Somalia Logistics Cluster Meeting:
Points Discussed
Nairobi, Kenya, 5th December 2006 - 14:30 hours
Horn of Africa
Logistics Cluster
Participants: UNICEF, UNCAS, WVI, WFP, ADRA, CARE, OCHA, Horn Relief, NARDO
1. Flood Response Air Operations
UNHAS Chief Air Transport Officer Samson Mwangi gave an update on the flood response air
operations.
a.
Operational Update – Aircraft and Staffing
Flights ex Nairobi began at the end of last week. Flights have taken place from both Wilson (WFP Jet
A1 drums for use in helicopter operations), and from JKIA (WFP boats, UNICEF NFIs to Jowhar, and
World Vision NFIs to Buale). A number of aircraft have been used – a Buffalo, a Fokker, a 748, and a
Dash-8.
UNHAS are negotiating with UNHAS Sudan for the deployment of an AN-12 aircraft with an
approximately 15MT payload. This aircraft would be utilised for cargo flights ex JKIA to South/Central
Somalia, as well as for cargo flights to north eastern Kenya.
Due to the increased number of aircraft being utilised (the original Special Operation was for one cargo
aircraft) WFP is exploring the possibility of carrying out a budget revision of its Special Operation
b.
Booking Procedures and Forms
Booking procedures for UNCAS passenger services (including free/pre-paid CERF funded seats on
scheduled UNCAS flights) will be sent to Cluster members in the next couple of days. They will also be
posted on the Cluster website: www.logisticscluster.org
UNHAS is still waiting for a policy on prioritisation of cargo movements from the UN Country Team. This
has been requested on several occasions by both WFP and OCHA. Until a policy is issued by the UN
Country Team, UNHAS will process requests on a first come first served basis in order to ensure a level
of equality. However, it was again stressed that without a policy, cargo flights will not be able to be
effectively tailored to the most urgent needs in the field.
It was stressed that agencies should customs clear their cargo prior to delivering it to the Swissport
warehouse in JKIA. Swissport is the handling agent for the UNHAS operation. Cargo should not be
delivered to Swissport unless authorised by UNHAS. All delivered cargo should be clearly labelled with
destination and consignee.
c.
Cargo Moved to Date – Capacity vs Requests
Currently there is only a limited amount of cargo in Swissport ready for transportation. This cargo is
likely to be moved within the next couple of days. Therefore agencies were asked to make further
requests to ensure aircraft capacity is fully utilised.
d.
Landing Zone Requirements for Helicopters
The UNHAS CATO will communicate requirements for helicopter landing zones to Cluster members in
due course.
e.
Carriage of Chlorine and Dangerous Goods Regulations
UNHAS will liaise directly with Horn Relief regarding the regulations for transporting chlorine by air
(Horn Relief have put in a flight request for the transportation of chlorine).
f.
UNCAS CERF Pre-Paid Passenger Seats
Around USD 135,000 of CERF funds remains available to pay for seats on UNCAS flights for those
responding to the current floods. The existing procedures for requesting a pre-paid seat continue to
apply and they will be reissued to Cluster members along with normal UNCAS booking procedures and
UNHAS cargo booking procedures in the next couple of days. They will also be posted on the Cluster
website: www.logisticscluster.org
2. Restrictions on Surface Movements – Movement of Fuel, Vehicles
A short discussion was held about new restrictions on surface movements. WFP mentioned that its
transporters have reported that the ICU is restricting the transport of fuel from Mogadishu to Baidoa, and
that there are some restrictions put in place by the TFG on vehicles entering Baidoa from Mogadishu.
Unconfirmed reports of newly laid mines on some roads have also been received.
3. AOB
a.
Conoko Airstrip – Rehabilitation Work Started
Rehabilitation work on Conoko airstrip began the week of the 27th of November. The work is being
carried out by the Puntland Ministry of Works, Transport, and Civil Aviation and being funded by the
WFP airfield renovation and security project. Work should be completed by next week, however the
Puntland authorities are also extending the airstrip another 500m as a separate project and this may
cause disruptions to the airstrip for a longer period. WFP will update the Cluster on progress at next
week’s Cluster meeting.
b.
Cluster Chairperson – Arrival on Wednesday 6th December
Yvonne Rademacher of WFP, who acted as Logistics Cluster chairlady for between June and
September 2006 will resume her role as of Wednesday 6 th December. Her email address is
Yvonne.rademacher@wfp.org