General: In line with the policy
to target vulnerable groups where possible, a common set of criteria
was agreed today for the three tracks of rapid rehabilitation projects
(RRP). Projects which include, or, benefit vulnerable groups will be considered
favourably during the RRP approval process. The criteria, which were developed
by the RRP working group, were presented to District Administrators who
were in Dili today for consultations. To date, tens of projects have been
received by the Humanitarian Pillar for consideration. The first
projects will be approved on 28 January for immediate implementation.
Agriculture: Out of 1,000 buffalo
in the Delor sub-district of Viqueque, 60 animals have died recently,
probably of diphtheria. The animals died within 24 hours after the
first symptoms of disease occurred. Officials are concerned by reports
that some local populations are consuming the diseased meat. WHO
will conduct an urgent assessment of the situation. Based on the findings,
interventions may range from quarantining the existing herd and providing
appropriate vaccines, to burning the carcasses of the diseased animals.
Returns: UNHCR reports that a noticeable increase has occurred in the number of voluntary returns to East Timor. On 25 January, 122 refugees were transported by IOM from Oekussi to Dili. Another land convoy transported 66 refugees from Atambua to Batugade. A third land convoy transported 206 refugees from Betun to Salele near Suai.
On 26 January, 228 persons were transported from Betun to Suai. A further 347 entered East Timor at Batugade from Atambua. The IOM- operated ship, Patricia Anne Hotung, arrived today from Kupang with 349 returnees. On 26 January, secondary transportation was provided by IOM for 165 persons from Salele to Hatuhudo near Ainaro.
Currently, 326 persons await secondary transportation from the Dili transit centre to Liquica, Ermera, Ainaro, Viqueque, Suai, Manatuto, Aileu, Same, Lospalos and Baucau. The total number of returnees now stands at 132, 414.
Logistics: On 25 and 26 January, the WFP helicopter dispatched 47,75 MTs of rice, seed, beans and vegetable oil to Aliambata, Betano, Obulo and Gildapil. The WFP barged delivered 196 MTs of maize, rice, pulses, vegetable oil and humanitarian daily rations to Oekussi. A total of 80 MTs of maize and beans were delivered by road to Liquicia and Maubisse.
Shelter: A US Navy vessel will transport 1,615 MTs of shelter materials to the Ambeno enclave where agencies estimate that more than 80 precent of all buildings are destroyed. The materials, which include timber, cement, nails and wheelbarrows, are sufficient to help rebuild 1,000 houses.
Water and Sanitation: As part of efforts to improve water supply in Laclobar and Sananain sub-districts in Manatuto, UNICEF is despatching pipes, pumps and other engineering materials. WFP will transport the materials and the Philippine contingent of INTERFET will carry out the rehabilitation work. OXFAM is currently conducting water and sanitation assessments in Oekussi and Suai as a first step towards rehabilitating or upgrading existing facilities.
Health: UNICEF has distributed fridges to MSF for storing vaccines in Maliana, Liquica and Lahane. A total of 29,000 doses of vaccine, (10, 000 BCG against TB; 10,000 DPT against diphtheria pertussis and tetanus; and 9,000 against measles), have been imported by UNICEF. The vaccines, which will be used in a countrywide Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI), are currently being stored at Lahane and the ICRC hospital in Dili.
Education: UNICEF has distributed five "school in a box" kits in Dili. Additional kits will shortly be distributed in Maliana and Liquica. UNICEF has also distributed 79 teacher kits, 86 recreation and sports kits and 303 kitchen sets for school feeding programmes in Maliana, Liquica, Dili and Ermera. UNICEF recently completed a registration of teaching staff in all districts and reports that there are currently 4, 272 teachers and 94,456 students attending 526 schools throughout the country.
UNTAET
Humanitarian Assistance & Emergency Rehabilitation Pillar
Fax: + 872 762 280 454
Tel: + 872 762 135 011
Email:Ocha.Dili@wfp.org