Action by Churches Together (ACT) Appeal - Zambia - Assistance for Angolan Refugees - AFZA92 Appeal Target: US$ 123,612 (Total Project Value: US$ 324,492) Geneva, 7 December 1999
The Lutheran World Federation/ Zambia Christian Refugee Services requests funding to provide assistance to new Angolan refugees fleeing into Zambia from the continuos fighting between the Angola government forces and the rebel UNITA forces. Since the recapture by the government forces of two of the main UNITA stronghold areas in the Moxico province bordering with Zambia, the number of refugees fleeing into Zambia has increased especially in the month of October to about 300 a day. The numbers are likely to rise as the UNITA forces plan to re-organize to recapture back the lost territories. As the fighting intensifies, the civilian casualties also increase. The refugees, who are first taken care of in the transit centers in Zambian border towns before being moved to the two camps of Meheba in the North Western Province and Mayukwayukwa in the Western province require assistance in shelter, food, water and sanitation and health services. While the WFP will be responsible for the provision of the food and UNHCR some of the non-food items, ACT - LWF/ZCRS will mainly respond in the areas of water and sanitation, shelter, and health and nutrition. Please kindly send your contributions to the ACT bank account. For further information, please contact: ACT Co-ordinator, Miriam Lutz (phone 41 22 791 6033 or mobile phone ++ 41 79 203 6055) or ACT Appeals Officer, John Nduna (phone +41 22 791 6040 or mobile phone ++41 79 433 0592) Ms. Genevieve Jacques Miriam Lutz Rev. Rudolf Hinz Director ACT Coordinator Director WCC/Cluster on Relations LWF/World Service REQUESTING ACT MEMBER Lutheran World Federation - Zambia Christian Refugee Service (LWF/ZCRS) IMPLEMENTING AGENCY LWF/ZCRS started its work in Zambia in 1968 upon the request of the Government of Zambia and the UNHCR, to assist in refugee work. It has a long history of caring for refugees from Angola and Mozambique. Not only does ZCRS have a proven track record in assisting refugees and in camp management, it also has been involved in resettlement and repatriation schemes. One such project is the Ukwimi Zambian Resettlement Scheme. LWF/ZCRS has traditional partners such as the Christian Council of Zambia, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zambia, the Young Men Christian Association (ZMCA), the Catholic Diocese of Chipata and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). DESCRIPTION OF THE EMERGENCY SITUATION Background Zambia has been receiving a steady stream of refugees, particularly from Angola on an average of 100 per month since August of 1998. This follows renewed fighting between UNITA forces and government units in the central highland districts of Angola. These refugees have been settled in Meheba and Mayukwayukwa refugee settlements in North-Western and Western Provinces. However, since 8 October 1999 and following the recapture of two UNITA strongholds, namely Andulo and Bailundo, by government forces, the number of refugees fleeing from Angola's Moxico province bordering Zambia's Western and North -Western provinces has increased. Between 8 and 27 October 1999 the number of arrivals reached 850 of whom, 200 crossed into Zambia through Kalabo in western province and the rest through Zambezi, Chavuma, and Mwinilunga in North-Western province of Zambia. So far unconfirmed reports indicate that UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi, evicted from the strongholds mentioned above, is trying to regroup his forces for possible counter-attacks. This coupled with intensified bombing raids by government forces in Moxico Province is likely to trigger a larger influx of refugees into Zambia. Both UNHCR and LWF along with the government of Zambia have initiated moves to prepare for a larger influx on a much larger scale than has been experienced in recent years from neighbouring Angola. UNHCR and LWF have continued to collect refugees and has sent trucks and staff to distribute available food, and non-food items, while they await screening and have been transported to the Meheba and Mayukwayukwa settlements depending on entry points, Western to Mayukwayukwa and North-Western to Meheba, respectively. This activity has been undertaken using existing UNHCR budgets and resources. With the increased influx and projected number of 5,000 individuals expected over the next few days, additional resources to cover basic needs at the collection points and during relocation to the settlements will be required. It is anticipated that WFP will provide additional food while UNHCR and LWF will source funds to cover; milling charges, basic domestic items, water and sanitation, emergency medicines, shelter, transport and staff to organize and facilitate their relocation to the settlements. Current Situation As earlier indicated, on average 100 refugees per month have been arriving in Zambia since August of 1999 and have been relocated to the two established settlements in Meheba and Mayukwayukwa up till October 8th, 1999 when the number has shot up to an average of 300 per week following the escalation of fighting between UNITA and Government soldiers. The main area where the refugees are coming from is Moxico Province, bordering the Western and North Western Provinces of Zambia, Impact on Human Lives Reports are indicative of the fact that UNITA and government forces, desperate to recruit more combatants have been targeting, by force and decree young soldiers aged between 10 - 16 years, while young women of a similar age have been forcibly conscripted by UNITA. Close to 2.5 million civilians are reported to be internally displaced in Angola, with the situation in central and eastern Angola being described by international humanitarian agencies as a "humanitarian disaster" desperate for basic needs; food, medical care, shelter, and water and sanitation, This desperate situation has led to the significant movement of refugees fleeing into Zambia over the past few months. Travelling long distances from Cazombo, Lumbala Nguimbo, and the surrounding areas in the municipality of Moxico in Angola. The refugees are reported to be in poor health conditions by the time they arrive in Zambia. With an outbreak of polio in most of these originating areas, the Government of Zambia has insisted that these groups of people be medically screened and vaccinated at points of entry. APPEAL GOAL The major goal of this project is to alleviate human suffering through the provision of basic needs. In order to achieve this objective, the eventual relocation and reception of refugees from the border transit centres to established settlement areas (with the prospect for eventual voluntary repatriation) will ultimately be undertaken. BENEFICIARY INFORMATION AND TARGETED AREAS Currently there are over 1,500 refugees as new influx that have sought refuge in Zambia. The number of families will be established after a registration and screening exercise is completed. An initial projection of an anticipated 5,000 individuals comprising 1,000 families is expected, at least in this initial phase of the influx. Numbers are expected to rise should fighting escalate in the 70% parts of Angola currently occupied and controlled by UNITA. The population of Angolans fleeing to Zambia will require food assistance while awaiting screening at the transit centres in Kalabo, Mwinilunga, Zambezi and Chavuma. Government medical staff will conduct medical screening prior to relocation to the settlements. So far LWF and UNHCR has been transporting WFP donated food from the two settlements to the new arrivals. In the likely event of the influx increasing, there will be a need to put up sanitary facilities such as pit latrines and rubbish pits and provide portable drinking water using water bowsers. Location for Proposed Response LWF/ZCRS is the main implementing partner for the Local Integration Assistance to Refugees project in North Western and Western provinces based Settlements in Zambia, having originally been invited to implement the repatriation exercise of the bulk of Angolan refugees from these areas. Currently LWF is responsible for care and maintenance of the refugees in Meheba and Mayukwayukwa Settlements. Programs for self reliance have also been introduced in the camps. But due to the new influx, the two camps are taking up new refugees. Meheba has a population of 31,000 refugees and has area of 720 square kilometers. It can take an additional 10,000 refugees while Mayukwayukwa in Western province has close to 4,000 refugees in an area of 12 square kilometers. Government and local authorities have since given assurance to expand the settlement by a further 1,000 hectares. In order to cater for the new influx of refugees from Angola 6 transit and reception locations will be utilized depending on entry points. These are Kalabo and Mayukwayukwa in Western Province, Chavuma, Zambezi, Mwinilunga and Meheba in North Western Province. In all these areas Government local institutions and churches will be utilized in rendering assistance to refugees. Current Security Situation Renewed fighting between UNITA and Angolan Government forces escalated since the breakup of a government of national unity in 1998. UNITA's resolve to wage an insurgent war against the MPLA government led to the latter attempt to wage a protracted offensive on UNITA strongholds in the central highland districts of Huambo, Andulo and Bailundo UNITA's major strongholds for the past two decades of the civil war there. Huambo fell to the Government forces last year while Andulo and Bailundo, traditional UNITA strongholds fell to the Government mid October 1999 after months of seize. Originally, because of forced conscriptions by UNITA a small number of refugees fled into Zambia. With persistent government bombing raids in the areas, a large number of refugees began to cross into Zambia and this scenario of events is by and large expected to prevail with the onset of the rainy season when fighting between the two warring forces is expected as has been the normal trend to escalate. DESCRIPTION OF TARGETED ASSISTANCE Basic Food Assistance Basic food items consisting of the WFP food basket of maize, beans, vegetable oil and salt will be provided. Maize grain will be ground into maize flour. As food is stored in Meheba and Mayukwayukwa it will have to be transported to the entry or transit points for distribution to the new arrivals prior to their relocation. The maize will be grinded on commercial basis (K3,000 per 50kg bag) in the two settlements. A total of 8,100 x 50-kg bags of maize are expected to be grinded in a period of six months. Transport - Refugees In additional to food and non food items transportation, new arrivals will have to be transported from the transit centres to the camps. In case of refugees from the Kalabo transit centers to Mayukwayukwa, a boat will be used to cross the river Zambezi to Mongu. For Meheba bound refugees, they will be transported by road transport. Domestic/Household Support Households of an average size of 5 individuals will require support in terms of cooking utensils [pots] large and small 1,000 of each, 5,000 blankets/quilts, soap 200 grams per person, cups, water buckets and plates. As UHNCR has some of these are available from the Great Region emergency stocks, these will be transported from Lusaka to Meheba and Mayukwayukwa and then quantities will be sent to the transit centers according to needs. Basic household tools comprising hoes, axes, slashers, sickles and shovels will be provided to each family. Water and Sanitation Water and sanitation facilities will be most critical in an emergency situation of this magnitude. Although water will be collected from river sources for use at the transit centers, it will need to be treated and then transported in 4 x 5,000 litre capacity bowsers. In addition, 200 units of pit latrines and rubbish pits will be constructed at all transit and reception centres to cater for at least 25 persons per unit. Shelter/Infrastructure In areas where there are no communal shelter facilities there will be need to use polythene sheeting and tents for temporal shelters. Grass thatched shelters will also be constructed as temporary shelters. Plastic sheeting will be provided in the two hosting camps of Meheba and Mayukwayukwa to afford shelter before refugees construct own dwelling units. In all 50 rolls of 100 x 5 m will be purchased. Health and Nutrition As refugees are expected to arrive in areas where medical facilities and medicaments are scarce provision is made to ensure that all new arrivals are screened by government health staff and immunized. Health staff will be paid a Lunch Allowance of K15,000 per day. LWF will source vaccines from UNICEF and Government while emergency medical kits (20) will have to be procured abroad or locally. Security/Protection/Registration The Government of Zambia is the custodian of physical security for the refugees. However, Government staff organized to escort relocation convoys and camp security will require subsistence support for travel outside their duty stations. This is a direct UNHCR responsibility. Coordination and Administration Support To carry out their additional responsibilities LWF will hire in addition to the two drivers, 2 social workers, while the existing radio operator and guard based in Mwinilunga will be maintained. (These costs will be covered by UNHCR). Costs for communication, including procurement of two mobile UHF radios and six VHF handsets will be met. Senior staff travel costs to supervise and monitor the refugee influx will be covered. ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, MONITORING AND REPORTING Administration The Director has the overall responsibility of all LWF programs, while the Programme Coordinator has overall responsibility for project management and will act in the absence of the Director. The Financial Coordinator will have overall responsibilities for project finances. The Project Coordinator will have direct responsibility and accountability for project implementation and expenditure. Project Coordinator Counterpart, in consultation with the Project Coordinator administers project activities and takes decision in the absence of Project Coordinator. The Technical Advisor will be responsible for self-help and construction works in consultation with the beneficiaries and will advise on site requirements. Project Finance Management and Controls All payments are supported by two authorized signatories, both at the stage of requisition for supplies and funds requests. All purchases are supported by three quotations, except in cases of one supplier or state controlled price. All goods received at the stores are supported by goods received notes. Stock cards are used for incoming stock and waybills are issued for outgoing stock. Half-yearly stock counts are carried out and an external audit is carried out at the end of the year. Monitoring and Reporting The Meheba Project Coordinator, in collaboration with Refugee Officer and UNHCR Field Officer will form a committee to assess and report to Lusaka on a daily basis for the initial one-month. The Project Coordinator will also submit written reports on a weekly basis for the initial one month and on a monthly basis for the rest of the project period. The Programme Coordinator will travel to the camp twice a month. All financial and narrative reports will be submitted as per ACT reporting guidelines. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE This application covers six months from November 99 - April 2000 unless need arises for the revision of the appeal due to changed situation on the ground. COORDINATION Other NGO's working in the settlement include Jesuit Refugee Service [JRS], Association to Aid Refugees {AAR], a Japanese NGO, Zambia Red Cross Society [ZRCS], Young Men Christian Association [YMCA], local churches with Government Ministry of Home Affairs providing mainly security and settlement administration in Meheba and Mayukwayukwa. Currently Meheba is host to about 2,000 refugees from Rwanda ex Minyoni Holding Camp who were assisted and relocated under an ACT Appeal of 1998. X. BUDGET ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE Description Type of Number Cost/Unit Total Total Unit of Unit ZMK ZMK USD INCOME - In Kind Donations WFP (405 mt maize, 105 mt beans, 18mt oil, 9mt salt) 126,410 WFP Grinding and milling costs 9,720 UNHCR (cooking utensils, blankets, soap, hoes etc) 64,750 TOTAL INCOME 200,880 EXPENDITURE Direct Assistance: Provided by WFP Food: Maize mt 405 - - 58,725 Beans mt 105 - - 51,450 Oil mt 18 - - 15,120 Salt mt 9 - - 1,115 Grinding and milling costs of WFP maize - - 9,720 Non Food Items: Provided by UNHCR 2 pots &1 bucket per fam. of 5 fam. 1,000 - - 8,000 Blankets each 5,000 - - 40,000 Description Type of Number Cost/Unit Total Total Unit of Unit ZMK ZMK USD Soap - 200 grams per person each 5,000 - - 1,750 Cups, plates each 5,000 - - 5,000 Hoes, axes, slashers, sickles, shovels family 1,000 - - 10,000 Shelter: Plastic rolls each 50 105,000 5,250,000 2,100 Grass for roofing bundle 300 1,000 300,000 120 Roof thatchers (10) days 60 2,500 1,500,000 600 Water and Sanitation: Water bowsers - 5,000 litres each 4 250,000 1,000,000 400 Water treatment - chemicals, tank each 4 125,000 500,000 200 Pit latrines each 200 30,000 6,000,000 2,400 Health and Nutrition: Gov. medical staff: 8 x 15 days/month meal allow. 6 15,000 10,800,000 4,320 Emergency medical kits each 20 500,000 10,000,000 4,000 sub total 35,350,000 215,020 TRANSPORT COSTS Bus hire: Chavuma-Mayukwayukwa - 40 pax/trip x 995 km refugee 3,000 34,266 102,796,890 41,119 - Driver's allowance - 75 trips trip 75 25,000 1,875,000 750 - Trpt of food - 995 km x K350 km/tonne mt 4.86 348,250 1,692,495 677 Bus hire: Meheba-Mwinulunga - 40 pax/trip x 552 km refugee 1,000 19,038 19,038,000 7,615 - Driver's allowance - 25 trips trip 25 25,000 625,000 250 - Trpt of food - 552 km x K350 km/tonne mt 1.62 193,200 312,984 125 Bus hire: Mayukwayukwa-Kalabo - 40 pax/trip x 650 km refugee 1,000 22,406 22,406,000 8,962 - Driver's allowance - 25 trips trip 25 25,000 625,000 250 - Trpt of food - 650 km x K350 km/tonne mt 1.62 227,500 368,550 147 Transport of cooking utensils, tools Lusaka-Meheba - 7 tonne truck x 700 km x K350 km/tonne trip 2 1,715,000 3,430,000 1,372 Transport of cooking utensils, tools Lusaka-Mayukwayukwa - 7 tonne truck x 400 km x K350 km/tonne trip 2 980,000 1,960,000 784 Boat operations: Mongu - Kalabo months 5 300,000 1,500,000 600 sub total 156,629,919 62,652 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT Communications - mobile UHF radios unit 2 7,500,000 15,000,000 6,000 Communications - VHF handsets unit 6 2,000,000 12,000,000 4,800 Boat and outboard unit 1 15,000,000 15,000,000 6,000 sub total 42,000,000 16,800 Description Type of Number Cost/Unit Total Total Unit of Unit ZMK ZMK USD PERSONNEL, OPERATIONAL COSTS , ADMINISTRATION Staff Salaries and Benefits: Country Director - 10% month 6 1,473,250 8,839,500 3,536 Programme Co-ordinator - 10% month 6 1,297,500 7,785,000 3,114 Meheba Co-ordinator - 10% month 6 1,321,750 7,930,500 3,172 Relief Emergency Officer month 6 1,940,000 11,640,000 4,656 Financial Co-ordinator - 10% month 6 384,000 2,304,000 922 Staff Travel: Per diem, food, accommodation trips 12 200,000 2,400,000 960 Office Operations: Office rent and utilities month 6 500,000 3,000,000 1,200 Office stat./supplies, inc. bank fees month 6 400,000 2,400,000 960 Telephone, fax and courier, email month 6 625,000 3,750,000 1,500 Vehicle Operations: Vehicle running costs month 6 1,750,000 10,500,000 4,200 Other Costs: Audit fees lump sum 2,000,000 800 Program evaluation and support lump sum 12,500,000 5,000 sub total 75,049,000 30,020 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 309,028,919 324,492 BALANCE REQUESTED 309,028,919 123,612 Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 2,500 ZMK TOTAL APPEAL BUDGET EXPENSES: $ 123,612 Coordinating Office APPEAL FACT SHEET Appeal Number: AFZA92 Appeal Name: Zambia - Assistance to Angolan Refugees Date Issued: 7 December, 1999 Project Completion Date: 30 April 2000 Project Description: The Lutheran World Federation and the Zambia Christian Refugee Service proposes providing basic life sustaining assistance in the form of food, shelter, water and sanitation, health services, and domestic/household support for Angolan refugees fleeing the turmoil of civil war. Besides the above mentioned assistance, the refugees will be transported to established refugee centres where they will be helped to settle, with the prospect of voluntary repatriation should the situation permit. Implementing Activity Project Value Partner Description (USD) LWF/ZCRS Shelter, water & sanitation, health & nutrition, food & non-food 324,492 TOTAL PROJECT VALUE: $ 324,492 APPEAL TARGET: $ 123,612 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Action by Churches Together (ACT) is a worldwide network 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 1211 Geneva 2 Telex: 415 730 OIK CH Switzerland http://www.act-intl.org distributed by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Volunteers in Technical Assistance Disaster Information Center lists: www.vita.org/listsub.htm sitreps nat-dsr web: www.vita.org fireline - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -