Ref No UNAMSIL/PIO/PR/235/2004
Freetown, Sierra Leone -- The
United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), UN Development Programme
and the Government of Sierra Leone yesterday signed a US $150,000 Memorandum
of Understanding to improve water and sanitation at the Murray Town and
Wilberforce barracks of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
During the ceremony, which took place at the UNAMSIL's Mammy Yoko headquarters, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Sierra Leone, Daudi N. Mwakawago, signed on behalf of the Mission, Deputy SRSG and Resident UNDP Representative signed for his Agency, while the Deputy Minister for Defence, Joe Blell, signed on behalf of the Government.
Ambassador Mwakawago said the project was an acknowledgement by UNAMSIL and UNDP of the need to build capacity of the RSLAF. He expressed satisfaction that it was jointly financed by both UN bodies and supported by Ministry of Defence. Responding, Mr. Blell noted the timeliness of the gesture as the beneficiaries were presently in dire need of improved sanitation.
Implementation of the project will be jointly undertaken by Pakistani Engineers of UNAMSIL, who will provide technical advice while the RSLAF will provide labour.