V Programme implementation

A Sectoral focus

Food

53 As at 14 May 2001, a total of 278 applications for contracts valued at over $1.1 billion had been approved against the allocated $1,275 million for food purchases under the distribution plan for phase IX. Total programme stocks at the end of April 2001 stood at 883,040 metric tons. However, stocks of pulses and dried whole milk were very low throughout the period under review owing to delayed and irregular arrivals. Also, as a result of the irregular arrival of wheat under the programme, the Government of Iraq decided to supplement 25 per cent of the rquirements from its national stock. However, notwithstanding sufficient stocks of vegetable oil, toilet soap, tea, infant formula and detergent, the Government continued the practice of substituting rations with its national stock as part of its combined management of programme and non- programme stocks. The imported programme and non- programme stocks are generally of the same quality and come from parallel procurement of commodities.

54 The food ration distributed during the reporting period provided an average of 2,209 kilocalories and 46.33 grams of protein per person/day. which corresponds to 89 per cent and 77 per cent, respectively, of the 2.472 kcal and 60.2g of protein per person/day contained in the approved distribution plan for phase IX (S/2000/733). Observation spot-checks revealed that 100 per cent of the food agents in the centre/south of Iraq had received their allocations on time, but only 92.5 per cent had received them in full. This was attributed to low stocks and disruptions in the commodity pipeline for salt, white beans and weaning cereals.

55 The majority of households observed reported that their monthly ration lasted less than 30 days and a number of households admitted that they bartered part of the commodities. However, during the period under review, the full approved ration of 2.472 kcal was distributed only in December 2000, which also coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

56 Results of observations indicated that beneficiaries would like to have an increase in ration sizes and the addition of other commodities such as tomato paste, chicken, meat and eggs into the food basket. This underscores a suggestion made by the United Nations during the discussions held on the distribution plan for phase IX for the qualitative enhancement of the food basket, with the possible introduction of a coupon system to enable sections of the population to purchase these commodities from among available farm products marketed through mobile government stores. However, in the absence of a cash component and a local purchase system in the programme, this could not be implemented in the context of the distribution plan.

57 In the three northern governorates of Dahuk, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, the rate of commodity arrivals is higher than the rate at which they are distributed, creating pressure on storage capacities. This followed similar critical storage constraints in the south and centre of Iraq, caused by a surge in the arrival of some food commodities like rice. The results of a household survey/assessment of the adequacy of rations conducted in the three northern governorates are currently being analysed.

Transport and food handling

58 Assessments by United Nations observers have highlighted the problems facing this sector, particularly the need for massive rehabilitation of the existing infrastructure. Observers have conducted a number of special studies to assess the status of the port, railways, roads, flour mills and other facilities within the sector.

59 Observation and assessments of the railway facilities confirmed the unsafe conditions and insufficient capacity to meet transportation demands for both humanitarian supplies and passengers. However, some applications for contracts, including rehabilitation equipment and materials for immediate operational requirements, and a $50 million application for locomotives, were recently released from hold. While tangible achievements have been realized, the long lead time between contracting and delivery of material constrains the operational capacity of the railways.

60 Road transport continues to experience increasing demands as a direct result of the greater volume of humanitarian cargo arriving in the country. The state of deterioration of road transport vehicles has been exacerbating demand on the sector. The very poor state of the railway system also implies that the majority of humanitarian goods and passengers must be transported by road. Consequently, there is an increased demand for various types of vehicles, tyres, batteries and spare parts. Owing to the deteriorating condition of the public buses and the reduction in their number, the Iraq Transportation Company, prior to the programme, had been forced to reduce its route coverage by over 50 per cent in spite of an increased demand on both intra-city and inter-city routes. While 6,939 vehicles have already been approved and 993 are already in use in Iraq, the further release from hold of applications for 400 buses, 1,145 trucks and other fleet support vehicles would further enhance the sub-sector's capacity for both passenger and cargo transport.

61 An impact assessment and observation of the port of Umm Qasr also revealed that limited draught stemming from an absence of dredgers and the presence of wrecks in the port and channels is one of the many major constraints in the port's operational capacity. The wrecks continue to pose safety hazards to vessels calling at the port and the reduced number of usable berths is impeding the timely handling of cargo as a result of port congestion. The urgent release of a number of major applications for contracts valued at $21 million for equipment and services to carry out dredging, wreck removal and other ancillary services is essential to improve the port's operation.

62 An assessment of the operational requirements of silos and mills for ensuring the adequate and efficient supply of wheat flour to the population revealed that the Umm Qasr port, which should handle all bulk supplies, actually handles only 85 per cent of the country's grain imports. The remaining 15 per cent has to be bagged and brought in through other more costly entry points owing to the limited discharge capacity at the port. The assessment further showed that the other 21 silos used by the programme in the centre/south are on average 25 years old and operate below design capacity owing to a lack of spare parts and essential equipment. Construction of additional silos has begun, including the construction of a new silo complex in Khan Dari. The assessment reports also confirm the existence of inadequate equipment and materials in the food quality control laboratories for performing normal quality control tests. Of greatest concern are the lack of reagents and the state of the laboratory equipment, allowing only basic food quality tests, which are subject to inaccuracies. Once more, the early consideration and approval of 23 applications for contracts worth $7.8 million, currently on hold, would be necessary to improve this situation.

63 In addition, an assessment by United Nations observers indicated that electrical generators worth $197 million have arrived under the programme, of which 90 per cent have been installed in food processing and handling facilities while the remaining 10 per cent, mostly smaller, 2.5 kV to 7.5 kV generators, are being sold to the general public at subsidized rates to meet domestic power shortages.United Nations observation of these smaller generators is carried out through the food agents where recipients are also registered.

Health

64 In spite of some notable improvements in the health sector relative to the situation prior to the commencement of the programme, shortages of drugs and hospital equipment are still being reported. This is attributable to late and inadequate contracting in respect of drugs and, until recently, vaccines, as well as holds placed on applications in respect of hospital equipment such as autoclaves. About 98 per cent of the applications placed on hold during the period under review are for hospital equipment. It is a major concern to note, however, that not a single application for the health sector had been submitted under phase IX of the programme, despite indications by the Government to the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq that it had signed many contracts. Unless the Government informs the United Nations about the number of contracts signed in advance of the submission of the relevant applications by the suppliers to the Office of the Iraq Programme, it is difficult for the Office to determine the reasons for the delays in the submission of applications. The results of observation have showed that only 30 per cent of the essential drugs at hospitals were received in adequate quantities. Some essential medicines like aminophylline (a bronchodilatory) injections and sodium valproate (an anti-epileptic) and basic medical equipment, laboratory reagents and hospital supplies are still in short supply owing to either late submission of contracts or holds on applications or erratic arrivals. However, chtronic drugs to treat chronic diseases are now generally available in the country.

65 The stock of human vaccines in the country falls short of annual requirements. Only 3.5 million doses for measles (about an eight months' supply) and about 1 million of diphteria-pertussin-tetanus (DPT) doses (a two months' supply) were available as at 30 April 2001. The present stock of oral polio vaccine (OPV), bacillus of calmette and guerin for tuberculosis and bladder cancer (BCG), tetanus, and paediatric hepatitis-B vaccines would last for only the next six months. Nevertheless, three successful rounds of national immunization days for polio eradication were conducted, with 95 per cent coverage.

66 During the reporting period, United Nations observers carried out six observation visits to Samarra Drug Industries (SDI) plants. Findings from these visits showed that the plants have started benefiting from programme inputs. The plants recently received laboratory equipment, three production lines and 30 manual visual units for ampoules. However, the laboratory equipment is yet to be installed. All production lines have been installed, but are not yet operational owing to the unavailability of some complementary equipment, such as autoclaves, heating jackets and compounding vessels, which are on hold. In addition, some machines and equipment at the factories are old and due for replacement. As at 30 April 2001, out of $148 million worth of applications submitted for SDI, only $56 million worth of items (37.8 per cent) had arrived. Forty applications with a value of $39 million are at present on hold. The current output is less than 7 per cent of needs and urgent rehabilitation is overdue.

67 The distribution of items from Kimadia to governorate warehouses has improved as a tesult of the arrival of programme trucks, ambulances and refrigerated vehicles. So far, of 1,200 ambulances approved, 800 have arrived in the country. In addition, another 292 of a total of 1,424 approved vehicles for the transportation of medical goods have also arrived in the country. However, the ambulances were delivered without radios, which had to be removed from contracts as a condition for the lifting of holds on the applications. In addition, 209 refrigerated trucks ordered for the Ministry of Health and SDI are still on hold.

68 The problem of inadequate Systems for the management and monitoring of voluminous supplies of programme data at Kimadia has persisted. Three applications for computers and accessories valued at $7.8 million, which have remained on hold for almost a year, need to be released.

69 In the three northern governorates, renovation and equipping of facilities have continued, as well as the training of health care professionals. The World Health Organization (WHO) completed renovation of 12 medical facilities, while 43 other projects are ongoing. WHO has replaced old and obsolete equipment with a view to providing improved diagnostic and medical services. Whereas most essential medicines and medical supplies are available in sufficient quantities, serious shortages have been observed in certain chemicals and reagents such as growth media, which are on hold. WHO also conducted nine different training courses to improve the skills of various categories of health personnel. WHO is also strengthening the capacity of local health authorities to improve decision-making with regard to the prioritization of health programme activities.

70 Under the programme, three rounds of polio vaccination were conducted, reaching 95 per cent of the 0.6 million children targeted. Training in safe delivery practices was provided to 182 traditional birth attendants and to 45 professionals in early detection of childhood disabilities.

Nutrition

71 Roughly 5,000 metric tons of high -protein biscuits wete distributed equitably to targeted

malnourished children under five years of age (2.16 million) and pregnant/lactating women (550,000) during the period under review. Available supplies of high-protein biscuits reportedly were adequate to cover the requirement of these targeted beneficiaries. The major problems of delays in contracting and arrival of nutrition supplies, inadequate transportation and storage facilities and the lack of incentives for community child care units programme volunteers have continued to adversely affect implementation of the targeted nutrition programme. In all 15 governorates in the centre/south, transportation of nutrition supplies is effected in vehicles hired by the volunteers, 97 per cent of whom are yet to be reimbursed owing to lack of local cash to support the programme. The problem could be reduced if an application for 189 trucks, submitted under the distribution plan for phase VII, could be released from hold.

72 While still well below the target of 3,000 that had been set for phase IX, the number of functional community child care units increased from 2,357 to 2,418. The expansion was adversely affected by the irregular supplies of high-protein biscuits, delays in reimbursement of transportation costs and lack of incentives for volunteers. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) continues to provide training and material support for the programme.73. In line with the discussions held during the finalization of the distribution plan for phase VIII, the palatability of the high-protein biscuits for the beneficiaries was assessed by the health authorities in collaboration with United Nations observers. At a meeting with the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, the Minister of Health acknowledged that the acceptability of high-protein biscuits by the target group was almost 100 per cent. The Ministry has therefore indicated its renewed interest in importing more high-protein biscuits. Also, imported therapeutic milk is currently undergoing quality control. It is recommended that the Government expedite the quality control of the imported therapeutic milk and also take the necessary measures to contract urgently the supplies required in adequate quantities in order to address the nutritional needs of the beneficiaries concerned.

74 In the three northern governorates, 5,961 metric tons of assorted food commodities were distributed to a monthly average of 256,270 beneficiaries through the supplementary feeding programme of the World Food Programme (WFP). The supplementary feeding project for malnourished children has been redesigned to include advocacy of proper feeding practices to achieve a better nutritional status for the malnourished children and their siblings. This will be implemented in collaboration with the local Women's Union. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is assisting WFP in a new small-ruminants programme intended to enhance the diet and provide income generation for about 10,000 female-headed households in 788 villages.

75 UNICEF initiated the provision of nutritional supplements, reaching 60,000 of a total of 80,000 targeted pregnant and lactating women, through 95 antenatal care units in three northern governorates. UNICEF also established an additional 18 gro wth monitoring units and 30 community child care units. raising the totals to 400 and 269 respectively. The system, with a current capacity to screen approximately 280,000 children, found that 23,500 were moderately or severely malnourished. Household surv eys conducted in November 2000 indicated that 16.2 per cent of children under five years of age suffered from chronic malnutrition, 9.7 per cent were  underweight and 3.1 per cent were acutely malnourished, which constituted an improvement over rates of 30.3 per cent, 15.9 per cent and 3.1 per cent, respectively, in November 1997.

Water and sanitation

76 Data available during the period highlighted variations in the water and sanitation situation between rural and urban areas in the country. According to preliminary results from a national survey conducted in 1999/2000 by UNICEF/CARE and released in December 2000, access to potable water in rural areas improved from 41 per cent in 1997 to 46 per cent in 2000, while for urban areas it decreased from 94 per cent in 1997 to 92.4 per cent in 1999/2000. Also, United Nations assessment results from 40 per cent of the 218 existing water treatment plants indicated a 10 per cent average increase in their overall production efficiency. There has also been an overall reduction of 52 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively, in failed samples of bacteriological and chlorine tests for water, indicating a marked improvement in water quality.

77 Supplies delivered so far have arrested a further deterioration of the existing water and sanitation systems. For instance, in Baghdad City, the garbage disposal situation has improved with the provision of garbage disposal vehicles under the programme. in addition, the recent arrival of construction equipment and transport vehicles, previously on hold, has facilitated the installation of pipes. To date, 1,423 kilometres of pipe of different sizes has arrived in the country, of which 862 km has been distributed. Installation of these pipes commenced with the recent arrival of constmction equipment, and 206 km of pipe has already been installed. The rest of the pipe forms very conspicuous heaps in streets and in warehouse premises, awaiting installation. The local water authorities have recently begun ordering the required equipment for rehabilitating abandoned water and sewerage treatment plants. However, an assessment of 74 of the 135 water-boosting stations showed that 57 per cent were operating below half of their expected capacity, as a result of power outages and an availability of standby generators to support only 50 per cent of the boosting stations.

78 During the period under review, 2,499 metric tons of chlorine gas arrived. Stocks in the Baghdad Water and Sanitation Authority currently stand at 317 metric tons. and are expected to last for almost two months, at a consumption rate of approximately 6 metric tons per day. Stocks at the General Establishment of Water and Sewerage stand at 2,694 metric tons, and are expected to last for almost 10 months, at a consumption rate of approximately 9 metric tons per day. The increasing arrivals of chlorine cylinders without the availability of adequate safety equipment, particularly protective masks with appropriate filters at sites, are causing major safety concerns for implementing and observation personnel. In this regard, the release of protective masks, forklifts and computers from hold will enhance chlorine handling and record -keeping.

79 In the three northern governorates, a recent household survey showed improved access to safe water (93 per cent) and sanitation (92 per cent) at the end of 2000. However, there are significant differences between urban (96 per cent) and rural (83 per cent) areas for access to safe water, while access to adequate sanitation is reported to be 98 per cent for urban and 83 per cent for rural communities WHO reports, however, that bacterial contamination remains a concern as a result of network corrosion, occasional failure to carry out chlorination (predominantly in semi-urban areas and villages) and illegal connections (particularly in cities and collective towns). Holds imposed by the Committee on bulk-purchased growth media for bacteriological water quality analysis are causing considerable difficulties and concern. The major urban centres of Erbil, Dahuk, and Sulaymaniyah are serviced by old and inadequate water supply, storm drainage, and sewerage treatment systems which in some cases require major overhaul, upgrading, extension or replacement. In this regard, arrangements are on hand for a series of feasibility studies for four large projects in the three urban centres.

Agriculture

80 As at 14 May 2001, cumulative applications submitted under the sector amounted to $2.52 billion, an increase of 55 per cent in comparison to 1 November 2000. Similarly, the value of approved applications increased by 50 per cent. In tandem with this, however, the value of holds increased by 129 per cent. Items on hold, worth $487 million, include essential agricultural production items such as pesticides, sprayers, veterinary vaccines and equipment for irrigation systems. To date, items worth 72 per cent of cumulative arrivals have been distributed.

81 The results of sectoral impact assessments for irrigation pumping stations, veterinary cold chain, winter vegetables and bee-keeping, indicated in my last report (S/2001/186, paras. 102-105) are now available. They show an improvement in a number of areas as a result of programme inputs. In six governorates, winter vegetable production increased by 27 per cent. Similarly, in 10 governorates (Diyala, Baghdad, Babylon, Wasit, Basrah, Najaf, Anbar, Ninevah. Salnyaldeen and Tameem), the number of bee-keepers increased by 31 per cent and the number of beehives by 153 per cent. However, increases in insect pests and diseases (65 per cent), predators (85 per cent), inadequacies and poor quality of procured inputs and the lack of updated technical knowledge of farmers reduced projected honey production by 29 per cent per hive. An assessment of the veterinary cold chain showed that the use of generators, refrigerators and cold trucks, provided under the programme, enhanced the storage and transportation of animal vaccines and heat-sensitive medicines. An irrigation assessment completed in March 2001 in three governorates (Baghdad, Najaf and Anbar) showed a 22 per cent increase in the irrigated areas, and a 37 per cent increase in water-pumping capacity in four governorates (Salayaldeen, Diyala, Baghdad and Kerbala) as a result of the installation of centrifugal water pumps over the past two years. Also, the delivery of. programme excavators contributed to more than 30 per cent of the total 1,534-km length of canals excavated in four southern governorates (Muthana, Misan, Thiq Qar and Basrah) during the 1999/2000 season. However, long and cumbersome administrative procedures allowed only about 31 per cent of the spare parts already received in the country to be delivered. Available programme tractors represented only 29 per cent of current needs.

82 An assessment of the veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the 15 governorates of the centre/south indicated that all three central laboratories were operating at a minimal level, while only 27 per cent of the governorate laboratories and 2 per cent of the district laboratories were operational, owing to a severe lack of equipment, reagents and diagnostic kits. All the facilities experience great difficulties in collecting, transporting and processing test specimens. The release from hold of diagnostic kits and other required equipment would enhance performance in the sub- sector.

83 It is worth noting that despite the spread of foot- and-mouth disease in some of the neighbouring States, no case was reported in iraq during the period underreview. This contrasts with a similar situation in 1998- 1999 when Iraq suffered tremendous livestock losses owing to the spread of the disease. The Government of Iraq in the south and centre, and FAO in the northern governorates, continued to plan, coordinate and undertake preventive measures, including a foot-and- mouth disease revaccination campaign using programme vaccines for small and large ruminants.

84 For the first time in the last 10 years, the Government of Iraq notified FAO that aerial spraying against crop diseases and pests would be conducted by Iraqi pilots. The Government rejected the suggestion by FAO to include FAO observers on board during the spraying. FAO brought the matter to the attention of the Committee and in a letter dated 8 May 2001 addressed to the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations, the Chairman of the Committee drew attention to the earlier authorization by the Committee for FAO to undertake the aerial spraying activities in Iraq on the understanding that all procedures established by the Committee for such operations would be followed as in previous years. In view of the timing of the operation and taking into account the wish of the Government of Iraq, the Committee was "ready to authorize Iraqi pilots to be used, provided FAO observers would be permitted on board each and every such flight during the operation and that all other elements of the established procedures remain intact". At the time of the finalization of the present report, Iraq had not yet responded to the Chairman's letter, even though it was reported that the spraying had already taken place.

85 Based on the results of two surveys, an integrated pest management method was initiated in the plain areas of Erbil to control the infestation of wheat by soft-scale insects. In addition, an integrated package programme for the promotion of industrial tomato growing in three sub-districts was introduced to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the tomato paste production plant in Harir. Civil work for the Harir fruit -processing plant was completed, 304 farmers signed contracts to supply sunflower to the Arbat oil- processing plant and a dairy product marketing survey was conducted.

86 During the reporting period, 26 gravity irrigation schemes were completed in the three northern governorates. This programme activity benefited 2,926 farmers, irrigating 2,095 hectares of arable land. Sixty deep wells were drilled in drought-affected areas for irrigating orchards and watering livestock. FAO and UNICEF have been setting  up sustainable water sources management systems and collecting the hydro- geological information required for them.

87 With respect to training, 11,505 farmers and 766 agricultural staff were trained in 380 regular and 60 specialized courses. In addition, 115 agricultural field days were conducted, involving 5,623 farmers.

88. With respect to animal health, as a precaution, FAO provided one primary dose of foot-and-mouth disease to 83.8 per cent of the cattle. This activity was limited by a shortage of vaccines owing to non- delivery by the contracted suppliers.

Electricity

89. As at 30 April 2001, out of a total of some $2.3 billion in approved applications since the start of the programme, electrical equipment valued at $696 million had arrived in Iraq of which $233 million worth had arrived during the reporting period. Of the latter, $222 million worth, representing 95.3 per cent, had already been distributed to installation sites in the centre/south. Owing to the long lead time for the delivery of equipment in this sector, these arrivals represent only 31.3 per cent of the approved equipment and materials received in the country. As an indication of the very slow delivery process for electrical supplies, equipment valued at $0.44 million which had been contracted under phase 1, only arrived during the current reporting period.

90 The Government continues to accord very high priority to this sector, with actual contract application levels almost consistently above the distribution plan sectoral allocations. However, despite this and other self-reliant initiatives that have been undertaken, an analysis of the demand in relation to generating capacity in the centre/south indicates that the current deficit of over 50 per cent will continue until more substantial blocks of generating capacity are added to the grid. As estimated by United Nations observers, the generation deficit at peak demand during the summer months in 2001 could be as high as 3,294 megawatts (MW), a substantial increase from the estimated 1,800 MW reported unofficially for the same period in 2000. Rehabilitation and new generation projects added 296 MW to the generating capacity, but this was offset by units removed from service for routine maintenance as well as the decreasing capacities of other operating units owing to deterioration. The generation problem has been compounded by the three-year drought, which reduced hydropower generation to 15 per cent and also affected the performance and reliability of thermal units resulting from a scarcity of cooling water.

91 The United Nations team, in visits to the three thermal power stations at Baiji, Mussaib and Baghdad South, found them to be in critical condition, with corrosion of water treatment equipment, tanks and pipelines causing heavy leakage of chemical fumes in the water treatment plant area. The release from hold of applications for water treatment systems would address this problem. Also, the release from hold of safety and communication equipment will help improve the personal safety of plant workers and enhance the timely implementation of the sector's rehabilitation projects.

92 In addition to generation, about 300 (11/0.4 kilovolt -ampere capacity) distribution transformers were installed, adding 75 megavolt-amperes capacity to the distribution system. These have stabilized the power supply to areas covered and improved the voltage profile, enabling about 20,000 consumers in cities in the centre and south to be connected or reconnected to electricity. In this regard, contracts concerning transmission, distribution and communication equipment necessary for power systems operation urgently need to be released from hold. As at 14 May 2001, a total of 243 electricity sector contract applications was on hold, with a value of $874 million, representing 28.1 per cent of the total value of applications circulated to the Committee.

93 The overall power supply situation in the three northern governorates remains critical. Despite improved rainfall over the past winter season, the three-year drought still severely affects the water level in the reservoirs serving the two hydropower stations, resulting in the continuing low levels of power generation. The total generation from these stations averaged 40 MW during the period under review, with about 10 MW distributed to Erbil and about 30 MW to Sulaymaniyah. Dahuk, which is the only northern governorate connected to the national grid, receives an average of 10 MW. These figures fall short of the respective demands of 250 MW for Erbil, 350 MW for Sulaymaniyah and 100 MW for Dahuk. To meet existing emergency needs in the three northern governorates, a total of an additional 100 MW is being produced by small diesel generators. A major milestone for the programme was the commissioning and handover of the Erbil and Dahuk 29 MW diesel plants to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)by the contractor in March and April respectively; the plant in Sulaymaniyah is expected to be handed over in May

94 Effecuve implementation of electricity projects in the three northem governorates has been extensively hampered as a result of inordinate delays by the Government of Iraq in the issuance of visas. Since 1 November 2000, 312-visas for UNDP staff have been requested, of which 190 had been granted by 14 May 2001 and a total of 22 were awaiting clearance by the Government. About haIf of those pending are for staff required to operate and maintain the three 29 MW power plants for six months until local staff have been trained. The number of visas required by the project will have to increase as more contracts are awarded. Inordinate delays in granting the required visas will adversely affect project implementation, resulting in contract or bid cancellations and financial losses to the programme.

95 As indicated in my previous report (S/2001/186, para. 115), discussions have now been held with the local authorities in the three northern governorates. who have reached common understandings on reconnection of the northern governorates to the national grid. The local authorities agreed that reconnection to the national grid is one of the most technically viable and economically cost-effective options to provide the north with a sustained electricity supply. Irrespective of when precisely the peak-load electricity needs of the country can be met, the local authorities agreed that it is worthwhile to proceed with reconnection and that practical steps towards this end would contribute to confidence-building between all concerned and thereby encourage better cooperation and collaboration. They also agreed that these steps were essential for the successful execution of short- term and medium-term emergency electricity generation projects currently under way in the north. In addition, they agreed that reconnection should be complementary to both approved and planned emergency electricity projects, under the humanitarian programme. With respect to the national grid, the local authorities agreed that generation projects could be funded from the ESC (13 per cent) account and integrated into the grid on the condition that they were erected and installed within the three northern governorates and that the Government of Iraq would supply fuel for them. Conditions preceding reconnection would be that the Government of Iraq would provide a solemn assurance that the same level of electricity supply would be provided to the three northern governorates as is available to the other governorates in the centre/south of Iraq and that a uniform rate per unit of electricity consumed would apply throughout the country.

96 The above understandings reached among the local authorities have been brought to the attention of the Government of Iraq, whose response is pending. The United Nations is ready to undertake, under the programme, the necessary transmission work for the reconnection of the three northern governorates to the national grid in collaboration with the Government of Iraq.

Education

97 During the reporting period, $70.8 million worth of supplies were received. However, throughout the education system, shortages of educational materials and equipment, sub-standard institutional resources and pronounced disincentives to the academic cadres continue to inflict greater structural damage than the programme can address. Such steady deterioration of the educational infrastructure is compounded by a rise in the value of applications for contracts on hold, which has almost doubled, from $78 million to $154 million, during the reporting period. It is regrettable, however, that as with the health sector, not a single application has been received under phase IX of the programme.

98 An assessment of 1,208 schools confirmed widespread deterioration of school buildings and facilities, a shortage of school textbooks and insufficient classroom space to accommodate the growing number of pupils. Observers also noted that only 72 per cent of the schools visited had received rehabilitation materials from the programme. Specifically, 79 per cent of the school buildings were assessed as being in sub-standard or critical condition. In addition, 27 per cent of programme rehabilitation materials still had not been installed two years after their distribution. The inability of the school authorities, in the absence of a viable cash component for the sector to fund the cost of the installation/rehabilitation of materials contributes to the paucity of such materials procured. Consequently, increasing multiple shifts continue to be adopted in order to meet the requirements of a growing school population in the midst of unsafe school conditions.

99 Currently, only 15 per cent of textbook requirements are met through local printing facilities; 35 per cent consists of imports from Jordan and the remaining 50 per cent is met by reusing second -hand books. This has led to a situation where students are obliged to use textbooks in various stages of deterioration. Meanwhile, rehabilitation of the Ministry of Education printing press is constrained by the lack of expertise and funds to install spare parts. The printing press still operates at 10 per cent of its original capacity. A UNICEF-sponsored team of experts appraised the printing press and recommended the replacement of some machines and the procurement of spare parts to repairs others. The Ministry of Education accepted the report and has submitted contract applications accordingly.

100 Higher education has also suffered deterioration in terms of infrastructure. Available equipment, particularly science laboratories, is grossly insufficient for the student population. For example, on-site verification of 19 tractors distributed to agricultural colleges revealed the student-to-tractor ratio of 200 to 1, while none of the supplementary accessories, such as different ploughs for soil preparation, had been provided. In addition, 114 microscopes distributed to the higher institutions covered only 30 per cent of the requirements. Such inadequacies have continued to have a negative effect upon the standard of instruction.

101 With respect to primary education in the three northern governorates, the programme supported the rehabilitation of 14 schools, benefiting 2,235 children. In addition, two new schools, benefiting about 450 children, were constructed. About 254 teachers received various types of training. In secondary and higher education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) concentrated on improving access and participation of students, enhancing the quality of education through professional training and assisting local education authorities in planning, upgrading facilities and providing supplies and equipment. Construction projects included rehabilitation of institutional infrastructure. in addition, two secondary schools and two computer training centres were completed and handed over to the local authorities.

Telecommunications

102 The telecommunications infrastructure in Iraq is outdated and remains in a precarious state despite the inclusion of a telecommunications sector in the distribution plans since phase V of the programme.

103 Of the 180 applications for contracts, of a value of $321.8 million, submitted for the telecommunications sector, only 96 have been approved since the inception of the programme, with a value of $91.5 million. Supplies worth $17.8 million have arrived and $8.6 million worth have been distributed. The slow rate of arrival has been attributable to the long lead time required for the supply of equipment in this sector. In addition to applications previously submitted, 41 applications with a value of $53.8 million were submitted under the sector during the period under review. So far, most applications related to core telecommunication equipment and material, with the exception of one satellite earth station, have been placed on hold since phase V.

104 United Nations observations indicate that there are no spare parts for the maintenance of the network, and the situation is deteriorating at a fast pace. Local and international calls are extremely difficult to make. Only 4 per cent to 11 per cent of the international calls placed are successfully completed. This inoperational telecommunications infrastructure is affecting not only normal activities within the country but also communications related to programme activities, particularly in the health, transport and food handling and oil sectors. Similarly, weather observation and forecasting in the meteorological sub-sector is difficult. with adverse effects on agriculture and the environment.

105 Efforts to address these problems through the programme have unfonunately not yielded any result, owing to holds placed on applications. Holds in the sector include spare parts for crucial equipment required to sustain normal communication services in the country. It is hoped that, following the briefing provided to the Committee by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in early May, there would be some relief from the problems in the sector including release of contract applications from hold.

106 During the reporting period, ITU established a new office in Sulaymaniyah to support its implementation activities in the governorate. ITU projecis in the three northern governorates include the replacement of three obsolete telephone exchanges, one each in Erbil, Dahuk and Sulaymaniyah, with an aggregate capacity of 40,000 lines, along with transmission systems required to integrate these exchanges. The tender evaluation report has been completed and the contracting process is under way and will be completed shortly. Additional projects currently being planned will call for a new local network, a GSM mobile network, expansion of existing local lines and an extension of the telecommunication network to the district level. To ensure connectivity and interoperability, all telecommunication projects in the north are being carried out in full consultation with the relevant authorities in Baghdad.

Housing

107 In my previous report, I drew attention to the tremendous increase in the number of applications submitted and approved, which had been introduced in June 2000 (S/2001/186, paras. 135-138). Out of the total value of $1.6 billion of the applications submitted, $1.4 billion worth had been approved, and $531 million worth of supplies had arrived in Iraq by 14 May 2001. During the period under review, materials with a value of $224 million had arrived and just over $61 million worth had been distributed. It remains a concern, however, that the total value of holds on construction machinery, equipment and spare parts, which are essential for utilizing the building materials for the construction industry, has increased to $139 million. This has resulted in shortages of construction materials such as cement and bricks, which are normally locally produced. With very few factories for construction  materials currently operational, the ensuing shortages and subsequent high prices of these products present real bottlenecks to housing construction.

108 In tandem with the increase in allocations and supplies to this sector, the Ministry of Housing and Construction created a Directorate of Housing to oversee the construction of social housing, as outlined under the Special Allocation section of the phase IX distribution plan (S/2001/134). The Directorate is currently studying 240 tenders for the construction of social housing complexes, at 504 units per site, in each of the governorates of Baghdad, Missan, Thiqar and Muthana. These are intended for the low-income earners who cannot afford construction of individual houses.

109 Meanwhile, the Government of Iraq has adopted several other policies to ensure that building materials are more efficiently accessible to the general population. Thus, the distribution of serviced land plots and the provision of low-rate mortgages and prototype architectural designs are measures for providing material and financial support to individuals. The adoption of measures to streamline applications for building under the programme has already helped to expedite this activity. One of these measures is the discontinuation of government inspection of construction sites prior to the approval of building applications, in order to accelerate the number of applications. The number of applications for end-users to obtain building materials almost doubled between November 2000 and April 2001, from 23,875 to 42,486. The distribution of building materials under the programme has been based on proof of intent to construct, which has benefited both private and public end-users. Private builders receive materials according to a quota system, with a maximum plot size of 400 square metres for each applicant. An analysis of data available to United Nations observers indicates that the quantity of housing materials arriving in the country and being distributed to the beneficiaries is generally adequate.

110 While the distribution of construction materials from central to governorate warehouses has remained efficient, the cost of transporting them from the warehouses to construction sites is high, discouraging some qualified private builders from acquiring their quota of building materials. The high transportation costs are related to the weight of these heavy materials and the long distances involved; hence some qualified private builders consider it more cost-effective to procure building materials at nearby markets at slightly higher prices than those for the subsidized programme materials. This matter has been brought to the attention of the Government, which expressed concern that if prices were set too much lower, that would encourage beneficiaries to sell the items or smuggle them to neighbouring countries. Further discussions on the matter will be pursued with the Government with a view to finding satisfactory arrangements to all concerned.

Settlement rehabilitation

111 During the period under review, the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) completed the construction of 47 schools, 2,555 houses, 9 village clinics, 19 kilometres of sewerage, laid down 61 kilometres of water pipe and constructed 178 kilometres of roads. These activities benefited an estimated 35,000 families in 192 villages, including 13,361 families who took advantage of self-build programmes - Revised project management procedures led to a doubling of the agency's work budget from $35 million to $70 million during the reporting period. As mentioned in my previous report (S/2001/186, para. 136), the rate of provision of housing has been inadequate. In response, Habitat has increased the proportion of expenditures devoted to housing from 30 per cent to over 45 per cent. Despite these achievements, however, the programme faced a number of constraints which occasionally halted or slowed down construction activities, including heavy rains and shortages of cement and other building materials. Consequently, Habitat is exploring the feasibility of measures to arrest further deterioration of the Tasluja Cement Factory and options for increasing cement availability through imports.

112 As outlined in my previous report (S/2001/186, para. 135), Habitat is supplementing its initial survey of internally displaced persons with a more comprehensive survey to identify all vulnerable groups in order to widen and improve its programme intervention.

113 In my previous report I informed the Security Council that the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) had taken over from the United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq the primary logistics activities related to relief of the internally displaced persons, including the responsibility of procuring emergency relief items such as tents, blankets, kerosene heaters, stoves, floor mats and water tanks (S/2001/186, para. 138). The distribution of winter relief items was completed by the end of February 2001, by local non-governmental organizations, on behalf of the United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq. Moreover, the procurement process for summer relief items has been initiated and is expected to be completed by early June 2001. A transit camp near Deralok in the Dahuk Governorate is being upgraded. Overall, the scope of operations established by UNOPS to date has allowed the programme to streamline the procurement cycle, enhance warehouse management of relief items and strengthen the distribution network. Initial feedback from the field indicates that the programme has been able to reach a larger number of beneficiaries in a shorter period of time, thus relieving a major programme constraint.

114 The next step in the programme is the integration of UNOPS plans and activities, at both sectoral and multi-sectoral levels, for improved temporary shelter, as well as for more viable communities at final resettlement sites. In this respect, I had indicated in my previous report that UNOPS would complete an assessment, in April 2001, of the emergency needs of the internally displaced, particularly the most vulnerable groups. Owing to initial delays involving issuance of visas and the recent arrival of the Project Coordinator in April 2001, the nature and scope of the assessment is under review, in consultation with he United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq and Habitat.

Mine action

115 The UNOPS mine action programme has now completed a survey that details the range and scope of the mines and the problem of unexploded ordnance in the three northern governorates. The contamination directly affects 1,098 communities out of a total of 4,424 communities surveyed. The survey found that in the majority of cases the presence of mines blocked access to agricultural and pastoral land. The mine action programme has worked on 67 minefields and completed the clearance of 12 minefields, which are now used for grazing, farming and construction. To date, 18,572 families in 76 communities have benefited from the programme. The total area cleared since the beginning of the programme is 6.2 square kilometres, of which 1.9 sq. km has been cleared during the current phase. Under the programme, 7.007 pieces of unexploded ordnance have been destroyed in the vicinity of 26 villages inhabited by 11,921 families. The rate of clearance has doubled in the current phase, from an average of 200,000 square metres per month to more than 400,000 square metres, owing to the presence of more experienced teams, better procedures and the availability ofmore detection dogs.

116 During the period under review, mine victim support included the provision of 829 prostheses and a mine awareness programme benefiting 159 communities. The number of monthly casualties has declined from between a range of 30 to 68 up to September 2000, to a range of 25 to 53 subsequently.

117. Launched in early 2000, the mine action programme survey of 2,251 km of transmission lines was completed in December 2000. In addition, mine clearance supported the repair of secondary power lines, the construction of mini-power-generating stations and transmission substations, work at Habitat resettlement sites and the safety of microwave sites for ITU However, owing to the inordinate delays in granting of visas to the UNOPS personnel required for the implementation of the programme - 89 visas were pending as at 14 May 2001 - as well as delays in import approvals, initiatives to expand the capacity of the programme and to enhance local capacity have been frustrated. In addition, safety is also being jeopardized by the lack of communications equipment and replacements for worn and/or unserviceable personal protective equipment.