Uganda - ACT: 23-Oct-01

Action by Churches Together (ACT) Appeal - Uganda Emergency Assistance for the IDPs in Katakwi District - AFUG-12 Appeal Target: US$ 903,768 Geneva, 23 October 2001

Since 1979/80 the Karimajong warriors have raided communities in the Katakwi district in Northern Uganda causing massive displacements of the affected people. There are currently over 88,500 people displaced and living in 58 IDP camps. The raids are said to be vicious with many cases of rape and sexual abuse, men being killed and livestock taken. The most affected areas being the Kapelebyong and Usuk counties which border with Moroto District close to the Kenyan border. The raids that took place in 2000 are said to have been the worst ever with abductions, massive destruction and looting of foodstuff. Following the influx of 2000 and 2001 most IDP camps have expanded but receive very little intervention from the agencies and the government. As the people have lost their property during the raids, and have limited access to their gardens, they have lost a source of income and have become impoverished. The conditions in the camps are bad with over crowding, poor sanitation and little access to medical treatment and other social services. ACT members Lutheran World Federation / Department of World Service, Uganda Program propose assistance to the affected people comprising the following: Water and Sanitation Domestic Utensils Health Awareness Programs (HIV/AIDS, STD, Nutrition and others) Domestic Items Peace and Reconciliation Programs Infrastructure Development (Roads, Buildings) The Church of Uganda is currently finalising a proposal for the Katakwi IDPs, consequently, this appeal will be revised in the near future to include their project. Project Completion Date: October 2001 - December 2002 Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested US$ Total Appeal Target(s) 903,768 Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd. 0 Balance Requested from ACT Network 903,768 Ms. Genevieve Jacques Thor-Arne Prois Rev. Rudolf Hinz Director Director, ACT Director WCC/Cluster on Relations LWF/World Service REQUESTING ACT MEMBER INFORMATION Lutheran World Federation/Department of World Services - Uganda Programme IMPLEMENTING ACT MEMBER & PARTNER INFORMATION LWF/WS Uganda has been carrying out relief, rehabilitation and development projects in Uganda since 1979. Emergency relief programmes undertaken included famine relief in Karamoja, Returnee resettlement in West Nile, displaced population assistance in the Luwero triangle, Zairean (Congolese) refugee assistance, and cross border assistance into Rwanda, Zaire (DRC) and Sudan. The LWF/WS Uganda programme under the Karamoja Agro-Pastoral Development Programme has been involved in Peace and Reconciliation activities since 1997, to reduce the inter and intra-ethnic conflicts/tension in the Karamoja region. Peace and conflict management activities involving Karimojong youth, women, warriors and the elderly who have signed peace agreements, have resulted in reduced tension/conflict. The programme has also trained staff in Peace and Conflict Management who have facilitated in most of the Peace initiatives in the region. With such background, it is envisaged that the project working with other NGOs, local councils and elders will ably bring together the warring parties in Moroto (Karamoja region) and Katakwi district to negotiate for peace and thus engage in rehabilitation and development activities. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMERGENCY SITUATION Back ground Katakwi district in Northeastern Uganda has suffered from constant sporadic attacks by Karimajong warriors for over two decades, with the year 2000 recorded as the worst raid in history including killings, rape, abductions and destroying of crops and property. The cattle rustling has caused over 88,500 people (38 percent of the district population) to be internally displaced and they are currently settled in 58 IDP camps. The most affected areas are Kapelebyong and Usuk counties, which border with Moroto District. The majority of the present Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps were established as far back as 1979/80 when the Karimajong carried out one of the big raids and caused a lot of displacement. Thus over the years, with subsequent Karamajong raids, the displaced people run back to the camps from where they access their gardens during the planting and harvesting period and then return to the safety of the camps at night. Since the major attack in 2000, the displaced have not been able to go back to their homes especially the sub counties bordering with Moroto district. This is due to the ever-present threat of attacks by the Karimojong, who have since carried out intermittent attacks not only in the villages but also on these camps. Since the beginning of this year (2001) there have been over 54 attacks. In the most recent attack during the month of September, the Karimojong attacked again one IDP camp at the border of Moroto and Katakwi districts killing 17 people, mostly women and children and injuring several others including a three day old baby who survived with pathetic wounds. Revenge killings which resulted in the death of nine people (Karimojongs and two Iteso) has led to increased tension in the area and closure of the road (Katakwi - Moroto road). The displaced have remained in the camps since they moved there in 2000, trying to survive on the little they have, for most lost cows and property and access to their gardens. The situation is likely to improve if the government is able to implement the disarmament programme. Furthermore, with increased peace meetings currently on-going (initiated by Uganda Human Rights), negotiations may be reached between communities of the two districts. Current Situation - Crisis Following the influx in 2000 and early 2001, most internally displaced persons camps have expanded but have received very limited intervention from agencies. Moreover, with the displaced having little or no property and having limited access to their gardens, they have lost a source of income and progressively become destitute/impoverished. They live in an over crowded environment with poor sanitation and little access to medical treatment and other social services, which only aggravates their situation. Most households can only afford one meal per day indicating moderate signs of food shortage caused by lack of access to farm land due to the insecurity. Furthermore, where some IDPs have managed to access land, utilizing the land is a problem due to lack of equipment for cultivating. The majority of the families depend on casual labor, brewing and petty trade to earn income to purchase food and meet other basic household requirements. There are observed signs of malnutrition (kwashiorkor and marasmus, 3 out of every 5 children are affected). Sanitation is very poor as there is limited access to water especially in camps where one borehole serves over 3,000 people. Furthermore, during the dry period, the water level is very low. There is need for at least one borehole for each camp to reduce the water problem. The most common diseases are malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal worms and upper respiratory tract infections. There is also an alarming rise in the number of sexually transmitted disease reported leading to concerns about HIV/AIDS levels within the camps. There is also a need to address the consequences of rape, defilement and other related issues. There is severe over crowding in the poor shelters provided - the average family size of eight (8) persons per small hut. Congestion, lack of utensils and other domestic items were recorded as a major problem (since most households lost their property during the raids). The road network in and around the camps is very poor if it exists at all, and this hinders security patrols and quick communication, thus there is a need to open up community roads. In addition communication equipment is needed so that accurate and timely information is given to avoid panic situations. There is also a need to review the existing peace initiatives between Katakwi District and Karamoja and consequently resolutions reached. Close collaboration with NGOs such as, Centre for Conflict Resolution, World Vision, Karamoja Planning and Implementation Unit, Church of Uganda and Catholic Church will be strengthened in implementing peace initiatives. However, this may not be reached in the near future unless the government disarmament process is successfully conducted. Location of Emergency IDPs are located in 58 camps in different parishes in Kapelebyong and Usuk counties. Katakwi district is located in North Eastern Uganda bordering with Moroto District in the north and east, Kumi and Soroti Districts in the south and Lira District in the west. Katakwi was previously part of Soroti district and only three years ago made a fully-fledged district. The district has an estimated population of 230,000 people. The district is divided into three counties and seven sub counties. The majority of the population is rural and primarily dependent on subsistence agriculture. Cattle rearing was previously the main economic base for the households until the Karamajong raids became more frequent and almost all the cattle raided. The district is easily accessible by road through Soroti district and it is approximately 240 kms from Kampala. Impact on Human Lives Over 85,500 people men, women and children have been affected by the raids resulting in displacement. These have settled in 58 IDP camps, which lack most of the basic services yet response to the emergency has been slow. With continued insecurity, most households face food insecurity, there is increased redundancy, lack of access to farmlands and basic social services. Due to lack of safe and clean water, inadequate food and health services, there is increasing levels of morbidity from common preventable diseases, malnutrition among women and children and increased levels of STDs including HIV/AIDS, increased helplessness and destitution among the population Description of Damage Katakwi District has suffered from intermittent cattle raids by the Karimojong with the major raid in 2000 which led to destruction of houses and crops, killings, rape, abduction and loss of cattle which was a major income earner for may households. As a result of these insurgency, over 85,500 have been internally displaced and have settled in 58 camps in Kapelebyong and Usuk counties. Cattle rustling has therefore been a major cause of abject poverty to the people of Katakwi. This has left the district one of the most impoverished districts in Uganda. The IDPs lost almost all their valuable items and property, food granaries were looted and burnt. Those killed were subjected to torture, rape and other sorts of abuse. Many children and women found themselves orphans or widows and incapable of taking care of themselves. Social and family breakdown has resulted since these people are forced to live together in camps. Cattle rustling has greatly affected the culture of farming. There are no more cows to open up land and increase the acreage under crop production. Ox-ploughing and animal traction which had successfully taken off in the district has been destroyed. People are now dependant on temporary small gardens around the camps. Location for proposed response - Katakwi District LWF/WS Uganda will be involved in emergency response in Katakwi district with emergency intervention in the counties of Kapelebyong and Usuk which border with Moroto district. All 58 camps are located in 7 (seven) sub-counties in these two target counties. Disaster and Emergency Statistics Following numerous reports of deterioration of the situation of the internally displaced persons in Katakwi District, the Office for Co-ordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA) initiated an inter-agency assessment to undertake a rapid assessment of the situation. Reports were widely disseminated resulting in weekly meetings organised by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to respond to the emergency. All statistics in this appeal are based on the above assessment and reports from the Office of the Prime Minister. Current Security situation The district and the local population is under threat from attacks by the Karimojong, who carry out intermittent attacks on the IDP camps with the most recent attack on the 12 September which left 17 people, mostly women and children, dead and several others injured. The Soroti-Katakwi-Moroto road has since then remained closed by the Iteso. The Government responded to the District's call for reinforcement of security by training and arming local defence units (LDUs) and Katakwi received 600 guns and 600 LDU were trained, armed and posted at strategic points in affected areas of the district. However, the LDUs need better training and facilitation to better carry out their job. Lack of communication equipment has led to inaccurate information causing panic in the population. Following the September attack, the government has beefed up security by sending more Uganda Peoples Defence Force to the area. However, the security situation remains tense. GOAL & OBJECTIVES The major goal of the project is to alleviate the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons in Katakwi District and assist the district in its rehabilitation and development work and improve the well being of the population. Objectives To meet the basic needs (such as water, sanitation, domestic items etc.) of the Internally Displaced People in the IDP camps. To develop basic infrastructural facilities such as roads, rehabilitation of sub county offices and ensure community participation in maintenance of the services. Participate/initiate peace activities among the Karimojong and Itesot (Katakwi) and its neighboring district. To increase IDP's awareness of HIV/AIDS and STDS, nutrition, hygiene and other related health issues To promote IDP participation where feasible, in all community programmes/project activities and contribute to longer-term development and self-reliance of the population. Targeted Beneficiaries The project will target over 85,500 IDPs living in the displaced person's camps all over the district. Special consideration will be given to the most vulnerable including children, elderly, disabled persons and female-headed households. These will be identified by the community development workers, who will work closely with the local councils to identify those most in need. Households near the IDP camps that have been affected by the presence of the IDPs will also be identified for support. Proposed Assistance & Implementation Water: At least one borehole for each camp has been recommended. The Directorate of Water Development is to provide 37 boreholes therefore LWF/WS will; Provide (drill) 15 boreholes and 10 hand dug wells (including hand pumps) Rehabilitate existing boreholes which have broken down. Conduct community training in community based water maintenance. Sanitation: 180 latrines are needed to serve the population in the camps. UNICEF is providing 50 VIP latrines thus LWF/WS will ; Provide 130 mobile VIP latrines in the most remote camps. Basic health, nutrition, and hygiene training and education. Distribution of Non food items: Various assistance has been received from NGOs such as World Vision, Action Aid, Red Cross, Church of Uganda and the Ministry of Health in terms of cooking utensils, used clothing, drugs etc. but these have been limited to a few households and yet again, recent attacks left some of the households who had received some assistance with absolutely nothing. LWF working with local councils will; Identify and distribute non-food items including old clothing, blankets, cooking utensils to the most vulnerable families. HIV/AIDS Awareness: Initiate/capacity building of local NGOs to sensitize communities on HIV/AIDS and STDs. Encourage the establishment of community based groups to cater for the vulnerable. District capacity building: Provision of communication equipment. Rehabilitation of sub-county offices. Provision of basic furniture. Road construction/Rehabilitation: Opening up of community roads in the camps. Opening up an access road along the Moroto/Katakwi border - (Long-term). Peace and reconciliation initiatives Facilitate peace meetings between Karamojong and Itesot elders District local councils. Baseline Study to develop a three-year PMD. Conduct participatory surveys, consultations to develop a long term rehabilitation and development project for the district. Transition from Emergency to Long-Term Development It is envisaged that if this emergency is quickly averted, LWF/WS will be in position to assist the local community in a longer-term rehabilitation and development. Currently, the Programme is anticipating a transitional project from emergency relief to rehabilitation and development, which will help strengthen the present coping mechanism of the IDPs. In order to develop a longer-term commitment in the district, project staff will conduct participatory surveys and consultations with the local administration, communities and other NGOs, whilst communities (beneficiaries) at all levels will be involved in monitoring and evaluation of the project. ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, MONITORING & REPORTING Management. With the experience in Relief and Emergency, Development and Rehabilitation, the Uganda Programme will utilize some of the existing staff in Karamoja to advocate for peace and reconciliation amongst the Karamajong and Itesot of Katakwi district (and other neighboring districts). Lessons will also be drawn from Adjumani district where LWF/WS has actively been involved in the Resettlement and provision of emergency assistance to Sudanese refugees whilst staff from Rakai Community Based AIDS project will be utilized in addressing the HIV/AIDS and STDs problem. However, with the planned interventions, it is anticipated that a Project Coordinator based in Katakwi District to over see the project operations and management will be needed. A small office will be set up in Katakwi town to run the project activities. The Project Coordinator will be involved in full-time planning, coordination and implementation of the project assisted by other senior and support staff. The Project Coordinator will be directly responsible through the Representative for the provision of narrative, statistics and financial report. The Finance Manager will be responsible for disbursement, supervision and control of funds. Staff will mainly be sub-contracted from other LWF projects in Moroto, Adjumani and Rakai for at least seven months, to assist in the technical aspects of the project. However, a project coordinator to head the team will be appointed/recruited, whilst other support staff will be recruited locally from the district. LWF/WS Kampala based staff will continue to provide logistical financial, planning, monitoring, evaluation and co-ordination and reporting assistance to the project. This will involve field visits to monitor progress of the project as well as provide technical assistance where necessary. LWF Staff Locally recruited Project Coordinator 1 Water/sanitation 2 4 Distribution of items 1 (Administrator) Community Development workers 5 14 (also involved in distribution, HIV/AIDS and STD awareness) Infrustrature/Roads maintenance 2 Accountant 1 Support Staff 1 2 Peace activities 2 --- --- Total of Staff 13 22 Monitoring & Evaluation Participatory monitoring and evaluation of the project, involving project staff, local councils, LNGOs, CBOs and beneficiaries will be encouraged to assess the level of Implementation of the project and agree on a way forward. Quarterly narrative and financial reports will be compiled and submitted to the programme and finance offices based in Kampala. Monitoring visits will also be conducted by Kampala based staff to assess progress of the project. It is envisaged that the entire Uganda programme will be evaluated in 2002. The evaluation team will therefore visit and evaluate the project and provide recommendations for extension in the longer- term (2003 -2005). Implementation SCHEDULE The project will start in October 2001 with Implementation for 15 months. For a longer-term rehabilitation and development, this will be included in the SON 2003 - 2005, whilst a Project Monitoring Document (PMD) will be developed for the same period. Coordination ACT members Church of Uganda (Soroti Diocese) has been active in mobilizing resources to assist the IDPs, and through an ACT appeal submitted in July, will be involved in provision of Agricultural Inputs, whilst some donated items will also be distributed. LWF/WS will closely work with the diocese in implementation of the project. Regular meetings will also be organised at diocese and national level to draw plans of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project. Government and other NGOs At national level, Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) and the Office of the Prime Minister are coordinating activities in response to the emergency. Weekly meetings are organised to review any response from NGOs and Government to avoid duplication and also discuss the way forward. LWF/WS has been and will continue to participate in such meetings/consultations at both national and district level. At District level, NGOs and District authorities coordinated by Uganda Human Rights have initiated weekly meetings between the Iteso and Karimjong to find possible solutions to the growing conflict between the two districts. Since LWF/WS is already involved in Peace and Conflict management activities in Karamoja region, it will continue to be involved in any initiatives that will encourage resolution of conflict on both sides. The project will work closely with the local district administration in implementation of the project. Local councils at sub county and parish levels will be involved in all activities especially in mobilising communities for community participation in various activities, identifying and supporting the most vulnerable to benefit from the assistance and also to ensure that community services are properly utilised and maintained. Project staff will also rely on the communities and Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF) and Local Defense Units (LDUs) for information on the security situation. Closer links to encourage corporation and coordination with other NGOs working in the area will be established, whilst LNGOs and CBGs will be identified as partners and their capacity built to implement some of the project activities. Expected Output By the end of the initial phase, the following will have been achieved: 15 boreholes drilled and 10 hand dug wells and 15 boreholes rehabilitated and functional. 15 water committees established and active in maintenance of the water sources. At least 7 hand-pump repairers trained and equipped. 130 mobile VIP latrines constructed. Basic health hygiene, nutrition and HIV/AIDS and STDS knowledge given in communities. Various non-food items distributed. LNGO and CBGs identified and capacity built to support the vulnerable. 3 sub-counties rehabilitated, 7 equipped with communication equipment and basic furniture. Access/feeder roads opened in the camps. Facilitated peace activities between Karamoja and Katakwi districts. Baseline data collected and a new PMD for a 3 year long-term rehabilitation and development project developed. Overall, the project will improve the living conditions in the IDP camps in the short term whilst in the long-term, IDPs will be resettled and supported to increase their income and thus improve their general standard of living. BUDGET ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget Budget Unit Units UGS UGS US$ Crisis Phase Assistance Water & Sanitation Bore hole drilling Borehole 15 15,000,000 225,000,000 131,792 Hand dug wells Well 10 2,600,000 26,000,000 15,229 Bore hole rehabilitation Borehole 15 1,710,000 25,650,000 15,024 Construction mobile VIP latrines Latrines 130 800,000 104,000,000 60,917 Water & sanitation staff (6) Month 12 516,667 37,200,000 21,790 Sub Total 417,850,000 244,753 Distribution of Non-Food Items Used clothing Bale 116 200,000 23,200,000 13,589 Domestic utensils Household 15,000 10,000 150,000,000 87,862 Sub Total 173,200,000 101,451 District capacity building Communications equipment Unit 7 3,000,000 21,000,000 12,301 Sub-county office rehabilitation S/county 3 20,000,000 60,000,000 35,145 Furniture Lumpsum 10,500,000 6,150 Sub Total 91,500,000 53,596 Road Construction and Rehabilitation Open access roads in the camps Km 120 900,000 108,000,000 63,260 Peace and Reconciliation Activities Training, exchange visits & mtgs Lumpsum 51,300,000 30,049 Peace activities staff (2) Month 7 500,000 7,000,000 4,100 Sub Total 58,300,000 34,149 TOTAL CRISIS PHASE 848,850,000 497,209 Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget Budget Unit Units UGS UGS US$ Post Crisis Phase Water & Sanitation Community based water maint training Committee 15 600,000 9,000,000 5,272 Training of hand-pump repairers Person 7 250,000 1,750,000 1,025 Provision hand pump repair tool kits to sub-counties S/county 7 550,000 3,850,000 2,255 Training in basic hygiene Community 15 500,000 7,500,000 4,393 Sub Total 22,100,000 12,945 Staff Costs Community dev workers (5) Month 7 1,100,000 38,500,000 22,551 Community dev assistants (14) Month 12 342,857 57,600,000 33,739 Sub Total 96,100,000 56,290 Distribution of Non-Food Items Used clothes Bale 100 200,000 20,000,000 11,715 District Capacity Building Sub-county office rehabilitation S/county 4 20,000,000 80,000,000 46,860 Road construction & Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of roads Km 120 200,000 24,000,000 14,058 Infrastructure & road maint staff (2) Month 7 2,250,000 31,500,000 18,451 Sub Total 55,500,000 32,509 HIV/AIDS and STD Awareness Capacity building LNGOs Training 2 7,000,000 14,000,000 8,200 Support establishment of CBGs including training Session 5 5,000,000 25,000,000 14,644 Sub Total 39,000,000 22,844 Baseline data collection for PMD Lumpsum 17,100,000 10,016 TOTAL POST CRISIS PHASE 329,800,000 193,178 MATERIAL TRANSPORT, STORAGE, WAREHOUSING & HANDLING Material Transport Truck rental and related costs Mt. 20 150,000 3,000,000 1,757 Storage and Handling Warehouse rental (Kampala) Month 12 800,000 9,600,000 5,623 Warehouse rental (Katakwi) Month 12 800,000 9,600,000 5,623 Warehouse security Month 12 200,000 2,400,000 1,406 Labour for loading and unloading Mt. 20 120,000 2,400,000 1,406 TOTAL MATERIAL TRANSP, STORAGE, 27,000,000 15,815 W/HOUSING & HANDLING CAPITAL ASSETS Office Capital equipment Photocopier Unit 1 5,130,000 5,130,000 3,005 Office furniture Lumpsum 7,000,000 7,000,000 4,100 Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget Budget Unit Units UGS UGS US$ Communication Capital Equipment Telephone (including installation) Unit 1 500,000 500,000 293 Fax equipment (incl installation) Unit 1 1,500,000 1,500,000 879 Radio equipment Unit 1 3,000,000 3,000,000 1,757 Vehicle Capital Equipment Motor cycles Unit 6 5,000,000 30,000,000 17,572 Other Capital Equipment Generator (incl install & clearance) Unit 1 17,100,000 17,100,000 10,016 TOTAL CAPITAL ASSETS 64,230,000 37,622 PERSONNEL, ADMINISTRATION, OPERATIONS & SUPPORT Staff Salaries and Support Project coordinator Month 12 3,100,000 37,200,000 21,790 Administrator Month 12 700,000 8,400,000 4,920 Accountants (1 full time + 1 p/time) Month 12 1,066,667 19,200,000 11,246 Support staff (3 persons) Month 12 333,333 12,000,000 7,029 Field rep (15% regular salary) Month 12 1,540,000 18,480,000 10,825 Prog coord (15% regular salary) Month 12 940,000 11,280,000 6,607 Finance mgr (15% regular salary) Month 12 600,000 7,200,000 4,217 Logistics officers (20% regular sal) Month 12 500,000 6,000,000 3,514 Driver Month 12 500,000 6,000,000 3,514 Personnel & admin officer (15% Month 12 450,000 5,400,000 3,163 of regular salary) Project staff housing Month 12 1,000,000 12,000,000 7,029 Staff Travel Local and regional travel Month 12 1,000,000 12,000,000 7,029 Office Operations Office rental Month 12 2,000,000 24,000,000 14,058 Security Month 12 500,000 6,000,000 3,514 Utilities Month 12 700,000 8,400,000 4,920 Stationary and supplies Month 12 600,000 7,200,000 4,217 Communications Telephone, fax and email Month 12 1,000,000 12,000,000 7,029 Vehicle Operations Vehicle maintenance Month 12 3,100,000 37,200,000 21,790 TOTAL PERSONNEL, ADMIN, OPS & SUPPORT 249,960,000 146,413 AUDIT & PROGRAMME EVALUATION Audit Lumpsum 6,000,000 3,514 Programme evaluation Lumpsum 17,100,000 10,016 TOTAL AUDIT & PROGRAMME EVALUATION 23,100,000 13,531 TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE 1,542,940,000 903,768 Rates of Exchange: Budget : USD 1 = UGS 1,707.23 LWF/WS Uganda programme will provide some equipment including a computer and vehicle as and when need arises - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Action by Churches Together (ACT) is a worldwide alliance of churches and their related agencies, meeting human need through co-ordinated emergency response. The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ecumenical Centre Phone: ++41-22-791.60.33 150, route de Ferney Fax: ++41-22-791.65.06 P.O. Box 2100 E-Mail: act@wcc-coe.org 1211 Geneva 2 Telex: 415 730 OIK CH Switzerland http://www.act-intl.org distributed by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Center for International Disaster Information Volunteers in Technical Assistance web: www.cidi.org listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - comments/suggestions/requests to incident@cidi.org