South Sudan, World Bank and UN launch public works project
August 15, 2007 (JUBA, Sudan) – The Government of southern Sudan (GoSS), the World Bank and the UN launched today a public works programme to provide basic services to Urban populations. The project will be implemented in the ten southern Sudan states, a joint press release said.
The GoSS Ministry of Housing, Lands and Public Utilities, the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF-SS) of the World Band and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced Wednesday the launch of USD 11.6 million worth quick emergency public works programme aimed at increasing the quality of basic services and building the capacity of local organizations as well as communities in Southern Sudan.
The programme known as Public Works Programme Component of the Rapid Impact Emergency Project (PWPC of RIEP) will provide basic services to urban populations while generating temporary employment for the communities in the 10 States in Southern Sudan for the period of one year from the start of its implementation.
RIEP in collaboration with UN agencies and organizations with relevant competencies and track records, will initiate a labour-intensive work programme in all the ten State capitals and Yei except Juba.
The planned activities that consist of both sectoral and geographically targeted public employment programmes are envisaged to be rapidly implemented and responsive to the immediate recovery needs of communities and emerging local governments. The Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) recognizes that the selected cities lack the absorptive and implementing capacity to undertake quick emergency public works.
As complementary intervention, the programme will also endeavour to increase awareness in the population of South Sudan on the importance of provision of basic services and the maintenance of assets through production and dissemination of information materials.
These projects are jointly funded by the Government of Southern Sudan and the World Bank administered MDTF-SS and are implemented by the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Public Utilities in partnership with UNDP. Under the agreement, they will subcontract various organizations to contribute in the project implementation.
On behalf of the donor partners of the MDTF, the UNDP will provide support services in the implementation of the programme including recruitment of project management and technical staff, procurement of services, support for budget and financial management, and overall monitoring of the implementation of activities and services to ensure effective and efficient use of resources.
Under the programme, grants will be awarded to non-profit NGOs, community based organizations and civil society organizations with experience in Southern Sudan as well as competence in managing post conflict recovery projects. Grants are not intended for individuals or for profit making ventures.
(ST)