UNDP hands over 20 vehicles to refeferendum bureau

By Julius N. Uma

November 10, 2010 (JUBA) – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over 20 hard top Land Cruiser vehicles, to the Southern Sudan Refeferendum Bureau (SSRB).

The occasion, which took place at the SSRB offices in Juba, was witnessed by Justice Chan Reec Madut, the bureau Chairperson and other members.

The UNDP basket fund earmarked to provide “Support to Southern Sudan Referendum Project” is a pooled contribution from the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Norway, the European Union, Sweden, Denmark, France and Australia. It’s estimated at $58m.

Dennis Kadima, Director of the United Nations Integrated Referendum and Electoral Division (UNIRED) said the vehicles would enhance transportation needs during the upcoming voter registration exercise, in addition to other preparatory processes.

UNIRED’s Project Manager, Azhar Malik, said the vehicles, each estimated at $40,000 were part of the UN’s commitment to support Southern Sudan in its preparations for the referendum, which was agreed as part of a 2005 peace deal between north and south.

Justice Chan Reec thanked the UN for its complimentary role in supporting the referendum, and assured those in attendance that the referendum commission was set to start voter registration next week.

The SSRB Chairperson further acknowledged UNIRED through the basket fund, for supporting the transport needs of the process in the north and the south, providing funds to Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) for the hire of over 200 vehicles, to be used in the states and counties across the country.

The 20 vehicles are in addition to the 90 alreadt provided by the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) will be distributed across all the 10 states of Southern Sudan.

South Sudan is widely expected to vote to become independent in January’s referendum.

(ST)