DEPAC is scheduled for 6-7 November and will deal with
justice, security framework, recovery assessment, NGO issues and the PRSP.

Appeal Working Group

OCHA brought together the GoSL, UNCT, donors and other stakeholders on 23
September to review the draft 2004 Appeal.



SECTORAL HIGHLIGHTS

AGRICULTURE

IFAD to finalize the design of rural development project

Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) an IFAD team is
to finalize the design of the rural development project to be implemented
in certain districts in Sierra Leone. The major project components of the
project are:

   Seed and tools distribution; aimed at making farmers producers and not
   just consumers;

   Community development (feeder roads, agro-processing for the women,
   etc.)

   Infrastructure (buildings, markets, stores and drying stores, wells,
   etc).


The team visited the districts of Kono, Kailahun and Tonkolili and looked
at their human resource bases, activities, organisations, and potentials
for delivery.  Tonkolili is featuring more positively in line with the
above. The issue of food aid is not included in the project but would be
further discussed with WFP.

FAO's support to the agricultural sector

FAO is providing some support to enable District Directors to conduct
monthly agricultural committee meetings.



EDUCATION

MEST and UNICEF organise workshop

The Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MEST) and UNICEF
organised a five-day CREPS review workshop with the aim of identifying
areas in which the programme can be improved and to share experiences
amongst its supervisors. Areas of discussions included CREPS aims and
objectives, the curriculum, teacher recruitment, effective implementation
of the programme in the areas of teaching and learning and phase-out
plans. In related developments, the ministry has recruited more teachers
especially at the primary level to increase the opportunity for children
to have access to basic education. MEST is currently running CREPS in four
districts in the country.



FOOD AID

WFP's regular support

Countrywide, WFP supported a total of 109,345 beneficiaries (63,500
female) with 2,122.47 MT of food during the reporting period. Vulnerable
group feeding (VGF) programmes (refugees, resettlement, returnees and
institutions) supported 64,734 beneficiaries (35,840 female) with 952.75
MT of food. The Therapeutic Feeding Centres/ Supplementary Feeding/ and
Mother and Child Health Programmes (TFC/SFP/MCH) provided 65.5 MT of food
to 11,626 beneficiaries comprising under-fives, pregnant women, lactating
mothers and TFC Caretakers. Safety nets (Institutional Feeding) provided
3271 (1,437 female) beneficiaries with 50.34 MT of food aid.



HEALTH

UNICEF embarks on a measles campaign

As part of its Integrated Early Childhood Survival and Development (IECSD)
initiative, UNICEF in collaboration with the MOHS and WHO, will be
conducting a nationwide polio campaign in October and November this year
targeting an estimated 2,454,000 under-five children. UNICEF reports
measles to be one of the major causes of under-five morbidity and
mortality in Sierra Leone.

Vaccine preservation

UNICEF procured 45 sets of solar powered refrigerators/freezers and
facilitated the installation of the equipment as well as the training of
health staff in 45 health facilities in Bombali, Kambia and Koinadugu
Districts in northern Sierra Leone. The solar powered
refrigerators/freezers ensure the availability of potent vaccines for
47,778 pregnant women and 38,220 children less than one year of age. This
is the first phase of the planned standardisation and improvement of the
Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) cold chain. It represents a key
input in strengthening routine EPI and to reduce disease due to
vaccine-preventable child diseases.



INFORMATION

Who / What / Where Humanitarian Database

The OCHA/SLIS Who/What/Where Database is now in its final stages of data
inputting. This project collects information regarding village
interventions from Donors, UN Agencies, NGOs and implementing government
agencies. The data and analysis will be available on the National Recovery
Strategy (NRS) monitoring system CD. The monitoring system was established
to monitor the benchmarks of the NRS.  The outputs of the system are a
series of government validated Data Packs, which include an analysis of
recovery and analytical maps, to be used as a planning tool for resource
allocation.

Validation of Data Packs

OCHA/SLIS reports that the respective government ministries have almost
completed validation of the data collected from the District Recovery
Committees (DRC) and many of the sectoral Data Packs have already been
printed.  The monitoring system and the Data Packs will be distributed to
the humanitarian community and the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) by
the end of October.  This will then be followed by a comprehensive
extension programme for DRCs on data analysis and interpretation, to
enable them to use the data in their day to day planning at the district
level. The monitoring system is also aimed at monitoring the benchmarks of
the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in 2004.

Information Management Committee

A Committee responsible for developing standards in data collection,
archiving and sharing was established at the beginning of September under
the Technical Committee of the National Recovery Committee and the
National Statistics Coordinating Committee.  The Committee is chaired by
Statistics Sierra Leone and OCHA/SLIS and is in its early stages of
development.

UNOCHA/SLIS Support to Liberia

The OCHA/SLIS Sierra Leone manager recently returned from a one-month
mission to surge capacity in the building up of HIC in Liberia. Products
now produced by HIC Liberia include a contacts database, a Who/What/Where
database, maps including, a country map, UN and NGO access, security
phases, IDP locations and populations among others. All of these are
accessible on the web at www.humanitarianinfo.org/liberia.  Large planning
maps (A0) of Liberia, the Monrovia region and Central Monrovia are also
available in PDF format for printing.



REFUGEES

Liberian refugees in Sierra Leone

Latest figures show just over 66,000 Liberians in Sierra Leone. Some
54,300 of which are in eight camps and way stations in the east and south
of the country. UNHCR reveals that the repatriation of Liberian refugees
in the eight camps in the country could begin as early as November 2004
depending on the elections and the peace process in Monrovia.

HCR preparing to repatriate Sierra Leonean refugees

A UNHCR-Monrovia team conducted a two-day assessment mission to the Sierra
Leonean border to assess conditions for the land repatriation of some
estimated 14,000 Sierra Leonean refugees still in Liberia. They report
that the roads from Monrovia to the border are good, but that those from
the border to Zimmi way station in Sierra Leone need major repairs. UNHCR
is currently sponsoring road rehabilitation in the eastern parts of the
country for this repatriation. Reception conditions are already in place
at the Zimmi way station. The repatriation of the refugees who are
reported to be in desperate conditions could begin via road along the
Pujehun access in Small Bo, next month, pending security in Liberia.
Meanwhile UNHCR has resumed repatriation by sea of Sierra Leoneans in
Liberia.

Over in Liberia

Registration continues in camps for IDPs in and around Monrovia. UNHCR, in
collaboration with its partners, continues to provide relief supplies for
the displaced Liberians. The transit shelters at these IDP camps are
reported to be almost full, and the relocation of displaced Liberians from
Monrovia has been put on hold until more shelters can be built.

CFA concern over returnees leaving without ration

The Committee for Food Aid is concerned that returnees have been
resettled, leaving behind their last resettlement food packages. Once back
in home areas resettled returnees are not going to distribution points to
collect their final tranche of food . There are concerns that in the final
months of the rainy season and before crops are harvested this could
adversely affect the nutritional status of the returnee populations.
Already in Kailahun, most households are reported to be living on cassava
and other tuber crops, as they cannot afford the regular preferred staple
diet. The deteriorating roads leading to the district compounded by the
rains further worsens the scarcity of rice.

Coordinating camp activities

OCHA in collaboration with NaCSA organised a weeklong training for camp
supervisors in refugee camps in the south and east of the country.
Trainings covered basic humanitarian principles, Standards of
Accountability, Code of Conduct etc.

UNHCR runs campaign on Lassa Fever

UNHCR reports that the spread of Lassa fever in refugee camps has been
brought under control except in Jimmi Bagbo camp, where several cases
continue to be registered. The office recently conducted a campaign to
eradicate rats from the Camp in Bo District, which houses over 6,000
mainly Liberian refugees. The campaign, which was funded by the European
Commission Humanitarian Office (ECHO), was done in collaboration with IRC
and Merlin. IRC had also distributed rat glue to family booths and
warehouses in the camp.

Lassa Fever

Lassa Fever is an acute viral illness transmitted by rats that is common
in West Africa. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, chest
pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and loss of hearing. Humans can be infected by
inhaling tiny droplets of virus-laden rodent excreta, eating contaminated
food or simply by absorption through the skin. If untreated, it can result
in death.

Agricultural aid in refugee camps

CARE provided refugee farmers in Jembe and Gerihun camps with hunting nets
and metal traps for rodent control. They also supplied Inland Valley Swamp
(IVS) rice seeds to the refugees. FAO, in collaboration with NaCSA, the
Ministry of Agriculture and UNHCR, completed the verification of the
second cropping IVS and groundnut farms in Jimmi Bagbo, Taiama and
Bandajuma. This project will target women groups for vegetable and
groundnut farming. Distribution of seeds for farm families and vulnerable
families has already commenced in these camps. In other developments,
following the EFA conducted workshops on the impact of environmental
deforestation in Gerihun and Jembe Camps, the refugees planted 300 fast
growing trees in Gerihun to serve as windbreakers for the protection of
the booths and the prevention of deforestation in the environment.

Enhancing security at refugee camps

UNHCR conducted a security-training workshop at Tobanda camp for 25
refugee wardens (15 male, 10 female). In order to maintain law and order
in the camps, police posts have now been established in Jimmy Bagbo,
Jembe, Bandajuma and Gerihun Camp.

UNHCR holds review workshop in Kailahun

The Reintegration Unit of UNHCR conducted a one-day workshop to review
progress made so far in implementing projects approved under the Community
Empowerment Programme (CEP). The workshop concluded that implementation
was progressing as planned and partners were able to share experiences on
best practices and operational challenges.

Sensitizing refugees on girl's education

Refugee teachers conducted a mass sensitization of refugees in the Largo
Camp on the importance of education, as it was realized that many
illiterate refugee parent were not sending their children to school. In
this light, IRC organized a 10-day summer school session in all the camps
targeting girls from classes 4 through JSS 2 levels, as part of a new
initiative to reduce female dropout rates and increase classroom
participation. IRC warns of an urgent need for new educational facilities
at Tobanda camp

IRC aids rape victims in Zimmi Way Station

In collaboration with IRC, five cases of gang rape were identified at the
Zimmi Way Station and later evacuated to the Blama Way Station for medical
attention. Rape cases up country are generally reported to be low due to
the procedures required for prosecuting suspects of sexual violence.
Victims are required to produce medical report as evidence but most cannot
afford the high medical fees of the doctors. The victims therefore suffer
their pains in silence without pursuing any legal action. The District
Officer has requested that the doctors make a minimum charge that could be
afforded by most victims

Sanitation facilities in camps

Health situation at the Gondama and Taiama Camps is reported to be
critical as many toilets have been abandoned and all garbage pits are
full.  MSF/F has reduced the number of latrines they planned to construct
from 200 to 100 due to the non-cooperation of refugees in excavating pits
at Gondama. UNHCR is currently working with the refugee executives to
redouble sensitisation efforts in the camp. Meanwhile GTZ has relocated
their water tanker from Kailahun to Zimmi, thereby greatly improving the
water situation at the way station.



SEXUAL ABUSE

Preventing sexual exploitation and abuse

The Coordinator of the Committee on the Coordination of Sexual
Exploitation and Abuse (CCSEA) conducted two centralised SEA prevention
trainings during the month. A total of 34 employees from 11 different
international and national NGOs, UN Agencies and government organizations
attended the trainings. The OCHA-based Coordinator is planning six more
trainings for the remainder of the year to be done in Freetown and Makeni.  
A facilitator's workshop is planned for October to finalise the training
manual that would be distributed to all agencies as a resource tool. The
Committee is also developing a poster campaign for beneficiaries and NGOs
regarding Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

OCHA disseminates Service Provision Map

The September update of the Gender Based Violence (GBV) Service Provision
Map was disseminated to humanitarian actors within the country. OCHA
envisions that two more updates will be provided before the end of the
year.

CCSEA develops plan for 2004

The members of the CCSEA have started the planning process for 2004 to be
presented to the UNCT for consideration. Possible activities for next year
include an initial gap analysis to determine the present status and the
way forward. It has been emphasized that activities should not be planned
that rely on other agencies.



REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

EASTERN REGION

Kailahun

DRC receives funding for operations

UNAMSIL/Civil Affairs has approved funding for DRC operations in the
Kailahun District. In order to ensure accountability, requests for
expenditure will be submitted to the Chiefdom Authorities for approval and
disbursement of funds. Further requests will only be approved when
previous amounts have been properly accounted for.

WFP office in Kailahun almost complete

The construction of the WFP Field Office in Kailahun by NRC is close to
completion. The construction of food warehouse/distribution centres in
five refugee camps by NRC, also funded by WFP, is in progress. NRC has
completed and handed over the warehouse at Taiama to WFP.

Education

NRC conducted a five-day training workshop on the content and methodology
for level II Scheme of Work, and preparation of school records for 97
CREPS teachers in Kailahun. They distributed teaching and learning
materials to all 35 CREPS centres and 10 RREP classes at Kangama and Buedu
in Kailahun District.

UNICEF funds training of community health

Funded by UNICEF, the District Health Management Team is undertaking
training of several community-based organizations to equip them in the
delivery of quality services. Ex-combatants have also been trained as
Vaccinators, and Blue Flag Volunteers training has just been completed in
three chiefdoms in the district. Presently, refresher training is going on
for Maternal Child Health Assistants.  The training exercises are meant to
supplement the gap of inadequate medical staff in the district.

MEST moves into newly rehabilitated office

The Inspectorate Office of MEST has moved to its new office location at
the government reservation in Kailahun. The office was rehabilitated by
NRC/UNICEF and is yet to be fully furnished.

Kono

UNAMSIL conducts Human Rights Workshop

UNAMSIL Human Rights Office in Koidu organised a two-day workshop for
Human Right Monitors in the Kono District.  The aim of the workshop was to
train the monitors on methods of monitoring and reporting techniques on
gender abuses, the rights of children and the protection of women and
children in the administration of justice. The human right monitors are
expected to identify human right abuses during court sittings, in police
stations and within the community.

NRC in Kono

NRC has resumed the rehabilitation of the KDEC School, Dewadu, which was
temporarily halted due to the reconstruction of a bridge. The project
should be completed in early January. NRC conducted a three-day
preparatory workshop in Kono for 75 CREPS teachers. The workshop focused
on providing training in the core subjects for levels (ii) and (iii) using
the harmonized scheme of work developed by NRC supervisors. The CREPS
classes commenced on 08 September with a fairly encouraging attendance.
Distribution of teaching/learning materials to the centres has also
commenced.

NGOs concerned about Paramount Chiefs

At the interagency meeting in Kono the NGOs complained of the non-resident
of Paramount Chiefs in their chiefdoms. The chiefs were reported to spend
most of their time in the headquarter town of Koidu. The NGOs noted that
this is negatively impacting on their work, as the presence of the chief
is needed for authority and community participation in their development
interventions. The Paramount Chiefs on the other hand complained of lack
of accommodation, as the government is yet to build the promised chief
compound in every chiefdom. The chiefs also justified their stay due to
untimely government interventions and therefore need to be in Koidu
regularly to access relevant information.

NRC completes shelter for amputees and war-wounded

NRC has completed the construction of 17 houses in three locations in the
Kono District for the amputees and war-wounded. The beneficiaries and
their family members have been resettled to the houses. In a related
development, tender documents for the construction of 35 houses for the
amputees and war-wounded in the Western Area, Moyamba, Tonkolili,
Koinadugu and Bombali Districts have been sent out and construction
activities are to commence in October.

UNAMSIL/DDR launches peace-building programme

On 26 September, the UNAMSIL/DDR Coordination unit in Koidu, launched its
reintegration and transition to peace building programme, jointly
sponsored by the UNV/UNAMSIL and UNDP.  The project with funding of
$750,000 for a two-year period is geared towards the socio-economic
reintegration, reconciliation and peace building in communities.

Kenema

NaCSA launches NSAP in the east

NaCSA launched the National Social Action Project (NSAP) for the eastern
region in Kenema District on 19 September. The new approach is aimed at
working directly with communities for identification, appraisal and
implementation of projects. Without the NGO as implementing partner, the
new approach will hopefully empower communities in managing their own
poverty alleviation interventions leading to a sustainable development.
However the commission is yet to train the stakeholders in the communities
to build up their capacity in order to face the challenges of the new
approach of direct community financing.

SDO warns residents for using refugees as cheap labour

The Senior District Officer of Kenema held a sensitisation meeting with
his people at Fiama, following reports of Liberian refugees engaged in
mining activities. The meeting was organised to inform and warn chiefdom
authorities about the trend of using refugees as cheap labourers in
illegal mining, timber business and other purposes.

Kenema DRC at work

The Kenema DRC continues with preparations for the Kenema District NRC
meeting in November. However, response by line ministries is noted to be
dissapointing.

NCDDR registers new ex-combatants

The NCDDR in Kenema have registered new ex-combatants as new arrivals from
Liberia. The deadline for ex-combatants to register was extended to the
end of August, as the programme will be officially closed by end of
December 2003.

CRS aids TB patients in Panguma hospital

CRS has signed an MOU with KDHCO to feed TB patients receiving their
treatment at Panguma Hospital in Kenema District.

Education

UNICEF conducted a "Rehabilitation of basic Education Project" TOT
workshop, with 18 facilitators, training 50 participants on the
professional development of unqualified and untrained (UU) teachers.  The
Kenema District Education Officer has identified 508 male and 76 female UU
teachers to be trained by the participants.

Deteriorating condition of roads from Kenema to Kailahun

CRS has extended its MOU with UNDP/SLRA for road construction in the area.
Though the SLRA is making a lot of efforts to fill the potholes on the
Kenema-Kailahun roads, the heavy rains does not make a chance for their
work to be noticed. The deplorable condition of the roads has rendered it
risky for driving and consequently led to the increase in prices of goods
to the district.

UNHCR assesses Kenema airfield

UNHCR Technical Unit in collaboration with Logistics Unit and the pilots
of AirServ undertook a brief assessment of the Kenema Airfield.  The
assessment revealed that potholes on the runway need to be filled with
concrete to prevent damage to flights during landings and takeoffs.



NORTHERN REGION

UN/OCHA - facilitating humanitarian work

UN/OCHA has developed and circulated a directory of humanitarian
organization in the northern region to humanitarian organizations in the
north.

NAFSL distributes seed rice to farmers

The National Association for Farmers in Sierra Leone (NAFSL) has completed
distribution of seed rice to several communities in the northern region.
Regional, district and chiefdom executives were formed to manage the
affairs of the organization.

HIV.AIDS awareness

With funding from SHARP, the CBO, Praise Foundation conducted an
eleven-day workshop on HIV/AIDS, targeting 50 participants who were mainly
commercial sex workers, disadvantaged youths and single parent mothers.

UNDP funds prisons rehabilitation

Rehabilitation and reconstructions works continues on prison facilities in
Port Loko, Koinadugu, Kambia and Tonkolili District headquarter towns with
funding from UNDP. The intervention is designed to create more humane
conditions for prisoners and enhance security to prevent jailbreaks.

Kambia

Youth Pack in Kambia District

NRC Youth Pack classes in Rokupr, Kukuna, Mambolo and Kasiri re-opened on
01 September. Average attendance was comparatively low for the month. Some
sensitization is ongoing to inspire trainees to attend the sessions more
regularly. NRC also commenced the distribution of uniforms and school bags
to CEIP beneficiaries in the area. The CREPS schools in Kambia reopened
for the second academic year on 22 September and the newly developed
Scheme of Work was introduced to the teachers as a guide in their lesson
plan and work progress.

UNICEF holds planning workshop in Kabala

UNICEF held a one-day planning workshop at Kabala to present to the
Koinadugu DRC and community stakeholders, their four-year intervention
plan in the Koinadugu District.  Activities ranging from health, Watsan,
education, child protection and HIV/AIDS will cover each chiefdom in the
district.

Port Loko

School feeding for Makeni and Port Loko

The WFP in collaboration with MEST made a trip to Makeni to discuss the
implementation criteria and the roles of various stakeholders for the new
development of School Feeding Programme. Discussions were held with the
Inspectorates, District Coordinators, and school proprietors in Makeni and
Port Loko.

MEST gives in-service training to teachers in the North

Inspectors of schools and teachers in the region have been providing
in-service training to upgrade the level of teachers in the profession.
The exercise is expected to help teachers provide standard and quality
education for children in the region.

Tonkolili

WFP's new office and local court in Magburaka

WFP have signed a letter of understanding with NRC for the construction of
an office in Magburaka, Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom. Tenders for the project
have been sent out to contractors and work will commence soon. Also UNDP
is supporting the rehabilitation of the local court in Magburaka.

Tonkolili DRC in progress

With technical support from UNAMSIL Civil Affairs and UN/OCHA, a draft
copy of the Tonkolili DRC report has been forwarded to stakeholders in
Freetown. Upon approval, the final document would be produced for the
forthcoming NRC/DRC on 14 November.



SOUTHERN REGION

UNDP supports District Offices

UNDP supported GOSL District Offices in the southern region with computers
and accessories, communications equipment and one 6KVA generator each.

Ministry of Trade sensitizes communities on mining

The Deputy Minister of Trade visited the southern and eastern regions to
sensitize communities and growth centres on the reactivation of
co-operative societies as a means of contributing to social capital
development and to boost production levels. This was done in support of
the Minister's request for UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development
Organization) to support the establishment of small-scale industries
nationwide and to help boost agricultural produce, improving on farmers'
income and standards of living.

UNOCHA/ NaCSA holds meeting on flood incidence in the region

Following reports and radio announcements of floods in the Bo, Bonthe and
Pujehun Districts, UN/OCHA, NaCSA and other agencies convened a meeting to
address humanitarian concerns of the communities affected. Though the
floods did not last for long, extensive acreage of farmland and shelter
were destroyed.

Bonthe

UN/OCHA facilitates preparation of the Bonthe DRC

UN/OCHA facilitated the Bonthe DRC members to compile the DRC report in
preparation for the joint session of the Bonthe District NRC/DRC meeting
scheduled for 28 October. At the DRC meeting for Moyamba District,
highlights included the submission of the various site visit reports
conducted during the joint NRC/DRC meeting of 12 August and action plan
for the preparation and submission of the NRC/DRC meeting report. In a
similar vein at the Pujehun DRC, focus was on monitoring the progress of
the recovery activities in relation to the pledges made during the joint
session of NRC/DRC meeting that was held on 27 May. Meanwhile, the Bo
District DRC has not met for quite some time now despite repeated contacts
by UN/OCHA, UNAMSIL Civil Affairs, and the DRC Chairman and the District
and Provincial Administration.

Bo

Teacher College receives college bus

The Bo Teachers College benefited from the joint efforts of the MEST and
Ministry of Transport and Communication with the provision of one college
bus for the Institution. Similar assistance was accorded to the Bo
Government Secondary School (one bus) and the other schools in the entire
township, who also received two school buses.

Deputy Minister of Mines meets with chiefdom elders and Investors

The Deputy Minister of Mines met with Investors and elders of the Valunia
Chiefdom to begin talks on the reactivation of the gold mines at Baomahun.
Though the communities out rightly rejected the proposed mining, the
Minister pleaded with the communities to show understanding and accept a
second mining company to operate in the chiefdom.

World Bank/ADB support teacher training

A training programme funded by World Bank and the African Development Bank
is intended to benefit 10,000 untrained and qualified teachers through a
phased nine weeks programme at Njala, Koribondo and Bo. Some 1,500
teachers are presently attending the training at the above-mentioned
locations in the Bo District.

NaCSA hands over health facilities

The Commission has completed and handed over one health centre to Baoma,
Baoma Chiefdom and a health post to Telu Bunger, Jiaima Bongor Chiefdom.
The project was implemented under the Social Action and Poverty
Alleviation (SAPA) programme in support of communities' development needs.

Free limb fitting for amputees

The Global Ministry of London had provided amputees with free limb fitting
equipment and supplied crutches to them, at the Bible Training and
Vocational Institute in Bo.



WESTERN AREA

Sensitisation on the DRCs

OCHA, UNAMSIL and the GoSL have finished conducting a series of workshops
on the roles and functions of the District Recovery Committee (DRC), for
its committee members in the Western rural area. OCHA is currently putting
a report together on the workshop and recommendations will be forwarded to
the National recovery Committee, through the technical committee. One main
problem the community highlighted during the workshop was the manner in
which agencies implement projects in their communities without being
accountable to target beneficiaries. The community also expressed a strong
will for local government elections to be held on a non-partisan basis.
The District Recovery Committee (rural) was launched on 04 September. The
DRC continues sensitisation of communities on the recovery process.


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