Salaama Alakoum, kef inta - tamam? Peace be with you, how are you - well?
As you can see, my Arabic is coming along shwayer shwayer (little by little), but I now feel confident in negotiating casual labour rates and coordinating workers. I have also learnt that being super dramatic with workers the more accepted your point is - which is great because I was born for the stage! BIG NEWS - on the 8th of September I proposed to Joanne on our favourite bench in Mayfield, and she said 'YES'! She finishes in Thailand early December, and I return in March. We are super excited about planning the wedding, starting a life together, living together and becoming each others family. Our families seemed very happy although I am sure that Joannes Dad and my Mum will be mortified to be losing us. Joannes Mum and my Dad still seem a bit shocked that someone wants us!?!
Anyway, I hope you are well and I am sorry that it has been so long since my last entry. I don’t know what is being reported on the news in the UK so I will start with the current news flash. War is looming here in the Upper Nile. Bombing of our neighbour counties in the Upper Nile by Antinovs began about five days ago, and confirmed by the UN recently. Renk is the first major town south of the border; it was recently affected by a massive influx of returnees following independence. Something like 25,000 people are living in temporary shelters there with little access to healthcare, clean water and sanitation. On the banks of the Nile mosquitos are a serious issue and these people will have no where to go should Bashir hit Renk.
Medair’s emergency response team are the only NGO working on the ground at this time, although with their neighbouring counties at a critical security level we are expecting them to be relocated very soon. Oxfam have relocated about 20 staff today through Melut to Juba.
Please remember South Sudan in your prayers this evening. Independence has been achieved, but the relationship between the north and south hangs by a thread. I am sure that any clear assault on SSAF (South Sudanese Armed Forces) by SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces) or SAF supported militias will invite a full on war. Last time the North and South went to war over 2.5 million people died – the vast majority were totally innocent men, women and children trying to live in peace.
My work has been continuing at a steady pace, which is slightly slower then I had hoped for, but the challenges of logistics in the rainy season and the inconsistent supply of materials continues to hold things up. I will be flying out of Melut on the 6th of December, and about 10 days later the last plane will leave as Medair completes it's exit of Melut county. Recently I have participated in some stakeholder workshops presenting the work the WASH team have carried out and fielding questions from the attendants. Medair was regularly referred to as Mother, so the general feeling surrounding our exit is one of fear of the unknown. The county commissioner is a Godly man and reminded us of a story of the three stages of leadership.
1. Carry out the activity with the student
2. Supervise the activity of the student
3. Allow the student the freedom to carry out the activity alone
I believe the third stage is the most difficult for both the leader and the student. Difficult for the student to muster the courage to step out with self-belief and faith. Difficult for the leader to step back and accept the inevitable failures and mistakes, holding faith that the student has learnt enough to rise above the mistakes.
As a leader, I am fearful of the sustainability of our projects. We have done as much as we can to ensure ownership, maintenance and correct operation however, the immediate failure of so many projects throughout this country and even within Melut town, suggests that these assets will fall into disrepair. I must continually remind myself that God's kingdom will come with or without these assets, and that my ministry to these communities is more then just the implementation of projects.
Have a great Christmas,
Blessings,
Friday, 11 November 2011
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Big Changes
Re-Cap
I am sorry for not updating my blog recently. The intensity of work and growing strains of field life has been draining on both my energy and time. Since leaving you in February, the team here in Melut has continued working to supply better water, sanitation and hygiene, and improve the poor standard of health care. The two programs combined reach out to over 86,000 beneficiaries in the county and countless others from outside.
On the 9th of July 2011, many of you will have seen South Sudan becoming The Republic of South Sudan. This has brought so much hope and joy to it's inhabitants, however, difficulties lie ahead.
The influx of IDPs into ROSS (Republic of South Sudan) is the main focus for my work at the moment. Just last week we carried out an assessment in a larger town on the border named Renk. 7,000 people had apparently showed up. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is doing their best to register them and coordinate some kind of response. Medair, Malaria Consortium, Mercy Corps and FAR are the only NGOs operating in the State, so they have been pushing us to respond to the Health, WASH (Water and Sanitation, Hygiene) and NFI (Non-food items) needs.
We are already carrying out programs at full pace in the Upper Nile, and we simply do not have the capacity to effectively respond. A party of almost 15 UNICEF delegates seemed relaxed and happy to tell us we aren’t doing enough for the returnees on their 2 day jolly to Renk. Here in Melut we have also been warned that supposedly 20,000 returnees are on their way to this very town, which will TRIPPLE the existing population. I have been working since returning from Thailand (holiday to see the magnificent Joanne) on making emergency repairs and rehabilitating temporary water supply sites, as well as coordinating with Juba additional SWAT (Surface Water Abstraction and Treatment Systems) kits to be se^nt up. The fact is, if this number of people settle in Melut, the existing infrastructure will not handle it.
Two refugee sites have been set aside, however the local authorities do not seem to be taking control of the situation as more and more barges arrive each day each with up to 2,000 people. Medair has been charged with providing emergency water supply, although we do not want to begin construction because the precise settlement location has not be specified. When this project begins, the implementation will likely fall on me – my manager has been tasked with overall coordination and management of the efforts. So this will be three projects I am running at the same time. $50,000 county institutional latrine project, working around the county which makes logistics very difficult – it means I am leaning on one of my contractors far more then I want, $15,000 emergency water supply, $20,000 water emergency water supply.
On a health side of things, none of the people on the barges have been immunised as far as we know, none of the children have been vaccinated. The likely camp site is adjacent to the Medair run Health Centre, which currently serves 5 difference counties within Upper Nile, massively under staffed and over populated already. Get this – apart from the two doctors coordinating this facility and the health care units around the county, the most senior member of staff is a nurse, who is overwhelmed - as all nurses usually are!
Although the facts appear dire, people are happy. They are returning to this new country with hopes of being reunited with family, hopes of setting up new homes, finding work and living in peace, away from oppression from Al’Bashir. People are sometimes helpful in the work we are doing, and over the past 11 months I have learned enough Arabic to coordinate casual labourers and judge good and bad attitudes. Better to have 1 guy with a good attitude, then 10 guys with bad attitudes. Work takes longer, quality is worse, and it only brings out the worst in me and Medair funds.
Medair are not blind to the overview of this new country, and a pinch of cynicism must be included in the appearances to get a fair image of what is going on:
Ø Over 85% of the newly elected government are from the SPLM (Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement) party, and the other 15% are pretty closely affiliated
Ø There is no real opposition party. Just like SA, since the ANC came into power, no-one has effectively stood against them
Ø The new national flag is the flag of the SPLM
Ø The SPLA/SPLM were the rebels during the war that committed atrocities to their own people, only bettered by the Northern army, and only forgotten because of this victory
Ø Most of the State Governors and County commissioners are from a military background, and they have no idea on how to develop a nation
Ø The majority of the working population (ages 15 – 50) have never actually worked. During the war they lived on hand outs. Mobilising this country into work will be/is VERY difficult
Ø All of the unhappy militia groups appear to have an enormous amount of power in some states, and they are receiving funding from somewhere
Those are just a few of our fears, but Medair continues to take the security situation of all of their sites very seriously. Each day I cannot leave the base without 3 litres of water, two forms of communication (mobile, Thurya, VHF), my quick run bag which includes everything detailed in the SAS survival book also enclosed, all of my travel documentation along with copies and my Medair ID. Going for a 10 minute walk is no exception. When we are at security level 3, I must take my stuff even from my room to the mess and office. I look forward to going for a walk without 15kgs on my back in the UK in August!
Anyway – I hope this gives you a more complete picture of the current situation in Melut. Remember that we are in a strange place here in the Upper Nile, and most of Sudan is enjoying a time of swift development. In Juba, the airport will soon be opening a new arrivals/departures building (MUCH NEEDED).
Where a tipper of gravel used to be 3,000 Sudanese pounds, it is now 10,000 pounds here in Melut. In the Upper Nile, we are almost entirely fed from the North. So, after independence, the price of everything has escalated to crazy amounts. I have needed to consider this is project designs and material suppliers. For example – steel and zinc used to be an obvious choice in building materials. Now, we are using old 200 litre barrels and anything we can get for free from the oil company. Tippers and excavators when available are used only for transporting sand and gravel to Malakal (State town) because of the high demand and price there – now I mobilise a tractor and diggers to load sand manually from local pits. Challenges that took time to overcome, but when these opportunities reveal themselves, you must jump at it and ignore the cost. I have never been able to take the Sudanese pound seriously because I have only been dealing in thousands and tens of thousands at a time – it is like Monopoly money.
Anyway, I could write all day, but my lunch is getting cold, and I want to watch a movie this afternoon because Saturday is my half day!
Until next time, your prayers are appreciated!
I am sorry for not updating my blog recently. The intensity of work and growing strains of field life has been draining on both my energy and time. Since leaving you in February, the team here in Melut has continued working to supply better water, sanitation and hygiene, and improve the poor standard of health care. The two programs combined reach out to over 86,000 beneficiaries in the county and countless others from outside.
On the 9th of July 2011, many of you will have seen South Sudan becoming The Republic of South Sudan. This has brought so much hope and joy to it's inhabitants, however, difficulties lie ahead.
The influx of IDPs into ROSS (Republic of South Sudan) is the main focus for my work at the moment. Just last week we carried out an assessment in a larger town on the border named Renk. 7,000 people had apparently showed up. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is doing their best to register them and coordinate some kind of response. Medair, Malaria Consortium, Mercy Corps and FAR are the only NGOs operating in the State, so they have been pushing us to respond to the Health, WASH (Water and Sanitation, Hygiene) and NFI (Non-food items) needs.
We are already carrying out programs at full pace in the Upper Nile, and we simply do not have the capacity to effectively respond. A party of almost 15 UNICEF delegates seemed relaxed and happy to tell us we aren’t doing enough for the returnees on their 2 day jolly to Renk. Here in Melut we have also been warned that supposedly 20,000 returnees are on their way to this very town, which will TRIPPLE the existing population. I have been working since returning from Thailand (holiday to see the magnificent Joanne) on making emergency repairs and rehabilitating temporary water supply sites, as well as coordinating with Juba additional SWAT (Surface Water Abstraction and Treatment Systems) kits to be se^nt up. The fact is, if this number of people settle in Melut, the existing infrastructure will not handle it.
Two refugee sites have been set aside, however the local authorities do not seem to be taking control of the situation as more and more barges arrive each day each with up to 2,000 people. Medair has been charged with providing emergency water supply, although we do not want to begin construction because the precise settlement location has not be specified. When this project begins, the implementation will likely fall on me – my manager has been tasked with overall coordination and management of the efforts. So this will be three projects I am running at the same time. $50,000 county institutional latrine project, working around the county which makes logistics very difficult – it means I am leaning on one of my contractors far more then I want, $15,000 emergency water supply, $20,000 water emergency water supply.
On a health side of things, none of the people on the barges have been immunised as far as we know, none of the children have been vaccinated. The likely camp site is adjacent to the Medair run Health Centre, which currently serves 5 difference counties within Upper Nile, massively under staffed and over populated already. Get this – apart from the two doctors coordinating this facility and the health care units around the county, the most senior member of staff is a nurse, who is overwhelmed - as all nurses usually are!
Although the facts appear dire, people are happy. They are returning to this new country with hopes of being reunited with family, hopes of setting up new homes, finding work and living in peace, away from oppression from Al’Bashir. People are sometimes helpful in the work we are doing, and over the past 11 months I have learned enough Arabic to coordinate casual labourers and judge good and bad attitudes. Better to have 1 guy with a good attitude, then 10 guys with bad attitudes. Work takes longer, quality is worse, and it only brings out the worst in me and Medair funds.
Medair are not blind to the overview of this new country, and a pinch of cynicism must be included in the appearances to get a fair image of what is going on:
Ø Over 85% of the newly elected government are from the SPLM (Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement) party, and the other 15% are pretty closely affiliated
Ø There is no real opposition party. Just like SA, since the ANC came into power, no-one has effectively stood against them
Ø The new national flag is the flag of the SPLM
Ø The SPLA/SPLM were the rebels during the war that committed atrocities to their own people, only bettered by the Northern army, and only forgotten because of this victory
Ø Most of the State Governors and County commissioners are from a military background, and they have no idea on how to develop a nation
Ø The majority of the working population (ages 15 – 50) have never actually worked. During the war they lived on hand outs. Mobilising this country into work will be/is VERY difficult
Ø All of the unhappy militia groups appear to have an enormous amount of power in some states, and they are receiving funding from somewhere
Those are just a few of our fears, but Medair continues to take the security situation of all of their sites very seriously. Each day I cannot leave the base without 3 litres of water, two forms of communication (mobile, Thurya, VHF), my quick run bag which includes everything detailed in the SAS survival book also enclosed, all of my travel documentation along with copies and my Medair ID. Going for a 10 minute walk is no exception. When we are at security level 3, I must take my stuff even from my room to the mess and office. I look forward to going for a walk without 15kgs on my back in the UK in August!
Anyway – I hope this gives you a more complete picture of the current situation in Melut. Remember that we are in a strange place here in the Upper Nile, and most of Sudan is enjoying a time of swift development. In Juba, the airport will soon be opening a new arrivals/departures building (MUCH NEEDED).
Where a tipper of gravel used to be 3,000 Sudanese pounds, it is now 10,000 pounds here in Melut. In the Upper Nile, we are almost entirely fed from the North. So, after independence, the price of everything has escalated to crazy amounts. I have needed to consider this is project designs and material suppliers. For example – steel and zinc used to be an obvious choice in building materials. Now, we are using old 200 litre barrels and anything we can get for free from the oil company. Tippers and excavators when available are used only for transporting sand and gravel to Malakal (State town) because of the high demand and price there – now I mobilise a tractor and diggers to load sand manually from local pits. Challenges that took time to overcome, but when these opportunities reveal themselves, you must jump at it and ignore the cost. I have never been able to take the Sudanese pound seriously because I have only been dealing in thousands and tens of thousands at a time – it is like Monopoly money.
Anyway, I could write all day, but my lunch is getting cold, and I want to watch a movie this afternoon because Saturday is my half day!
Until next time, your prayers are appreciated!
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Melut Kalas Kuis (Good finish)
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back. I hope you enjoy this the next installment of Engineering Africa.
Month's Re-cap
So in my last entry, I discussed the creation of the youngest Nation in Africa. Since then the radio has been heralding possible country names, new national anthems and details of a new constitution. All these things seem so far away as I wake up each morning, down a cup of coffee, brush my teeth, and drive out to the water distribution kiosks that have developed more leaks, broken taps and had fencing torn down - all in the space of 24hours.
Sometimes it feels like I am fighting a losing battle. There are now 10 water distribution kiosks in town, all of which are used from dawn until dusk - this is definately a battle I cannot win. So how do we finish a seemingly unfinishable project. That is what this entry will explore.
Project Agreements
In September 2010, after my arrival in South Sudan. The WASH (Water and Sanitation, Hygiene) programme manager met with Melut local authorities and signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document detailed an agreement of the work Medair would carry out, and what the community would contribute.
On the Friday the 11th of February I took a number of soda's to one of the new kiosk sites, and congratulated the contractor and a number of his workers. I paid him the last sum and helped fix the clutch on his motorbike. Kalas ('the end'), I thought. The following week Medair ran a two day workshop to facilitate discussions between the Water Management Committee and the local authorities. In a previous workshop, the Water Management Committee had discussed the idea of charging an affordable amount for water from the kiosks. If this were effectively implemented, it could finance the maintenance and development of the town water system, and indeed the entire town.
In this workshop they agreed on an affordable price, and the way the funds should be spent. To my DELIGHT, they agreed that guard should be employed to supervise each of the kiosks. My hope is that this will reduce the petty vandalism that they have suffered so fiercely. Maybe this fight will turn around!
I am very happy to be linked to Melut for the coming year, with a small budget to follow up on their progress.
Girly emotional stuff
So almost two months ago I was sat in Heathrow airport waiting to leave the country. The time has spead by indeed! I am between projects at the moment, which is a painful time for me because I like to be active. The time has been made all the worse by the doctors and project support staff running around with a thousand things to do.
I have been preparing designs and plans for forward projects, and also volunteered to make the Medair 2010 conference Video. The last one was fantastic, developed by our IT genius who is also very busy at the moment. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the team through pictures, music and video. After watching the 2009 video and being totally blown away by the work we have accomplished as an organisation, I hope the 2010 video can have the same effect.
So that is all I am going to write about this time - one last thing, since my last entry, the team here were involved in a serious security incident. If you want more information, you will have to come and ask. It made the front page of the BBC news website.
Blessings,
Month's Re-cap
So in my last entry, I discussed the creation of the youngest Nation in Africa. Since then the radio has been heralding possible country names, new national anthems and details of a new constitution. All these things seem so far away as I wake up each morning, down a cup of coffee, brush my teeth, and drive out to the water distribution kiosks that have developed more leaks, broken taps and had fencing torn down - all in the space of 24hours.
Sometimes it feels like I am fighting a losing battle. There are now 10 water distribution kiosks in town, all of which are used from dawn until dusk - this is definately a battle I cannot win. So how do we finish a seemingly unfinishable project. That is what this entry will explore.
Project Agreements
In September 2010, after my arrival in South Sudan. The WASH (Water and Sanitation, Hygiene) programme manager met with Melut local authorities and signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document detailed an agreement of the work Medair would carry out, and what the community would contribute.
On the Friday the 11th of February I took a number of soda's to one of the new kiosk sites, and congratulated the contractor and a number of his workers. I paid him the last sum and helped fix the clutch on his motorbike. Kalas ('the end'), I thought. The following week Medair ran a two day workshop to facilitate discussions between the Water Management Committee and the local authorities. In a previous workshop, the Water Management Committee had discussed the idea of charging an affordable amount for water from the kiosks. If this were effectively implemented, it could finance the maintenance and development of the town water system, and indeed the entire town.
In this workshop they agreed on an affordable price, and the way the funds should be spent. To my DELIGHT, they agreed that guard should be employed to supervise each of the kiosks. My hope is that this will reduce the petty vandalism that they have suffered so fiercely. Maybe this fight will turn around!
I am very happy to be linked to Melut for the coming year, with a small budget to follow up on their progress.
Girly emotional stuff
So almost two months ago I was sat in Heathrow airport waiting to leave the country. The time has spead by indeed! I am between projects at the moment, which is a painful time for me because I like to be active. The time has been made all the worse by the doctors and project support staff running around with a thousand things to do.
I have been preparing designs and plans for forward projects, and also volunteered to make the Medair 2010 conference Video. The last one was fantastic, developed by our IT genius who is also very busy at the moment. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the team through pictures, music and video. After watching the 2009 video and being totally blown away by the work we have accomplished as an organisation, I hope the 2010 video can have the same effect.
So that is all I am going to write about this time - one last thing, since my last entry, the team here were involved in a serious security incident. If you want more information, you will have to come and ask. It made the front page of the BBC news website.
Blessings,
Monday, 31 January 2011
The Birth of a New Country
Sudanese Referendum
Greetings readers. So I am jumping straight in with a South Sudan update. As I write this entry the Medair team based here in Melut is listening to the results of the South Sudanese Referendum results on the radio.
There is no need to rush though because announcing each dignitaries title is taking about 5 minutes. His Excellency, General, Right honorable, Dr, Reverend…
A croaky voice explains that the CPA is meaningless without the peoples right to self-determination. The right to choose between unity and separation.
Voting took place in North Sudan, South Sudan, and eight countries outside of Sudan. Many Sudanese fled the country during the conflict, becoming refugees.
So the South Sudanese voting went as follows. Some of the figures may not be accurate because the Nile House became very noisy with excited Sudanese staff.
TOTAL
South Sudan 3,770,600 registered, 3,724,194, 99% of registered voted
Unity total 16,000 0.42%
Separation 3,697,467 99.57%
Central Equitoria, Voted 469,000, 98.9% voted for separation
Eastern Equitoria, Voted 463,406, 99.95%
Jongelei, Voted 430,056, 99.9%
Lakes, Voted, 299,040, 98.9%
Northern Baharezal, Voted 382,049, 99.9%
Unity State, Voted 498,231, 99.98%
Upper Nile, Voted 347,319, 99.48%
Warrap, Voted 469,698, 99.9%
Western Baherezal, Voted 492,594, 95.5%
Western Equitoria, Voted 214,031, 99.52%
TOTAL
Northern Sudan 116,857 registered 69,780, 67% of registered voted
Unity 22,329 32%
Separation 40,472 58%
TOTAL
Out of Sudan Countries
Unity 1%
Separation 99%
Out of Sudan
Australia – 97%, 99% for separation
Canada – 97%, 99% for separation
Kenya – 99%, 100% for separation
Uganda – 93% voted, 96% for separation
UK – 98% voted, 98% separation
USA – 97% voted, 99% separation
Egypt – 97% voted, 98% separation
Ethiopia – 98% voted, 100% separation
They send their thanks to El’Bashir (Northern President), and their own Salva Kir (Vice President).
Grand Totals Announced at 10.45am, Sunday 30th January 2011
23% Unity
77% Separation
After 50 years of conflict, we see the emergence of two states, and Africa’s 54th and youngest country. The speaker explains that the North and South will forever be joined geographically and historically, leaving their mark on civilization and history in sight and view from the whole world. They are descendants of common ancestors. These bonds are insoluble and will not dissipate; they will continue to transcend lines. The country must now arrange their affairs, economic, political, borders and forge constitutional ties to preserve these bonds.
For the time being, it falls to the Southerners to solve the problems ahead. This is Self-Determination. They will have six months to address these issues before the separation is recognized.
Following Thoughts
Following the final announcement, we sat around the Nile House dinner table (mess room) congratulating our Sudanese staff, and joking with them and the Kenyan staff about the out of country voting. Kenya, 100% for separation, and the UK only 98% for separation.
In Juba there was traditional dancing and singing until late into the evening. I was reminded of my parents involvement in the anti-apartheid campaigns in South Africa. They celebrated Nelson Mandela’s freedom and later his inauguration as the first democratically elected President of South Africa. We still have the newspaper cutting on our wall at home, 9th May 1994.
“Perhaps it was history that ordained that it be here, at the Cape of Good Hope that we should lay the foundation stone of our new nation.”
“Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.”
“The time for the healing of the wounds has come.
The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.
The time to build is upon us.”
- Nelson Mandela 1994
There are many similarities between 1994 South Africa and 2011 Sudan, none greater then the realization of single moment in history. This is the hope of a bend in the road? This is the hope for a new story?
I wonder if my generation will ever encounter a moment of equivalent gravity. In search of such purpose, maybe our existing challenges should be taken more seriously. Climate change, energy crisis, broken families, broken hearts, world food deficit, population boom, and natural resource stretch. What calls out to you? Which makes you angry? Why does it make you sad?
Joanne (my girlfriend) emailed me a week after arriving in Thailand laden with tears, anger and frustration with the awful state of the disability wards. Should these emotions be traversed? Should she come home? Or, should we open our eyes, and remind ourselves that these emotions are products of Compassion… and what higher purpose is there?
It is natural for you to feel like a drop in the ocean, and that your efforts are inadequate. Your fear of failure should not restrict your endeavor to achieve. Remember, it is not that you succeeded; it is that you tried to succeed.
I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”
- Nelson Mandela, 1995
Greetings readers. So I am jumping straight in with a South Sudan update. As I write this entry the Medair team based here in Melut is listening to the results of the South Sudanese Referendum results on the radio.
There is no need to rush though because announcing each dignitaries title is taking about 5 minutes. His Excellency, General, Right honorable, Dr, Reverend…
A croaky voice explains that the CPA is meaningless without the peoples right to self-determination. The right to choose between unity and separation.
Voting took place in North Sudan, South Sudan, and eight countries outside of Sudan. Many Sudanese fled the country during the conflict, becoming refugees.
So the South Sudanese voting went as follows. Some of the figures may not be accurate because the Nile House became very noisy with excited Sudanese staff.
TOTAL
South Sudan 3,770,600 registered, 3,724,194, 99% of registered voted
Unity total 16,000 0.42%
Separation 3,697,467 99.57%
Central Equitoria, Voted 469,000, 98.9% voted for separation
Eastern Equitoria, Voted 463,406, 99.95%
Jongelei, Voted 430,056, 99.9%
Lakes, Voted, 299,040, 98.9%
Northern Baharezal, Voted 382,049, 99.9%
Unity State, Voted 498,231, 99.98%
Upper Nile, Voted 347,319, 99.48%
Warrap, Voted 469,698, 99.9%
Western Baherezal, Voted 492,594, 95.5%
Western Equitoria, Voted 214,031, 99.52%
TOTAL
Northern Sudan 116,857 registered 69,780, 67% of registered voted
Unity 22,329 32%
Separation 40,472 58%
TOTAL
Out of Sudan Countries
Unity 1%
Separation 99%
Out of Sudan
Australia – 97%, 99% for separation
Canada – 97%, 99% for separation
Kenya – 99%, 100% for separation
Uganda – 93% voted, 96% for separation
UK – 98% voted, 98% separation
USA – 97% voted, 99% separation
Egypt – 97% voted, 98% separation
Ethiopia – 98% voted, 100% separation
They send their thanks to El’Bashir (Northern President), and their own Salva Kir (Vice President).
Grand Totals Announced at 10.45am, Sunday 30th January 2011
23% Unity
77% Separation
After 50 years of conflict, we see the emergence of two states, and Africa’s 54th and youngest country. The speaker explains that the North and South will forever be joined geographically and historically, leaving their mark on civilization and history in sight and view from the whole world. They are descendants of common ancestors. These bonds are insoluble and will not dissipate; they will continue to transcend lines. The country must now arrange their affairs, economic, political, borders and forge constitutional ties to preserve these bonds.
For the time being, it falls to the Southerners to solve the problems ahead. This is Self-Determination. They will have six months to address these issues before the separation is recognized.
Following Thoughts
Following the final announcement, we sat around the Nile House dinner table (mess room) congratulating our Sudanese staff, and joking with them and the Kenyan staff about the out of country voting. Kenya, 100% for separation, and the UK only 98% for separation.
In Juba there was traditional dancing and singing until late into the evening. I was reminded of my parents involvement in the anti-apartheid campaigns in South Africa. They celebrated Nelson Mandela’s freedom and later his inauguration as the first democratically elected President of South Africa. We still have the newspaper cutting on our wall at home, 9th May 1994.
“Perhaps it was history that ordained that it be here, at the Cape of Good Hope that we should lay the foundation stone of our new nation.”
“Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.”
“The time for the healing of the wounds has come.
The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.
The time to build is upon us.”
- Nelson Mandela 1994
There are many similarities between 1994 South Africa and 2011 Sudan, none greater then the realization of single moment in history. This is the hope of a bend in the road? This is the hope for a new story?
I wonder if my generation will ever encounter a moment of equivalent gravity. In search of such purpose, maybe our existing challenges should be taken more seriously. Climate change, energy crisis, broken families, broken hearts, world food deficit, population boom, and natural resource stretch. What calls out to you? Which makes you angry? Why does it make you sad?
Joanne (my girlfriend) emailed me a week after arriving in Thailand laden with tears, anger and frustration with the awful state of the disability wards. Should these emotions be traversed? Should she come home? Or, should we open our eyes, and remind ourselves that these emotions are products of Compassion… and what higher purpose is there?
It is natural for you to feel like a drop in the ocean, and that your efforts are inadequate. Your fear of failure should not restrict your endeavor to achieve. Remember, it is not that you succeeded; it is that you tried to succeed.
I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”
- Nelson Mandela, 1995
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Smiley face and banana cake
Greetings friends, family and people who are bored at work!!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. I hope your break was enjoyable.
So I am currently sat in the Medair team house in Nairobi after a beautiful day in Nairobi National Park, stroking Cheetah's and learning the difference between Black and White Rhino's. Tomorrow morning I will be returning to Juba, then on to Melut on Tuesday. This entry will not have much technical content, it is mainly my thoughts on returning.
Sun to Snow, then Girlfriends Go
Three weeks ago, on a cold, winter morning, my Dad collected me from Heathrow Terminal 5. Miles of fields flashed by, sleeping beneath a white duvet of snow reminding me that I was not in Africa anymore. Questions, fears had been running through my head, how would I react with the contrast of basic need to excessive living? Would Joanne and I be ok?
The moment the sweet sweet drop of orange juice touched my lips, all my fears were gone. Seconds later, Joanne walked in, more beautiful then ever with her deep eyes like dark coca cola pools.
Joanne and I were inseperable over the coming weeks, similar to a ball and chain, but more like salt and pepper. Never appreciated quite as much when they are not together. We were blessed to spend so much time with friends an family. Enjoying a WILD new year - me making Joanne Pizza, and Joanne making Profiteroles, then watching the London fireworks with a cup of tea. Happy days!
On the 12th of January I watched Joanne walk through the departures gate and swiftly get stopped, as they unpacked her bag knickers and all. Very funny!
Both feeling positive, I believe the prospect of 8 months apart is enough to dampen our spirits in the coming months.
Looking ahead to the coming rotation, I feel excited to be re-united with the team and keen to get started on the projects with a new energy. It has been fantastically encouraging hearing peoples support for the work Medair are doing, and reminds me what a privelidge it is to serve others in this part of the world.
Until next time, blessings and keep well.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. I hope your break was enjoyable.
So I am currently sat in the Medair team house in Nairobi after a beautiful day in Nairobi National Park, stroking Cheetah's and learning the difference between Black and White Rhino's. Tomorrow morning I will be returning to Juba, then on to Melut on Tuesday. This entry will not have much technical content, it is mainly my thoughts on returning.
Sun to Snow, then Girlfriends Go
Three weeks ago, on a cold, winter morning, my Dad collected me from Heathrow Terminal 5. Miles of fields flashed by, sleeping beneath a white duvet of snow reminding me that I was not in Africa anymore. Questions, fears had been running through my head, how would I react with the contrast of basic need to excessive living? Would Joanne and I be ok?
The moment the sweet sweet drop of orange juice touched my lips, all my fears were gone. Seconds later, Joanne walked in, more beautiful then ever with her deep eyes like dark coca cola pools.
Joanne and I were inseperable over the coming weeks, similar to a ball and chain, but more like salt and pepper. Never appreciated quite as much when they are not together. We were blessed to spend so much time with friends an family. Enjoying a WILD new year - me making Joanne Pizza, and Joanne making Profiteroles, then watching the London fireworks with a cup of tea. Happy days!
On the 12th of January I watched Joanne walk through the departures gate and swiftly get stopped, as they unpacked her bag knickers and all. Very funny!
Both feeling positive, I believe the prospect of 8 months apart is enough to dampen our spirits in the coming months.
Looking ahead to the coming rotation, I feel excited to be re-united with the team and keen to get started on the projects with a new energy. It has been fantastically encouraging hearing peoples support for the work Medair are doing, and reminds me what a privelidge it is to serve others in this part of the world.
Until next time, blessings and keep well.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Praise be the Water Policy!
Abstract
Greetings, and thank you for logging on to check out my blog. So the trees have made the transition from romantic red, to shivering splinters. The UK has had the first snow of the season, temperatures as low as -2oC. The Coca Cola advert has been playing on TV, reminding us that the ‘Holidays are Coming, Always Coca Cola.’ This subtle advertising will not work on me… gosh, I am so thirsty!
Here in South Sudan temperatures have continued to rise, along with anticipation for the referendum. Buses loaded with people moving to the town centers send great dust clouds into the dry air. Through the dust we can hear the passengers singing songs of joy and independence. After 21 years of conflict between different tribes, resistance armies, liberation movements, governmental forces and international actors, the Southern aggressors are united under the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA). The past five years since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA, Jan. 05’) have the been the only peaceful years all generations can recall.
The arid wind brings the smell of independence, and with it extended peace, a chance for a new beginning and for the country to guide it’s own fate. The country still faces enormous birthing pains. Setting up a new currency, developing a constitution, establishing future visions, preparing Juba to become a capital city, preparing all sectors for mass urbanization and population increase, negotiating the joint Sudanese debt of $36.2 billion (Dec. 09’, most of which was accumulated by the North financing the war against the South). We hope that somewhere in Juba, or Khartoum, some high powered Sudanese officials are addressing these issues, although a mix of cynicism and realism warns us there are no such talks.
Month’s update
Here on the ground, work is more simple. The work initiated before my departure on the Melut water distribution system was well underway. Most of the pipework was complete and the two new water distribution kiosks were almost complete.
Medair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Melut local authorities. The MoU identifies different responsibilities for the community (lead by the local authorities), and Medair.
Medair’s responsibilities are:
Training of the water treatment plant operators, water technicians and water management committee
Repair and improvement of the existing water distribution kiosks
Construction of a new link pipe from the Melut County Authority Offices to Melut Hospital (to improve water pressure)
Construction of two new kiosks in locations to be agreed
Melut County Authority Contributions are:
Seek funding or a partner for the construction of the new water tower
Mobilise the oil company to carry out recommended repairs to the water treatment plant
Mobilise the community to participate in the water management committee
Introduce a cost-sharing scheme for water
Following the CPA in 2005, the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) developed a Water Policy with the goal of supporting social development and economic growth by promoting equitable, efficient and sustainable development and use of water resources. I recently reviewed this document to present during the Melut water management committee training. Without realising it, I am doing exactly what my father is doing in Tanzania, Niger and Ethiopia! I can see the appeal of this work to him. With a clear understanding of this topic, the water management committee have such power to influence positive or negative development within an area. It is critical the water management committee understand this message and the goals they must address.
While traveling around the community, we noticed enormous trenches in the road. We questioned the volunteer community engineer about these. He told us they were private connections. The significance of having unregistered private connections in this community is that we have no information on the quantity of water they are taking. They might have enormous taps running all day, preventing any water from reaching the downstream community water distribution kiosks. Does this qualify as fair allocation of resources? Not at all!
Developing a solution for managing these private connections is one of the key objectives the water management committee will be addressing.
There are eight existing water distribution kiosks in Melut town. The water pressure at the end four kiosks has always been poor, but recently we noticed that no water was reaching these kiosks at all. The community engineer came with me to map the private connections, and on the way he pointed out 5 small ponds supporting a family of goats and ducks. I was unable to remember the last time it had rained, so it was clear they were from leaking pipes. Upon closer inspection, I noticed there was a small bridge spanning a ditch with about 1 foot of running water. I thought, ‘Is this a miraculous spring in Melut town!?!?’ No, it was all from this leak. Miraculously, a valve appeared approximately 100m upstream of the leak. The valve was closed and two days later the leaks dried up, and the ditch ran dry. If only leak detection was always this easy Halcrow! The increased water pressure at the remaining four kiosks was enough to attract queues of 50+ people.
After retrieving quotes for excavation of the five leaks, I was ready to start work. When I checked with my manager, he reminded me that this was not one of our responsibilities in the MoU. Work halted and once again I was stung with the principle of; Capacity building being more important then project completion.
Malesh (Arabic: Oh well…)
Emotional girly stuff
So my ticket home for Christmas is now booked, and I will begin my count down very soon. Emotionally I am feeling well. The team support here is brilliant; when someone is high they support those who are low. Every morning we commit the day to the Lord, sing some songs, and someone gives a short message. The messages can be challenging, or inspiring, but they always bring us closer together as a team.
Living, working and playing with the same people, we have to learn patience and forgiveness everyday. My role within the team has been established as the energetic guy, cracking lots of jokes, incredibly inappropriately sometimes. I think members of the team have begun to see me at my fragile at times also. A few nights ago I was exhausted after shifting tones and tones of cement. I went to my tent early to watch a movie. About 1 hour later, I was joined by a team member, and five minutes later another came. We ended up talking till about 11pm, it was brilliant! Maybe doctors have a nose for these things.
Joanne sounds well, and she seems to be making herself quite at home with my family in Goudhurst. It is comforting to know they are supporting one another.
I have begun wandering how I will react to being in the UK again. Some people returning home after a long period in the field have trouble re-integrating back to English culture. I think things will be fine. I am dreaming of family festivities, yoghurt, fires, and a few festive London day trips with Joanne. Good times ahead, seeing these things through fresh eyes certainly bring a renewed appreciation.
Keep safe, and have a wonderful Christmas!
Blessings,
Damon
Saturday, 23 October 2010
End of my first rotation
Good afternoon, wonderful friends and family.
So, I am coming to the end of my first rotation in South Sudan! All field staff here in South Sudan are flown back to Nairobi every 6-10 weeks. The reason for this is to rest, catch up on sleep, clear your mind of work and to re-align yourself with God.
When I was first instructed of this procedure I thought to myself; 'Ace, mandatory holiday, I won't be tired.' WRONG! I am exhausted, and because you are working so hard with your back-to-back activity filled days, in temperatures greater then 40 degrees C, you do not even realise it. It makes me wonder, how unnoticed my stress and energy levels got in the UK without assessment. I agree with this Medair R&R policy. In this tense environment, a loose comment can make such a difference to base and personal security. The authorities we deal with on a daily basis, all have close ties with the military, who spend most of their time drunk, and scared of the future. Anticipating war, living in peace with very little to do, leaves your average adolescent soldier quite trigger happy.
Months Update
So in my last entry, I was in Wadakona, located on the border between North and South Sudan, in the Upper Nile State. I was testing concrete latrine slabs, and working on water treatment and distribution system designs for three towns to the South.
Three weeks ago, I relocated to our base in Melut to focus more of my time on starting up the Melut Water Distribution Project. As I said goodbye to my manager who was returning to the UK for a month, I felt the increase in purpose and responsibility. If this project was going to begin, it was down to me, the task was set...
JP (my manager) and I had largely agreed on the design, and a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed by the county Commissioner, so the first step was to order materials. The inefficiency previously experienced in the Aid sector, has rightfully forced NGO's to supply greater accountability to their Donors. One of the area's being monitored was procurement (the buying of materials). I had to find the best quote from at least three different suppliers. This was also the case when appointing a contractor. Materials were transported from Khartoum (Capital city, North Sudan) on huge trucks and were offloaded in our compound. Contractor interviews began soon after, and I tried my best to explain to them the works information.
We received four contractors who boasted years and years of experience. I took a translator with me, and drove them to the existing water distribution kiosks. The work would involve, excavation, minor block work, concreting, plastering and painting, fencing and pipework. The value of the work ahead would be approximately $75,000, including materials, labour and transport.
During this period, I have been taught the importance of clear understanding and patience, unfortunately I learnt the hard way. I thought all the contractors had a good understanding of the work, so we decided to invite the lowest bidding contractor back, to discuss the contract. I spent one hour explaining to him the details of the contract we would sign. "Do you understand?" I asked. He replied yes. "Do you have any questions?" I repeated. "No." he answered. 'Great!' I thought, but sure enough, the following morning he had arrived with a revised quote that had doubled.
In the end, we appointed two different contractors. One to manage the construction of two new kiosks and the rehabilitation of the existing eight, and one to manage the installation of 1300m of pipework. Contracts were developed and signed, and work began the next day. I breathed a sigh of relief...
The following day I woke with a smile on my face, excited to see work starting, and begin moving the materials from our compound to the work sites. At 10.30, I received a call from our pipework contractor... 'The SSRRC has halted our work. He wants to see you.' I jumped into the car with Isaac (our translator and a good engineer) and set off for town. The SSRRC is the South Sudanese Relief & Rehabilitation Council. They are the authority that manages all work relating to NGO's. They do not have much authority, but they have strong links with other authorities further up the chain, and make life very difficult. They have been known to have NGO vehicles taken due to insufficient visibility (flags, logos), they have removed NGO's from their bases, and prevented their return. In this case, the problem was that the pipework contractor, was managed by Kenyans - not Sudanese. I told him we would return later that day with a solution. When we returned, he brought us into his office and told us he was busy - '...come back on Monday at 9am, sharp.' That was that. It is a minor issue, but it is a shame the contractor was made to suffer - their enthusiasm to get the job done would be a real asset.
Kiosk work continues uninterrupted by the local contractor, and progress suggests the project deadline of December 20th 2010 is very possible.
Concrete latrine Slabs Testing
So I am still testing different latrine slab designs. Since arriving in Melut I have cast three more slabs.
1. Concrete slab reinforced with steel reinforcement
2. Unreinforced domed concrete slab
3. Mortar slab with three layers of 25mm chicken wire (12 gauge)
As you can see by the pictures, we had lots of fun testing them. The steel reinforced slab and mesh reinforced slab were tested with 400kg and did not fail. The unreinforced slab failed under 150kg. Rather it fails 1ft above the ground, then 2m above 1000 litres of rotting faeces. It is sad to say that the 400kg test weight was the total weight of 8 Sudanese men. Just imagine what the nutrition rate was like when they were children.
Girly emotional stuff
As I previously mentioned, I am feeling exhausted and am looking forward to spending time at the coast near Mombasa. I am especially looking forward to eating a variety of foods, yoghurt, muesli, cheese, chocolate. The diet is very similar day to day, all credit due to the cooks, who are able to make the most out of limited supplies.
Breakfast - Tea, bread and spreads (honey, home made peanut butter, sometimes Nuttela from Khartoum).
Lunch - Rice, beans and meat (still not sure what type of meat it is, they are definitely mammal bones that get lodged in your Trachea though)
Dinner - Rice, beans, meat, maybe greens (unknown what this is, maybe boiled grass), special treats include chips or ciabatti.
Lots of tea, so I have been surviving.
I have really been noticing how far I am from the family and Joanne. The occassional discussion via Skype is a real blessing, and I look forward to video calls when I am in an internet cafe on R&R. These facilities are available for the country HQ in Juba, but out here in Upper Nile state, we are limited to text conversations. Communication is so much more then words.
So I have typed far too much, but this will be my only entry for October. Keep well, and thanks for your prayers.
Blessings,
Damon
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