EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.                 The present Distribution Plan has been prepared in accordance with Section 2 of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Iraq and the UN Secretariat, (referred to herein after as the "MOU"), signed on 20 May 1996 for the purchase and distribution of food, medicine, medical supplies and equipment and other supplies necessary for the essential civilian needs to help alleviate the hardships suffered by the people of Iraq. The plan constitutes an important element in the implementation of SCR 1330 (2001) and the Secretary-General’s report of 29 November 2000 (S/2000/1132). It includes a classified list of supplies and goods to be purchased and imported by Iraq for this purpose.

2.        For the three northern Iraqi governorates, namely Dohuk, Erbil and Suleimaniyah, the procurement and distribution of essential civilian humanitarian supplies as well as rehabilitation activities will be the responsibility of the United Nations Inter-Agency Humanitarian Programme, (hereinafter "the Programme",) in accordance with paragraph 20 of the MOU and paragraphs 3 and 6 of its Annex I. In accordance with paragraph 2 of Annex I of the MOU, the humanitarian requirements of the three northern governorates in the Distribution Plan, (hereinafter "the Plan") were identified by the Programme, taking into consideration all relevant circumstances in the three northern governorates and in the rest of the country, in order to ensure equitable distribution. These requirements were discussed with the Government of Iraq and incorporated in the Plan.

3.        A total amount of US $ 5,361.12 million shall be available to meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Iraq, plus spare parts and equipment for the Iraqi oil industry. The Plan allocates US $ 1275 million for food sector and US $ 209.33 million for food supporting and handling supplies sub-sector. The general food basket provides 2,472 kilo-calories and protein, especially animal protein (as dried whole milk and/or cheese) which will contribute 8.4% of total protein, and as reflected (in table below). The inclusion of weaning Cereal for infants fills an important nutritional need.  An amount of approximately US $ 40 Million from the allocation to the food sector will be used to import raw materials for processing of vegetable oil, soap, and detergent, implementation of which would be under the food handling sector.

4.        Fortification of vegetable oil with Vitamin A will help reduce the proven public health problem of this deficiency. Fortification of salt with iodine will continue as before, to reduce the problem of Iodine deficiency disorders, known to be prevalent throughout Iraq. The distribution of food will be carried out within the existing framework according to the ration system currently applied, which is described in the previous distribution plans.

5.        The Plan allocates US $ 209.33 million for the food handling sector for spare parts and equipment, pursuant to the activities of storage and transportation of foodstuffs and grain milling as well as delivering them to consumers in conformity with the quantities of goods imported, in accordance with the MOU.

6.        US $ 300  million is allocated to the Medical Services sector, 50% of which is for the import of equipment and required items for the rehabilitation of different equipment in Hospitals and Health Centres, while the other 50% is for the import of medicine and medical supplies . It should be noted that all Iraqi citizens, Arab and foreign residents have access to public health services. Medicine for chronic diseases will be the first priority among others. Spare parts will be purchased to repair service equipment, such as air-conditioning equipment and hospital elevators throughout the country. Subject to the provisions of the MOU relating to the three northern governorates, health commodities will reach the beneficiaries through hospitals and primary health care centres using the existing distribution system. The Plan allocates US $ 40 million for the three northern governorates, for medicines and medical supplies (Bulk Purchase). In addition, US $ 100.73 million is allocated for the rehabilitation of hospitals and health infrastructure in the three northern governorates.

7.        US $ 6  million is allocated for supplemental nutrition support for pregnant and lactating mothers, by providing high protein biscuits and Theuraputic Milk, which will be distributed on a monthly basis to pregnant mothers in their last trimester, to lactating mothers for three months after birth, and malnourished children through Community Child Care Units/MOH in Iraq. Micro-nutrients, (Iron and multi-vitamins), will be distributed to pregnant and lactating mothers through MCH centres. With roughly 50,000 births per month, the funds allocated for this distribution plan are sufficient to provide the additional caloric requirements for pregnant and lactating mothers.

8.        The conditions of potable water and sanitation systems remain critical throughout Iraq. Rehabilitation requirements are estimated over US $ 700 million, in addition US $ 150 million to complete the unfinished project to serve 1.8 million inhabitants residing in Baghdad and other governerates . The garbage collection had been neglected due to the shortage of funds and the sector needs US $ 30 million to purchase spare parts and new equipment. However, due to limited funds, the Plan allocates US $ 401.98 million, of which US $ 60 million for Baghdad serving about 6 million people in the city and its surrounding districts. US $ 341.98 million to be provided for the rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities in the remaining governorates, including US $ 79.48 million for the rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities in the three northern governorates. Deterioration in this sector continues as referred to in the UN Secretary-General’s report of 29 November 2000 (S/2000/1132). The report pointed out that the situation requires greater attention in this sector, which has a serious impact on public health, environment and population, especially children, women and the elderly. Equipment will be imported to rehabilitate potable water and sanitation facilities in Baghdad and other governorates.

9.        As a result of the destruction inflicted on the electricity sector and the lack of spare parts and equipment for maintenance, the condition of the network has severely deteriorated resulting in frequent and prolonged power cuts to the consumers, including essential services such as hospitals, water treatment and sewage plants, wheat mills, irrigation and drainage pump stations, schools, universities and fuel stations. Although, the total allocation under previous phases increased substantially, the network continues to deteriorate for two main reasons: the scale of inputs received is significantly low in comparison with actual needs, and the large number of contracts on hold. The report of the UN Secretary General in March 2000 (S/2000/208) refers to this situation. This was compounded by a severe regional drought in the last two consecutive years, which has reduced the power generation from hydro units by more than 300 MW. The deficit in power was 1600 MW, 1700 MW and 1800 MW in the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 respectively, and the corresponding load demand was 5300 MW, 5500 MW and 5700 MW respectively. During a country wide load survey in Aug'1999, the load demand was 6200MW and the deficit in power based on the load demand was 2300 MW. In year 2000 , During August the load demand recorded was 6120 MW , the deficit in power was 2402 MW .  From the figures it is evident that the power generation deficit has been steadily increasing, as the power generation is not commensurate with the load demand. The details of installed capacity, available capacity, load demand and deficit in power are shown Annex-I/ Electricity. One measure that would remedy the present situation is the immediate approval of the large number of contracts presently on hold. However, the impact of current measures can be realized only after at least one year owing to long lead-times required for manufacturing the electrical system equipment and spare parts. The investment required to rehabilitate the electricity sector is beyond the allocation indicated in this Distribution Plan; however, to address minimum requirements, this Plan allocates US$ 582.5 million for this sector. Within this allocation, US $ 102,5 million has been earmarked for the three northern governorates. The allocation for the northern governorates is essential to continue the rehabilitation of the distribution network, funds for reconnection of Erbil and Suleimaniyah governorates to the National grid, and to plan mini and micro power generation units in the region.

10.       The Agricultural sector continues to suffer from the continuous deterioration of basic infrastructure and supporting public services, as well as  serious shortages of agricultural machinery and basic inputs. The situation is further aggravated by  the severe drought during the winter cropping seasons of 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 and still affecting Iraq.

A 50-96 percent drop in rainfall during winter 1998/99 and 1999/2000 has caused complete failure in germination of 70% of the rain-fed areas and low yields are anticipated in the remaining 30%.  The irrigation sector was drastically affected, as the flows in the two main rivers are the lowest since 1930.  This is compounded by the lowering of water tables leading to drying up of irrigation wells, thereby further reducing   available water for summer crop irrigation.

        The adopted approach for the sector considered the interrelation of the various production factors as well as the emerged needs as a result of the drought.

The vital role of the Agricultural sector is enhancing the availability of locally produced food items, mainly animal protein, vegetables, fruits and other oil seed crops.  The Plan intends to address the basic needs for  veterinary infrastructure rehabilitation, and upgrading of the veterinary service capacity to respond to epidemic diseases.  The plan also considered needed resources to sustain the GOI poultry programme. Expansion in fish production as well as the enhancement of dairy production have been addressed within the available meager resources.

The sector will receive US $521.69 million to respond to urgent needs. Of that amount, US $171 million is allocated to the irrigation sector (Center and South) to address part of the water resources rehabilitation and project construction needs, and to partially secure needed equipment and spare parts.

Of the balance, US $260.95 million is designated to agricultural production, including poultry production, in the central and south and US $89.74 million has been allocated to the agricultural and irrigation sub sectors in the three northern governorates of Iraq. The Plan has focused on the enhancement of domestic food production in order to contribute towards improving the diet of the population as this concerns both quantity and quality, in particular micro-nutrients, vitamins and animal protein. The proposed activities cover the provision, of the basic inputs for vegetable, fruit and animal production. These include inputs needed for soil preparation, irrigation, fertilizer, plant protection chemicals, and drugs for the control of animal diseases.

Identified drought related input will be submitted with the plan, in order to facilitate expeditious approval and funding as it is of high priority in this emergency situation.

 11.      Primary, Secondary and Higher Education sectors are in need of major rehabilitation work. The effects are clear on schools and other educational facilities; there are 5000 damaged school buildings. In addition to the increase the density of pupils in each classroom, there is a severe shortage of desks, where more than one pupil shares one desk. There is also severe shortage of books, whereby there is an actual need for preparing more than 50 million books annually. Due to a lack of, printing materials, spare parts and paper, the printing facilities of the Ministry of Education have stopped. All schools suffer from severe shortages of laboratories, aid and training materials. Besides  of all the above mentioned difficulties, the sector is suffering    severely from shortage of transportation .  This undermines teachers and student rehabilitation and training. Higher education and public education have been also affected by the shortage of books and materials required by scientific departments of Iraqi universities. The needs of higher education for laboratory equipment required for students in medicine, pharmacy, and agriculture will be provided. Other general needs, such as reference books, spare parts for laboratory equipment, photocopiers and educational supplies will be made available as stressed by the UN Secretary-General’s report of 29 November 2000 (S/2000/1132). This sector will receive US $ 248.28 million, out of this amount US $ 153.02 million will be provided for primary education of which US $ 62.02 million is allocated for the three northern governorates. For Higher education this plan allocates US $ 130.38 million of which US $ 57.88 million for higher education in the three northern governorates.

13.      Landmines in the three northern Governorates continue to claim the lives of many people. An estimated 20% of the arable land of the region cannot be cultivated because of land mines. The implementation of humanitarian Programme, including resettlement, is also being severely hampered by lack of access to significant areas. The Programme aims at clearing mines in areas close to rural communities, economic activities, electricity transmission and distribution lines and resettlement towns. Training, mine awareness and establishment and expansion of prosthesis centres are also among the priority activities. The current Plan allocates US $ 10 million for the required activities in this sector.

14.      The present condition of telecommunications and transportation throughout Iraq, including the three northern governorates, is extremely poor and requires immediate attention. A viable system of communications is integral to the life of the community and the successful implementation of the "Oil-for-Food" Programme, including distribution of food and medicines in a more effective manner.  Communication inputs, including telephone systems have been introduced, which are essential for information flow among service providers, for health education to communication and households, for coordination of sectors like food, agriculture, education, cultural, emergency health services, and environment. Due to the limited amount of funds, US $ 440.40 million have been allocated, of which US $ 60 million is allocated for the three northern governorates. The basic needs are reflected in the attachments.

15.      The increasing need for humanitarian assistance in the central and southern governorates, particularly to the most needy groups in the society and the lack of sufficient resources to support essential activities such as repair of basic infrastructures, amelioration of public health services, improvement of water and sanitation programmes manifests the need for special allocations that address exigencies in these areas.

            Since the start of humanitarian program, it has become increasingly apparent that available funds have been inadequate to provide for all the humanitarian requirements. Therefore, the provision of additional resources in a targeted manner would be most effective in addressing the specific requirements of most needy segments of the population.

An allocation of US $ 387.87 million has been made available under the distribution plan to cover some essential needs including improvement of dwellings, access to potable water, access of water in remote areas, provision of sanitation facilities and amelioration of the sewerage systems.

    The required activities in those areas are elaborated in Part Ten of this Plan.

16.      In the oil sector, the needs and requirements should cover the requirements of maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrading of equipment and systems used in all sector of the oil industry as well as the implementation of projects related to the  development of existing and new oil fields in order to compensate for the depletion in oil available for export and prevent further deterioration in oil production in addition to achieving possible increase of production and increased reliability of production and export systems and equipment. In addition to that, it is essential to sustain the safe operations of the existing refineries with acceptable standards of efficiency, safety and environmental protection, to provide various oil products for local consumption and distribution including the transport of the fuel needed to operate the electricity generating plants in the country.

        Hence, a $ (370) million dollars has been allocated for upstream sector, $ (225) million dollars for the downstream sector and $ (5) million dollars for Oil Training Institutes to provide the minimum and critical requirements for each of them. This makes the total requirements of the oil sector $ (600) million, as stipulated by para (7) of resolution UNSC 1330/2000.

17.      The humanitarian needs of the population of Iraq are enormous due to the cumulative deterioration of living and environmental conditions during the years of embargo. The humanitarian situation and the goods to be imported for all sectors have been reviewed in accordance with paragraphs 4 and 11 of resolution 986 and by the successive reports of the UN Secretary-General. The report clearly pointed out that the various sectors mentioned in the above paragraphs still suffer from shortage of basic needs despite the implementation of the distribution plan. There still remain needs for humanitarian supplies.

18.      The Government of Iraq confirms its willingness to cooperate fully with the Programme and to allow it to observe throughout the country the equitable distribution of humanitarian supplies imported under this distribution plan. To this end the UN personnel working in the Programme will enjoy unrestricted movement in connection with the performance of their functions and the possibility of receiving what facilitates their functions in accordance with paragraph 44 of the MOU.

Table 1

Allocations for sectoral activities covered by the Distribution Plan IX

         *  The estimated allocations by sector constitute indicative figures to give an order of magnitude of intended use of resources.   The actual amounts will depend on market prices at the time of procurement.

         **   The daily food ration will provide 2472 kcal, 60.20 g of protein, 64.90 g of fat, 439.40 mg of calcium, and 9.80 g of iron.

     The inclusion of milk and weaning food for infants fill an important nutritional need by adding 2 boxes of baby milk and 2 boxes of baby food and 1 kilo of milk for adult per capita.

       Includes an allocation of US $ 40 million for importing raw materials for processing into edible oils, soap, and detergent.

       ***  The special allocation in accordance with SCR 1330 paragraph 12 will be allotted to Housing, US $ 110.68 million; Medicines and Medical Supplies, US $ 110.68 million; Water and Sanitation, US $ 166.01 million.

       ****  The total allocation for the humanitarian component, including oil spare parts, (Country wide), has been calculated as 72.034% of oil sales, after deducting the pipeline fees, less US $ 25 million.

PART ONE

FOOD SECTOR

Introduction

19.      The Government of Iraq established special rationing system to ensure the distribution of foodstuffs to all Iraqi citizens, Arabs and foreigners residing in Iraq. The system was launched on 1 September 1990 after the imposition of the embargo on Iraq. It is presently applied throughout Iraq. Foodstuffs imported under the MOU are distributed by the Government of Iraq throughout the country except in the three northern governorates, where the United Nations Inter-Agency Programme distributes the food ration to the population on behalf of the Government of Iraq.

The main features of the system.

The main partners of the system are:

·       Ministry of Trade / Government of Iraq

·       The consumers (citizens of Iraq, Arabs and foreign residents).

·       Retail ration agents (private sector).

20.      The Ministry of Trade undertakes, on a monthly basis, the distribution of foodstuffs to the retail ration agents in their designated areas, and to ensure their delivery to the household registered with the concerned agents. There are more than 45864 ration agents distributing the food monthly in the 15 governorates and over 10,000 ration agents in the three northern governorates. Each ration card has a number of coupons that correspond to the basic food items involved in the system. The coupons are collected from the households monthly by the retail ration agents. The ration card covers one calendar year.

21.      Every Iraqi citizen, Arab and foreign residing in Iraq is entitled by law to obtain "Rationing card " from the Registration Centres. These centres establish lists of families by name, age and number of consumers in each household and send the list to the computer centre. The computer centre sends one copy of each list to the retail ration agent and another copy of the list to food distribution centres.

22.      The monthly individual ration under the current system is the same for each individual with regard to commodities, quantity and the related nominal fees. Households are well informed through public and private mass media, on a monthly basis, of their entitlements and on the time of distribution in various distribution centres.

23.      The follow-up mechanism to ensure effective and proper implementation of the Rationing System is done through:

·       The concerned monitoring offices of the Ministry of Trade.

·       Elected People’s councils .

·       Citizens.

25.      The Mechanism of obtaining the rationing card, the required documents and complaints are as contained in the previous distribution plan, paragraphs 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23.

Monitoring of Distribution

26.      The observation of distribution and determining the adequacy of the materials in accordance with the distribution plan will be carried out according to paragraphs 37-38 of the MOU.

Plan for Food Distribution

27.      The same mechanism of food distribution stipulated in paragraph 22 of the distribution Plan of Phase VIII shall be followed under this plan.

Arrangements for procurement and Storage

28.      Arrangements for procurement, storage and the transport of food supplies under this plan shall remain as stated in paragraph 24 of the distribution plan of phase VIII.

Location of the independent Inspection Agents

29.      The locations of the independent inspectors will continue according to the current manner under paragraph 25 of the Distribution Plan of Phase VIII.

Warehouses

30.      Specific warehouses shall be designated to store the foodstuffs imported by the Government of Iraq under the plan. The locations of these warehouses will be within the main storage complexes of the Ministry of Trade throughout the governorates of Iraq.

31.      In accordance with paragraph 5 of Annex I of the MOU humanitarian supplies destined for distribution in the three northern Governorates shall be delivered by the Programme to warehouse within these Governorates. Warehouses in Mosul and Kirkuk , to which supplies may also be delivered , either by the Governments of Iraq or the Programme, will be under the management of the Programme.

32.      Maintenance, Repairs, Rehabilitation and Replacement of equipment required on the basis of priorities for the handling, storage, supply and distribution of food.

33.      The Plan is based on the actual need of the food sector according to activities related to the storage and transportation of foodstuffs as well as grain milling and delivering to the consumers in accordance with the ration system and in conformity with the volume of the imported foodstuffs. The following has been taken into consideration in preparing this requirement:

·       Repairing and rehabilitating the apparatuses and equipment of grain silos in a manner that ensures the speedy transportation and receiving of the imported grains and supplying them to mills as quickly as required.

·       Ensuring the minimum needs of the mills to keep them operating and to ensure the production of the best quality of flour, packing and delivering it to the citizens on time.

·       Ensuring new means of transportation to enhance the capacity available in the country for the transportation of grains, flour and foodstuffs as well as their delivery to the citizens according to the determined timings. For example, the provision of trucks and repair of railways.

34.      Ensuring the minimum needs for cold storage and other warehouses for the foodstuffs as per their usage, the transportation of the stored goods, keeping them according to the requirements of their storage and facilitating their delivery to the citizens on time.

35.      This Plan allocates US $ 209.33 million, including US $ 1.33 million for the three northern governorates, to ensure the procurement of the current needs for this sector as described in the annexes.

36.      Under distribution plan IX, the programme will continue its responsibility for the transport, handling, and distribution of food commodities to end users in the three northern governorates. In this respect, WFP undertakes transport of food items from the transit warehouses in Mosul and Kirkuk to WFP managed warehouses in Erbil, Suleimaniyah and Dohuk. Distribution of the rations to the population is arranged through a network of food agents in collaboration with local authorities. In addition, the population data is updated on regular basis. 

Table 2

Iraqi population by governorate covered by the Plan

*  The estimated population number calculated on the basis of the actual distribution figures of DP 6 taking into consideration the natural monthly growth of 0. 23 %.

Table 3

Consolidated Plan and Categorized List of Foodstuffs, Soaps and Detergents

( Phase IX )

Note:  These figures represent indicative quantities and values subject to actual distribution and market conditions. The specified sum of each commodity is an indicative one and the total amount shall be used for all items in a balanced way in case of the decrease or increase of the international prices of commodities.

·       wheat is to be processed and distributed to beneficiaries, as wheat flour the conversion rate used is 10 kg of wheat to 8.4 kg of wheat flour.

·       quantities are calculated on the basis of population figures listed in table 2. The following allowances to retail agents are added to ensure the accurate ration weight is given to customers: 4% for wheat flour, rice and pulses, 2% sugar, cooking oil, salt, and detergents 0.5% for tea.

·       no additional quantities are given to the agents for milk powder and soap as these items are distributed by tins and pieces respectively.

·       children under one year of age receive only milk powder, fortified weaning cereal, soap and detergents.

Amount allocated for food is sufficient to cover the RFB due to expected lower food prices.

37.      An amount of approximately US $ 40 Million from the allocation to the food sector will be used to import raw materials for processing into vegetable oil, soap, and detergent within Iraq.

PART TWO

Plan for Purchase and Distribution of Medicine and Medical Equipment and Supplies

38.      In drafting its health policy, the Government of Iraq has followed the guidelines published by the WHO Programme on Essential Drugs.

- The provision of essential  and cost-effective medicines  to meet the needs of the whole population of Iraq.

-   To ensure equitable distribution.        

-         To ensure the high quality and proper use of medicine.

39.      Before August 1990, the rate of expenditure of the Ministry of Health was more than US$ 500 million for the purchase of medicine and medical supplies. There were also recycled stocks which were sufficient for more than one year in addition to the known annual funds of investment for infrastructure. Therefore, the amount allocated by the previous distribution plans does not meet health service needs.  The shortage of the medical supplies makes health services scientifically incomplete. The provision of

40.      medicine without necessary medical equipment and diagnostic facilities does not permit the provision of essential health services. Thus, there is no full benefit from medicine and medical supplies without medical apparatuses, equipment and other support systems necessary for the rehabilitation of hospitals.

41.      As regards medicine and medical supplies, the situation is exceptionally serious. Most of the patients still receive partial treatment. The local production of drugs is still substantially reduced. In 1989, the need for medicine was met with the Ministry of Health spending more than US$ 500 million to purchase imported medicine and medical appliances. Additionally, there were  reserve stocks which permitted the continuous flow of medicine.

42.      WHO assistance  might be required to address  emerging health needs  that may result from the  recent draught situation.  The distribution plan will respond to these needs as  and when needed. Emphasis  can therefore be made on the provision of drugs for emerging health problems.

43.      The plan is formulated to meet the  needs for  medicine with top priority  for medicines for chronic diseases. The urgent priorities include other medicines, medical supplies, medical equipment, the local production of drugs and syringes and spare parts as well as other equipment, spare parts and  materials for the rehabilitation service equipment in hospitals and health centers such as  air  conditioning, elevators etc… From the   US$ 300 million allocated, 50% will be used for medicines and medical supplies  and 50% for the rehabilitation  different equipment in hospitals and health centers, of which US$50 million is allocated to the raw materials equipment, spare parts for Samara Drugs Industry (SDI).   However, as  reported by UN Agencies and other  observers, the situation of hospitals and health  centers is still  of much concern as they are in need  for big  investments which could not be  made  available. The report of UN Secretary-General of 29 Nov. 2000 (S/2000/1132) clearly pointed out  the current situation of infrastructure of hospitals  and health centers which  are in need  of very large funds. In addition  the  harsh economic and social circumstances and the deterioration of the living conditions resulted in an  increased mortality and morbidity including malnutrition.  US$ 6 million is allocated for supplemental nutrition support for pregnant and lactating mother , by providing high protein biscuits and theuraputic milk which will be distributed on a monthly basis to pregnant mothers in their last trimester, to lactating mothers for  three months after birth , and malnourished children through community child care units /MoH in Iraq.

44.      In the three northern government of Iraq, a separate allocation of US$ 19.35 million has been allocated to addressing the nutritional needs of the population in these governorates. For phase IX, the programme will continue to aim toward ensuring early detection of growth faltering for five children under five years ‘age in order to curb protein-energy malnutrition at its onset, and to reduce by 5per cent the rate of prevalence of chronic protein energy malnutrition among children under three years of age. With support from village volunteers and community childcare units, it is intended to establish appropriate health and nutrition measures and improve infant feeding practices at growth monitoring unit, nutrition rehabilitation centers, and homes. It will also strengthen the quality of monitoring support, and comprehensive integrated staff training in growth monitoring unit and community child care unit.

45.      Under distribution plan IX, the ongoing Supplementary Feeding Programme in the three northern governorates will assist an approximate caseload of 250.000 beneficiaries including malnourished children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and persons in need at social institutions and hospitals. Furthermore, an expansion of the School Feeding Project will cover about 650.000 primary school children throughout the three governorates. Food security activities are currently under revision by the independent review mission, with projects to be reformulated in accordance their findings, and recommendations

46.      The Plan aims at the provision of high quality and low-cost medicine which meet the needs of the whole population of Iraq. Up to date medical equipment, such as cardiac monitors, ECG machines, CAT Scans and MRI, medical and surgical appliances,  diagnosis equipment and vaccines are required. Among other priorities that require an urgent attention within the framework of the Plan, are the provision of pesticides, insecticides, for domestic use the provision of field vehicles to ensure communication within the health network and vehicles to transport medicine and medical equipment. It should be stressed that the public health sector cannot be improved by the provision of medicine and medical appliances only.  The infrastructure of hospitals, medical centers and warehouses is in need of rehabilitation through the provision of spare parts and replacement equipment in addition to physical repairs.  Furthermore, the provisions of 400 ambulances for the health services are basic and urgently needed to improve public health services.

47.      The heath  situation in the three northern governorate  has begun to  improve with respect to health services As a result of planned activities and  program implementation to date  no outbreak of  viral cholera took  place in the  three governorate during the summer of  2000 despite the  drought . in the depth discussions and consultations are underway to plan for th  re- orientation of the function  of the health centers so as to  provide comprehensive  services to the public , including  curative , preventive , promotional , and re-rehabilitative health care . Most old and obsolete medical equipment in hospitals has been replaced . This has contributed to better diagnostic and curative medical services for the sick. Although there are still some shortages of certain drugs due to the limited quantities  received form Kimadia , there was during phase VIII  a large inflow of drugs medical supplies to the three northern governorates .

48.      Several hospitals and related  health facilities have been renovated and  re-furnished to meet the present needs of the health services . A large number of items for water quality  control laboratories have been received and installed . Three central water quality control laboratories and five satellite laboratoriesare functioning well in the  three northern governorates .All the technical staff in these laboratories have received training on the bacteriological  and chemical analyses needed for the control of drinking water .

49.      There is a need to improve the planning of the health services by local health authorities , and to enhance capabilities at primary , secondary , and tertiary health service levels .

50.      For phase IX , US$  40 million has been allocated  for the provision of medicines and medical supplies and US$ 100.73 million  for projects under the component  of “health repairs”.   Two new projects have been  introduced . The first projects relates to the control of non-communiable diseases , focusing on diabetes , cardio- vascular diseases , cancer , and disabilities . The second project is for vector control.

51.      To strengthen  the technical and administrative capacity of the program , and to enable the Organization to implement increased health sector activities , additional national and international staff will be recruited  under the ESD (2.2 per cent) account . Support will be given to local health institutions  to develop the  skills of health sector personal through training and workshops , and by arrangements with health facilities in Baghdad .

52.      In January 2001 development of the profiles for all the health facilities in the northern  governorates commenced . The project is expected  to be completed by the end of June 2001 . The output will be a “Health Information Profile”  which will be very useful to the senior health officials and decision – makers in the identifying  priorities for health sector planning .

53.      Under previous phases , the  program in the three northern governorates gave due attention to preventive health care services  to achieve accelerated progress in reducing maternal and child mortality in the region . The strategy of the program was to prevent illnesses through proper nutrition including breastfeeding , immunization , encouraging  families to apply proper health and hygiene practices , and gender disparity reduction . In phase IX , funds will be used to  incorporate into the primary  health system a program of early detection  of childhood disabilities , and to further strengthen the ongoing activities initiated in previous phases to support immunization and primary healthy care .activities . Emphasis will be given to improving the quality of maternal health services and of training , expanding  school health  and sanitation activities , and continuing work  in an integrated  fashion on all relevant health   programs .

54.      Child protection projects  under phase IX will continue to improve the conceptual understanding of child rights and child protection through provision of technical assistance at various levels of administration and program implementation . Until the local capacity has been adequately strengthened , the program will continue working with local institutions while redirecting activities towards  a child rights perspective. It  is anticipated that these activities will result in expanded  availability of services outside urban areas, and in a plan of action for child protection . The continued provision of supplies and rehabilitation of infrastructure  will complement the above strategies .  

Sub-Sectors

55.      Given the nature of the health care sector, priorities for individual items cannot be set without discriminating between patients. Purchase orders for essential drugs, medical supplies, equipment and support items will however be issued in accordance with the general priorities emerging in the health sector and in consideration of projected stock shortages. Special priority items or changes in priority or complementarily will be communicated through the Permanent Representative.

a.      Medicine and Medical supplies: The objective pursued under the Plan is to make available needed medicine and medical supplies to health care providers throughout Iraq.  The Ministry of Health will give focus to those items in the annexes, which are of general use in order to ensure a continuous flow of essential items to health facilities.  However, for better efficiency and cost savings, US$ 70 million will be allocated to rehabilitate the local production capacity for disposable syringes and drugs which require import of spare parts, raw materials and new equipment for the plants.( SDI & ACAI)

b.      Rehabilitation of Health Facilities:   It is estimated that approximately 50% of the medical equipment is obsolete and/or un-repairable there by requiring replacement. However, given the limitations of funds only critical equipment for medical care and diagnostic purposes will be procured. The import of spare parts is to effect repair of equipment that can still be used.  The overall objective of these measures is to improve the quality of care and hence add to the benefit expected from  increased availability of medicine and medical supplies.  Additionally health infrastructure rehabilitation is to improve general working conditions and provide better and acceptable hospital conditions for patients. This would be achieved through the import of spare parts and some equipment for hospital engineering such as air-conditioning, heating and elevators.  In addition fork lifts, trucks and spare parts will be imported to facilitate distributions of supplies. Items listed for logistical, information processing and communications support is considered critical for an efficient distribution and inventory management system.

c.      Quality Control Laboratories:   Given the importance of this sub-sector allocations will be made to provide medical equipment to facilitate timely quality control testing as well as to allow for effecting all tests required by Iraqi regulations.

         In accordance with the MOU and the distribution plan, in the three northern governorates, the Program will be responsible for the distribution of medical supplies and medical equipment as well as for infrastructure rehabilitation.  The Program shall ensure that the needs determined by health sector are compatible with the basic needs of these governorates.

Plan Components

56.      The components of the plan composed of the estimation of needs, the distribution, procedures for regulation and criteria for importation and storage will remain as contained in the first distribution plan, paragraph 43.

57.      In accordance with paragraph 39 of the MOU, the Government of Iraq shall provide the Program with detailed information about the delivery of appliances and equipment to their locations in order to facilitate and ensure monitoring of their use.  The Program will conduct the tasks provided for in paragraph 8 of annex-1 of the MOU.

Table-4

  Criteria for distribution of Ambulances *

·     Distribution: two ambulance / 100.000 population.

PART THREE

PLAN OF EQUIPMENT PURCHASE FOR WATER AND SANITATION SECTOR

58.      Deterioration in this sector has manifested itself seriously in the decrease in quantities of potable water and in inadequate sanitation for the population, both of which have contributed to sharp increase in the incidence of water–borne diseases in the whole country . With the drastic deterioration in this sector during the past nine years, a survey recently undertaken by UNICEF revealed that the water coverage has gone down to an average of 41 % in all rural areas. On the other hand, the per capita share of water has gone down to 218 litres / day in Baghdad, 138 litres/day in other urban areas and 91 litres / day in served rural areas . This deterioration is related to the acute need for new plants the poor functioning of most of the existing water treatment plants, lack of spare parts and equipment , the poor status of the water distribution network, and electrical power cuts of up to 10 hours per day. Water quality results, reported by MOH and WHO, have shown a high contamination percentage of water samples. On the other hand and while the turbidity of water reaching the population should not exceed 1 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit ( NTU) as set by Iraqi standards, more than 70 % of the water currently served is of a turbidity exceeding 10 NTU.

59.      Despite the identification of the deteriorated situation of the sector of potable water and sanitation by the reports of UN agencies and the report of the UN Secretary-General of 18 May 1999 (S/1999/573), which clarified the actual situation of the projects and the minimum requires needs for maintaining their operation, deterioration continues, due to the limited sums allocated for this sector in the previous distribution plants, the delay in the arrival of supplies , mainly due to complicated process for S.C. approval as well as the nature of these supplies which require no less than six months for their manufacture and shipment.

60.      Sector Objective and Strategies.  The overall objectives of the Water and Sanitation Sector in Iraq are:

·       To provide sufficient quantity of potable water to the population.

·       To dispose, hygienically, of all kinds of waste (solid and liquid ).

To meet the above objectives three subsequent planning stages are to be followed:

·       Stage I: Rehabilitate the existing system to enhance efficiency and improved performance as well as quality . The estimated cost of this stage is US $ 700 million.

·       Stage II: Fill in the gap to reach universal accessibility of service where by the under-served and the unserved will be covered.

·       Stage III: Increase the level of service to meet the normal growth of the population.

The purchase strategy followed in preparing the three subsequent distribution plans of SCR.

62.      In sanitation, the situation is even worse. None of the 13 sewage treatment plants in the country is functioning properly, and raw sewage is disposed directly into rivers and causing contamination. The sewage collection , and rainfall collection systems which are composed of 250 vertical sewage pumping stations and more than 1.000 sewage submersible pumping station are all malfunctioning and in desperate shape , because of the deteriorating status of the network , and the lack of pumps, spares and other supplies and mainly due to disability to construct new treatment plants and net work to face the population growth Other areas where septic tanks and cesspools are utilized for sewage disposal are also facing enormous problems due to the high water table and the breakdown of the fleet of cesspool emptiers.   Flooded septic tanks are flooding residential areas and causing contamination.

63.      The current situation necessitates much attention to this sector , due to its negative effects on public health , environment and citizens, particularly children and women . This requires the allocation of US $ 401.98 million in the plan to meet the urgent humanitarian needs in this sector according to the details contained in the annexes, US $ 60 million to Baghdad and US $ 262.50 million to the districts surrounding Baghdad and other 14 governorates.  US $ 79.48  million will be allocated to the three northern governorates.

64.      The spare parts and equipment required for this sector are described in the annexes.   The proposed DP has some changes in the purchase policy. Priority continues to be given to the purchase of water purification chemicals and some of the specific urgent required supplies in specific water treatment plants not only for Baghdad Municipality but also to the General Establishment for Water and Sewerage.  In order to address the rehabilitation needs of large water and sewerage treatment plants in a comprehensive manner, turnkey projects of the type presently implemented in the electricity sector will be introduced.

65.      There will be a focus on improving water services to under-served or unserved rural population by the purchase of 400 compact water treatment plants. More attention is being given to sanitation by the purchase of sewage pumps, cesspool emptiers, sewer jetting units, sewers cleaning equipment and garbage collectors. As a second priority, focus will be given to the purchase of supplies to water treatment plants (pumps, circuit breakers, starters, and motors ) and also supplies for incomplete water treatment plant meant to serve unsaved population and whose civil works are 60-90% completed. Also, focus will be given to the purchase of some ductile and UPVC pipes for the water supply network. There will also be focus on water quality control through the purchase of required supplies. The water tankers, which are included in DP-VI, should be used to face needs incurred by the current drought situation. On a third priority basis, water tankers to provide services to unserved areas and some support vehicles ( trailers and loaders) will be purchased.  

66.      In urban areas the apparent ready access to water and sanitation systems tends to conceal the fact that the quality of potable water is highly variable and very dependent on a reliable and continuous electricity supply. The latter ensures that pressures remain sufficient to avoid drawing polluted water back into the main supply pipes. In addition many of the pumps are well beyond their useful working life, with the result that the supply of water o households is by no means guaranteed even where systems are nominally in place. For rural areas, recent surveys indicate that water supply coverage is under 50%, rather less than had originally been thought,  and the population in these areas who had access to sanitary latrines is much less at only 16%.

67.      A particular problem in this sector is the widespread deterioration of the vehicle sanitation fleet, which is used for regular removal of both liquid and solid wastes. The much-reduced capacity of this fleet is compromising both the health and environmental situations, which will become even worse over the coming summer unless corrective action is taken before then. Computers that are ordered as part of DP-VI should be used to computerize the management of supplies in the major warehouses in order to alleviate some of the present bottlenecks in the process of distribution of supplies in the Water and Sanitation sector.

68.      The acquisition of more vehicles and repair of the existing fleet is therefore identified as a top priority, to which the sum of US $ 25 million will be allocated. The next priority will be for rural water and sanitation for an amount of US $ 40 million, and thereafter US $ 40 million for urban sanitation and finally US $ 20 million for urban water supply.

69.      In the three northern governorates, the urban water and sanitation projects will focus on four major areas of intervention:  provision of adequate quantities of water treatment chemicals and related equipment to keep contamination below the desired level; replacement/repair and extension of distribution networks to tackle water leakage and ensure adequate pressure for a more efficient water distribution; construction of storm water drains to prevent water logging; and proper collection and disposal of solid waste.  Rural water and sanitation projects will continue toward the objective of increasing access to safe water and sanitary facilities through development of new projects and rehabilitation/repair of the old ones so as to ultimately achieve the goal of universal access to safe water and sanitary means of excreta disposal. This includes provision of safe water to people during emergencies such as the drought. 

70.      Hygiene education projects aim to support social mobilization and hygiene education for proper usage of water and sanitation facilities and to bring about a behavioral change in hygiene practices with the ultimate goal of bringing down water and sanitation related diseases.  Under Phase IX, IEC materials will be developed to suit the local socio-cultural ethos for training related to social mobilization and promotion of improved sanitary practices, and to generate awareness of hygiene practices using various communication channels with a focus on schools. Total budget allocation for water and environmental sanitation is US $ 79.48 million. 

71.      In accordance with paragraph 40 of the MOU, the Government of Iraq shall provide the Programme with detailed information about the delivery of supplies and equipment to their locations in order to facilitate the monitoring of their use and to make sure of this. The Programme will conduct the tasks provided for in paragraph 8 of annex-1 of the MOU.

PART FOUR

PLAN OF SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR ELECTRICITY SECTOR

 72.     The deficit in electric power as result of damage inflicted upon this vital sector and non-availability of spare parts and equipment for maintenance, is a serious problem throughout the country. Although, the total allocation under previous phases increased substantially, the network continues to deteriorate for two main reasons: the scale of inputs received is significantly low in comparison with actual needs, and the large number of contracts on hold. This fact has been confirmed by various UN reports and in particular, the latest report of the UN Secretary-General of March 2000. The situation was compounded by a severe regional drought in the last two consecutive years which has reduced the power generation from hydro units by more than 300 MW. The deficit in power was 1600 MW, 1700 MW and 1800 MW in the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 respectively, and the corresponding load demand was 5300 MW, 5500 MW and 5700 MW respectively. During a country wide load survey in Aug'1999, the load demand was 6200 MW and the deficit in power based on the load demand was 2300 MW. In year 2000 , During Auguset the load demand recorded was 6120 MW , the deficit in power was 2402 MW.  From the figures it is evident that the power generation deficit has been steadily increasing, as the power generation is not commensurate with the load demand. The details of installed capacity, available capacity, load demand and deficit in power are shown Annex-I/ Electricity. Further, forced outages of large generating units in the network result either in cascade tripping or isolation of units from the network to prevent black -outs. This causes unscheduled and prolonged power cuts to the consumers, including essential services such as hospitals, water plants, sewage plants, wheat milling plants, irrigation and drainage pumping stations, schools and universities and other social services facilities. As also mentioned in the report of the UN Secretary-General of 10 March 2000 (S/2000/208), reliable power generation underpins health-and nutrition- related initiatives in all sectors.

73.      To address urgent needs, a sum of US$ 480 million is allocated in this plan. The details of allocations are shown in annex-2/electricity. As there is a severe shortage of power, the Plan concentrates on increasing generation by installing new gas turbine generation units and carrying out rehabilitation and repairs to some of the larger thermal, gas turbine and hydro-electric power generation stations throughout country. The Plan also emphasizes the need to rehabilitate on transmission and distribution networks in different parts of the country and reconnection of the northern governorates with the National grid.

74.      It is proposed to install new gas turbine units alongside the existing, Baiji, Shamal, Mussayeb, Nassiriya, Najaf , New Rumaila , Baghdad East and other gas turbine power stations. It is decided to get advantage of utilizing the gas turbine generating units as combined cycle units. The estimated cost of new gas turbine units is US$ 200 million and these units are expected to add around 300 MW. A sum of US$ 50 million has been allocated for additional rehabilitation of the gas turbine generating units at Khor Al-Zubair, Najef, and maintenance of other gas turbine power stations. These gas turbine units after rehabilitation are expected to add about 50 MW. The thermal generating units in Baiji, Mussaib, Daura, Baghdad south and other power stations are planned for rehabilitation on a turn-key project basis, possibly with the original equipment manufacturers, including technical services; the estimated cost is around US$ 100 million. After completion of rehabilitation, the units are expected to add 160 MW. An amount of US$ 35 million is allocated for maintenance and repair of hydro- generation units in Qadissia and Saddam power plants and the new hydro power plants in Al-Adhaim and Sinhareeb. This amount is meant for emergency repairs to ensure that the system remains operational and sustains the present level of generation, but no increase in generation is anticipated in the plan. Although the transmission and distribution networks are in urgent need of rehabilitation, within the limited available funds a sum of US$ 80 million is allocated for the distribution network and US$ 30 million for the transmission network. To start the construction of power plants in Yousifiya, Al-Shemal , Salah El-Deen , Al-Anbar , extend  the Nassiriya, and a new power  station in AL- Zubaydiah  a sum of US$ 300 million is allocated.

75.       The above mentioned figures could vary according to the urgency of the system requirements prevailing at the time of ordering. The Commission of Electricity is fully aware that the total sum of these priority projects exceeds the allocation expected for this sector. However, it should be stressed that the above figures are indicative for planning purposes and are a reflection of the scale of resources required to implement the above mentioned projects.

  ANNEX 2

AVAILABLE CAPACITY , DEMAND , GENERATION  SHORTAGE AND  TOTAL

INSTALLED CAPACITY  OF THE  SYSTEM  DURING AUGUST  2000

76.      The total phase IX allocation to the electricity sector in the three northern governorates is US $102.5 million.

77.      In the three northern governorates, plans are in place to continue with the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate both the distribution and transmission networks.  Plans include arrangements for reconnecting to the national grid. In Stage 3 of the distribution network rehabilitation projects in Erbil and Dohuk has been planned with a budget of US $ 25 million and another US $ 10 million has been allocated towards Stage 4 of the project to rehabilitate substations in Suleimaniyah. 

78.      Beyond the above rehabilitation efforts, US $ 10 million will be used in the area of mini and micro hydro to assist in the re-establishment of a hydrometric network and the implementation of a limited number of mini hydro schemes.

79.      An “information, communication and education project” is being launched in the area of demand-side management to ensure that efforts to maximize power supply are not countered by unsustainable consumer practices.

80.      Another area of focus under phase IX is that of system communications. Plans to refurbish the existing power line carrier communication systems between the hydro power stations and major substations in Erbil and Suleimaniyah are in place together with the hiring of an international SCADA design consultant. Efforts under phase IX in the area of power system communications are only an initial step in addressing these requirements.

81.      A strategic reserve has been built into this phase to address the likely short-term emergency requirements arising from the drought. Specific responses will continued to be examined in light of ongoing winter rainfall, and the implementation lead times involved.  

PART FIVE

PLAN OF PROCUREMENT AND DISTRIBUTION FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Introduction

82.      The agricultural sector continues to play a leading role in providing a substantial portion of the population’s nutrition needs. In spite of the various constraints resulting from the sanctions, which in turn brought a total halt to systematic development of the sector, the agriculture sector is deemed to continue to provide the population with the supplementary food requirements.

83.      The sector’s cumulative and growing requirements are beyond the meager resources available through the Oil for Food Programme. Consequently, the plan strategies are still oriented towards halting, as much as the possible, the sector’s deterioration and increasing the sector’s contribution to food availability, giving due consideration to the additional constraints caused by the severe drought.

84.      Agricultural production involves many complex and interrelated biological processes. This dictates that all interventions have to be addressed in a well integrated manner and approved as a package in order to achieve the targeted goals. Provision of the needed basic inputs will strengthen the sector and improve the availability of agricultural products at current or even lower prices.   The overall objective must be to address the problem of the supply of these urgent needs in order to stimulate domestic production of food items and thus offer a local available supplement for the food basket.

Activities Envisaged By Sub-sector

Enhanced Domestic Food Production.

Production of field crops, vegetables and fruits

85.      Agricultural production in Iraq is highly mechanized even at the small farmer level and almost one half of the area under crop production lies within the irrigated sector. The overall crop production requirements include proper soil preparation, good quality seeds, and harvesting with minimum losses. Any attempt aiming at maintaining or increasing the level of the crop productivity, therefore should address all those factors.

Failure to adequately respond to each of these inter-related activities, will seriously affect the achievement of the eventual crop production level. It is therefore essential, that appropriate inputs should be available for each activity in a timely manner. Indeed, timeliness is vital to the success of each activity. The time frame often being restricted to a mere day or two, if the resulting yields are not to be lowered.

86.      Prior to the imposition of sanctions, it was estimated that the total number of agricultural tractors accounted to more than 40,000, working on the 4 million ha of arable land. This represents very approximately one tractor for 100 ha under cultivation. However, currently a large number of agricultural machinery have surpassed their useful life expectancy of 15 years. Agricultural production is therefore seriously affected by this situation. It is of paramount importance to continue addressing the issue of gradual replacement of the entire tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural equipment and implements.

87.      In partial response to the urgent need for remedial measures in this regard, the plan includes the proposed acquisition of 3,000 tractors of different types. It is estimated that this quantity will enable adequate and timely soil preparation, seeding, weed control and fertilizer application for an area comprising approximately 450,000 ha which represents 11% of the total arable area (see Annex AGRI-1A).  In order to overhaul some of the tractors already available in the country, the plan also includes the provision of spare parts for the different types of existing tractors. (see Annex) particular problem of soil preparation will be addressed through the proposed importation of 1,000 mounted moldboard ploughs together with spare parts amounting to 5% of the ploughs’ value, as well as 1000 rotary tillers (see Annex AGRI 7-Appendix1).

88.      Timely weed and pest control measures could only be undertaken if adequate numbers of agricultural sprayers are available. The plan therefore intends to provide 6,000 mounted and wheel-barrow sprayers together with 5,000 knapsack sprayers. (see Annex AGRI-1A).

89.      Due to the acute shortage of operational harvesting equipment, post harvest losses are continually increasing. In many cases, the farmer has been forced to revert to manual harvesting methods which invoke high losses. In other cases, the poor conditions of the mechanical harvesters also increases harvest losses. It has been estimated that overall post harvest losses may at present, have risen to 20 or 25 % of the potential crop yield. The plan proposes to import 200 combine harvesters together with 250 pieces, of walking reapers , 100 corn huskers and 250 threshing machines, plus assorted spare parts, in attempt to improve mechanical harvesting (see Annexes AGRI-1A and Appendix 2).

90.      Table 5 shows the allocation of the planned tractors to the 15 Governorates. This allocation is based on the area under cultivation and the number of available and operational tractors in each governorate. A similar procedure will be followed at District level. At farm level, all the farmers are eligible to apply to be an end user of a tractor.

91.      Rehabilitation of seed factories is also addressed in the DP. The plan includes spare parts and essential equipment needed for seed processing . (see Annex AGRI-1D)

92.      The plan also considered an expansion in the storage capacity of 11 maize threshing and drying plants in the central and southern parts of the country. In this regard the plan will import 20 silos for the storage of the maize produced during the rainy seasons, which coincide with the maize harvesting seasons (see Annex AGRI-1).

93.      The plan included provision of 5 maize processing plants for threshing and drying maize. This is in line with the Government policy towards the encouragement of animal production in the country through supply of required animal feed.

94.      The Government took several measures, to help the expansion of maize production. Currently, the cultivated area under maize reached 150,000 ha. The existing maize processing capacity cannot handle the locally produced maize. The requested plants will add more than 1000 Mt of processing capacity. This will enable the absorption of the local maize products. The plants will be installed in Babylon, Baghdad, Waist, El-Tameem and Salad El-Din. The governorates are selected on the basis of size of land under maize production. (Annex)

Table 5

Distribution Plan For Tractors – Harvesters – Irrigation Pumps – Sprayers

* The distribution allocations are based on cropping pattern and cultivated area. Final distribution will be decided in proportion to the above table but determined by physical arrival of the consignments.

95.      Agricultural authorities will select beneficiaries on the basis of the following criteria: the farm size (area), the farmer’s production index and the current state of old tractors on the farm. As the amount of mechanization equipment will fall short of present overall needs, priority will be given to those end users who have not benefited from similar distributions, either prior to or after the imposition of sanctions.

96.      With regard to the distribution of tractor operated agricultural machinery, all Governorates will be entitled to submit their requirements according to farmer demand. Any justifiable request will then be duly considered within the limitations of total availability. Table 5 shows the proposed distribution of combine harvesters, which will follow similar criteria and be based upon cropped areas, the farmer production index and the current state of the farmer’s harvesting equipment.

97.      Lack of good quality seed continues to be one of the major constraints to increase crop production. The imposition of the sanctions resulted in reducing the country’s capacity to produce quality certified seeds as well as the capacity to maintain good quality seed processing activities. The lack of good quality seed remains to be among the serious constraints to crop production. The seed processing capacity in the country is limited. The plan, therefore, includes five seed production units which will be installed at the state seed production company within the MoA. The planned seed cleaning and processing is anticipated to provide additional 80,000 Mt of seed. This will considerably contribute to the availability of good quality seed.  The seed which will be distributed in the production areas in all the 15 governorates. (see Annex AGRI-1D).

98.      Iraq faces a serious shortage of hybrid and certified seeds, especially sunflower and vegetable seeds, together with seeds and seedlings needed for the orchards. Prior to the imposition of sanctions, the country regularly imported both seeds and seedlings to satisfy the requirements. The embargo has interrupted supplies of these essential inputs and seriously lowered production as a consequence.  In order to redress the situation and to enhance the domestic production of fruit, vegetables and sunflower (for vegetable oil), the plan includes the proposed importation of hybrids, certified seeds and seedlings (see Annex AGRI-2 sections A &B).

99.      These inputs will be made available to all the farmers already involved in the production of such crops. The distribution plan to each governorate will be determined on the basis of the total area under each of these crops, with due consideration to both ecological and climatic factors. The proposed quantities represent the following percentages of the annual requirements: 25% of vegetable seeds; 90% of sunflower seeds; 100% of rape seeds; sunflower and Soya beans; and 80% of orchard seeds and seedlings.

100.    The Government put great emphasis on the vegetable and fruit production in an attempt to ameliorate the nutritional value of the diet for the population.  However, the availability of cold storage facilities is limited. This causes in a great loss and damage during the peak of production. In addition to wasting valuable nutrients supplementing the food basket, it also affects the profitability of vegetable production at the level of the farmers. Thus, the plan considers provision of 300 cold storage units with capacity of 100 to 1500 mt to be distributed to the public and private sectors in the 15 governorates. (Annex).

101.    The plan is proposing the establishment of 5 ha nursery for banana production . The nursery beside the production and distribution of the banana seedlings will act as an extension centre to promote the small-scale banana production in the centre and south. For this, needed equipment and necessary input are included (see Annex AGRI-1D).

102.    Iraq previously was able to satisfy the greater part of all national fertilizer requirements through national production and manufacture. However, the factories suffered severe damages after 1991 and this has drastically reduced the possibility of self-sufficiency in the production of this input. Shortage of fertilizer has led to large areas of crops being grown without application of any fertilizer. In other cases, application rates have been considerably reduced which significantly lowered the crop yields. The situation has been further aggravated by the practice of mono-culture of cereals, as described above. This seriously reduces soil fertility which can only be redressed by increasing the application rates of fertilizers. The situation was worsened by the lack of sufficient locally produced fertilizer and imported fertilizer which was limited due to financial constraints.

103.    The country’s total annual fertilizer requirement is 1.5 million Mt of compound phosphate fertilizer and 1 million Mt of nitrogenous fertilizer.  Prior to the Gulf War, the country’s total production capacity was 1.2 million Mt of phosphate fertilizer and more than 1 million mt of urea. The production in relation to limited area under cultivation at that time allowed surplus which was exported.  However, during the sanctions the three state fertilizer plants suffered marked deterioration in their productivity and reached a stage of near total collapse. Last year, local production dropped to 130,000 Mt of phosphate fertilizer and 400,000 Mt of urea. The current production covers only 10% and 40% of the country’s need of compound and nitrogenous fertilizers, respectively.  The plan aims to address the current big shortage of fertilizer through provision of needed replacement equipment and spare parts for rehabilitation of the three existing fertilizer plants in the country as indicated in Annex AGRI-2F.

104.    The requested input is anticipated to prevent further deterioration of the current capacity as well as to increase the total fertilizer production capacity to 600,000 Mt of urea and 220,000 Mt of compound fertilizer. The final products will be distributed to the farming community in the 15 governorates at cost price.  To bridge the shortage and in an attempt to maintain the current level of production, it is proposed to import 40,000 Mt of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) which in fact corresponds to 98,000 Mt of N.P.K (18.18.0). Such a procedure will reduce transportation costs and also help to overcome some of the logistical constraints, which could be encountered during the distribution process. In addition to the DAP, 5228 Mt of potassium, magnesium, zinc, ferrous sulfate, and fouler fertilizer are to be imported plus 10,000 Mt of TSB fertilizer. (see Annex AGRI-2 section C).

105.    This total quantity of fertilizer has been proposed on the basis of satisfying the minimum plant nutrient requirements for approximately 320,000 ha under both cereal and vegetable crop production.

106.    The allocations accorded to each Governorate will be made with due consideration of the present availability of locally produced fertilizers, together with an assessment of the current state of the soil fertility. All farmers will have equal accessibility to the planned inputs. They may submit their requests, which will then be evaluated according to the farm holding size, the type of the crop grown and the recommended fertilizer application rates for the particular crop.

107.    The plan also includes the implements required for agricultural industry requirements for plastic covers, sugar industry, phosphate and urea production with patching material in addition to the urgent need for tractors and sprinkler irrigation rehabilitation sector. All requirements are shown in Annexes.

108.    Rehabilitation of extension sector is also addressed in the Distribution Plan. the plan includes the essential equipment needed especially for the main 5 centres in the centre and south and also for field extension.

109.    Agricultural production in many parts of the country relies entirely upon irrigation, whereas in other areas, supplementary irrigation is used to complement rainfall supplies. There is an urgent need both to repair and replace many of the irrigation pumps. Many of the pump units which have been installed previously are powered by electric motors; the frequent electrical power failures which Iraq is currently facing indicate that even installed and operational units cannot always be used.  The plan proposes to redress this situation by acquiring 15,000 irrigation pumping sets of different capacities, in addition to 5,000 pumps ( without engine ) with 5,000 suitable generators most of which are to be powered by diesel or electricity, and spare parts for irrigation pumps of different types.

110.    In response to the prevailing drought situation, 6000 pumps for deep well as well as spare parts for such a pumps is included . 13,000 sprinkler and drip irrigation units are also included. The overall objectives are to ensure the ability to irrigate an area between 250,000 and 350,000 ha. Naturally, the area which will eventually be irrigated will depend upon total water requirements which in turn, depend upon both the crop under production and the local climatic characteristics during the crop growth cycle (see Annexes AGRI 1 and 1A Appendix 3).  The proposed distribution plan for field irrigation pumps to the Governorates is based upon the total area under irrigated crop production and previous provision of irrigation inputs (see Table 5). Distribution to the end user will depend on current needs of the farmer which will be evaluated once the applications are submitted.

111.    Plant pests, diseases and weeds impose a serious threat to crop production. The capacity of the plant protection service to efficiently respond to the increasing threat of plant pest and diseases continue to be limited. Currently only 5 aerial spraying helicopters out of the fleet of 27 are operational. However, their total remaining flying hours never exceeded 300. In response to this serious shortage which is drastically effecting the plant protection operations, the plan included provision of six fixed wing agricultural spraying air-crafts with necessary spare parts, overhauling of 12 spraying helicopters, fast consuming spare parts for the aircraft, 20 fuel tankers with needed spare parts as well as 100 field vehicles for ground control operations. ( see Annex AGRI 1B).

112.    With the objective of at least maintaining present levels of production, a range of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and other pesticides has been proposed. (see Annex AGRI 3). These are needed for more effective control of the most serious and widespread weeds, diseases and pests. The quantities of the herbicides requested, represents approximately 25% of the total estimated national crop protection requirements. Weed control will be undertaken either through ground or aerial spraying methods. The herbicides will be distributed to farmers according to levels of infestation and the area under crop production.

113.    The pesticides will also be allocated to the Governorates according to infestation levels. The ultra-low volume (ULV) pesticides will be applied through either aerial or ground control application procedures which will be undertaken by the State Board of Plant Protection. Specific targets include sun-pest, local grass hoppers and date palm diseases. Emulsion concentrate (EC) pesticides will be available to the farmers according to their needs. Upon receipt of specific farmer requests, the plant protection staff will determine the type, quantity and application dose required for each individual case.

114.    Additional agro-chemicals have been requested for the bee industry which is similarly affected by acute shortages of essential control inputs. Distribution and control procedures will be similar to those indicated above for the pesticides. ( see Annex AGRI 3).

115.    In order to minimize the cost of some plant protection measures against some plant diseases and weed, which until now relay on expensive pesticide and herbicide, the plan is to import high concentrates of two insecticides: Sumicidin 92% and Diazinon 95 as well as two herbicides Proponil 96% and Glyphosate for weed control in rice fields and orchards, respectively. The concentrates will be used in formulation of big quantities of insecticide and herbicide to be distributed to the farmers in the 15 governorates. (see Annex AGRI-3E)

Animal Production.

116.    Live stock raising is practiced in most parts of Iraq. Prior to the imposition of the embargo, livestock production contributed between 30 and 40% in value to the total production of the agricultural sector. It also played an important role in providing a significant part of the nutritional requirements at household level.  Livestock production continues to constitute a major source of animal protein throughout the country but as a whole, the sub-sector has suffered greatly as a result of the sanctions and its contribution to the country’s food security has been drastically reduced.

117.    Previously, the per capita share of domestically produced animal protein was estimated to be 18 g/day. This may be compared with the minimum per capita requirement recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) which is 28 g/day and the current domestic production which is estimated to be only 2 g/day. Prior to the imposition of sanctions, the government bridges the gap through regular importation of red meat and poultry products. However, this is now severely restricted. As a consequence, a marked deterioration in the general health status of the population has been noted, particularly in children up to 15 years of age, who currently represent 45 % of the total population.

118.    Animal production levels depend upon a number of inter-related factors of which some of the important ones are genetic stock, feed characteristics and animal health.  Furthermore, even genetically improved livestock when managed through appropriate feed regimes, could still fail to reach optimum production levels, if attention is not paid to maintaining the animal’s health.

119.    The General Veterinary Directorate within the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for all aspects of animal health. The total value of annual imports of animal health requirements amounted to some $ 30 million. This included acquisition of necessary vaccines, drugs and equipment, as well as necessary field transport means and cold-chain facilities.  Previous activities included regular vaccination Programme against serious endemic diseases, together with campaigns for drenching, dipping and spraying animals against endo- and ecto-parasites as well as zoonotic diseases.

120.    This budget has now been drastically reduced and under the oil-for-food Programme, the value of inputs imported for animal health purposes has on no occasion exceeded US $ 5 million every 6 months. The field Programme has also been considerably reduced, which is now resulting in serious and widespread outbreaks of a whole range of viral, bacterial, parasitic and tick borne diseases.  Both brucellosis and tuberculosis, which were previously under control, are now spreading widely. Currently, brucelloses is positive in 10% of the sampled sheep. In addition, circumstance of screw worm out break and the recent of FMD out break, impose further threat to live stock in the country In addition, cases of endo parasites, congo fever and echinococcus, have been registered.

121.    The drought situation caused drastic effect in livestock animal production. The shortage of voluminous forage and concentrate led to weaken the animals and expose them more vulnerable to the disease. Under the current prevailing situation, the veterinary authority is not in a position to consider major epidemic disease eradication measures. However, to carry out efficient disease control measures during the outbreak, additional financial resources beyond the MOU funds are needed. In the prevailing sanctions situation, any long-term strategy and development activities are not possible.

122.    The plan aims to make maximum use of the limited available resources, supplementing them in key areas selected on a priority basis, with the overall objective of commencing a Programme to redress the present serious situation.

123.    The proposed rehabilitation of the cold chain facilities comprises provision of spare parts and refrigerators. (see Annex AGRI-4).

124.    The plan also includes the provision of 10 of 15 ton tankers and mobile dip with trailer for increasing the activity of external parasite equipment in the 15 governorates .

125.    The plan also considered the provision of priority supplies for animal health. This includes vaccines, veterinary drugs and supplies, together with application equipment (see Annexes AGRI 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F and 4G).

126.    Particular attention has been focused on the need for surveillance and control of epidemic diseases. Livestock production in Iraq is normally undertaken according to traditional methods carried out by nomadic groups and characterized by considerable trans-human movements. Such practices result in scattering the livestock population throughout the country, which in turn, obliged the mobilization of veterinary service teams. It is only through such methodology, any control or eradication can be achieved. The plan thus includes the acquisition of mobile veterinary, clinical and field vehicles for transport of the teams involved in the control operations as well as needed chemicals.(see Annexes AGRI 1 and 4 ). The plan includes basic equipment needed to improve the diagnostic capabilities at the various veterinary centres (see Annexes AGRI 1 and 4).

127.    During the 1970s and 1980s, the government focused intense efforts on building up a poultry industry designed to respond to the nutritional needs of the country. This Programme included the establishment of a number of different sizes of modern poultry farms for the production of both table eggs and broiler meat. In addition, stock farms, hatcheries and poultry slaughter-houses were established. 

128.    The Programme included economic incentives and fostered the establishment of efficient means for the provision of poultry health services. Regular supplies of the necessary production inputs were organized and by 1989, a total of some 8,000 poultry farms were operational. Production at that time was estimated at 1,700 million table eggs and 250,000 tons of poultry meat.

129.    The Government of Iraq is very much concerned of the nutritional status of the Iraqi population, in particular, the lack of animal protein in the SCR 986 food basket. For this reason, it is in favour of a plan which would allow enhancement of domestic production of animal protein, especially the reactivation of the poultry industry.  The broiler and table egg reactivation Programme under the enhanced phase-V is continuing . The initial impact of the project is already visible with a marked reduction of market prices of poultry products in the country and also stabilization of red meat market prices. The MOA poultry revival Programme managed to rehabilitate 2300 broiler poultry farms out of the farms identified as suitable for rehabilitation in a short time with reasonable resources. The inputs allocated under this Distribution Plan will further sustain the Programme achievements and are essential to maintain the planned level of production.

130.    This plan will address the major components of poultry production through two parallel activities. The first of these will focus on addressing the rehabilitation needs of those farms which most easily and quickly could be brought back into production. The second will provide the basic production inputs for both table egg and broiler production (see Annex AGRI 5A, 5B, and 5C).  The overall objectives include an monthly production of 45 million table eggs and 5,000 to 6,000 mt of broiler meat.

131.    Poultry production requires housing with a controlled environment in order to allow optimum production levels, whilst reducing the risk of high mortality rates due to air borne diseases. The rehabilitation of a further 1,200 farms is envisaged, including the provision of emergency electrical power supplies. Using range of 25-500 KVA generators mounted to 2600 pieces.

132.    The broiler production cycle is short and requires the regular supply of day old broiler chicks. In addition to the locally produced one day old chicks, importation of 15 million broiler hatching eggs is needed to meet the Programme requirements.  The plan addressed the shortage of layer hatching eggs and proposes to import 25,000 and 140,000 one day old grand parent and parent laying chicks in series of consignments. The intervention is aiming at supplying the poultry parent stock farms with needed one day parent chicks required for production of layer hatching eggs (see Annex AGRI 5A).

133.    Poultry production requires a supply of balanced rations containing both high quality proteins and micro-nutrients. The bulk of the energy requirements will be met through the use of domestically produced maize, barley, sorghum and other grains. The protein and micro-nutrient requirements and energy for both layers and broilers will be met through imports of maize and Soya bean-meal and poultry concentrate and pre-mixes,.   The Plan also indicates the need to import equipment for farm transport and for the packing of final products in addition to the spare parts required for the operating 110 hatcheries and 30 slaughter houses and poultry houses and also the rehabilitation of the main feed analysis laboratory in Baghdad. (see Annexes AGRI 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E).

134.    The MOA poultry Programme has proven the efficiency in regard to broiler production.  Poultry meat produced by the Programme has a positive impact by increasing the availability of meat and raising affordability by a large number of the people.

135.    However, egg production is still lagging behind. The main reason is that the risk involved in rearing pullets from one day to 18-22 weeks is high. In order to encourage expansion in egg production, the MOA is planning to establish facilities for producing layers at laying points to be distributed to layer growers. This will be supported by distribution of layer houses to those who are interested in egg production. To achieve this, the plan includes provision 18 poultry houses to be installed in Baghdad within the premises of the state company of Animal resources for the production of one million layers.

136.    The plan also includes the purchase of 54 layer houses to be distributed to table egg producers. The plan target is production of 250 million table eggs yearly throughout the 15 governorates. (see Annex AGRI-5F).

137.    The plan also considers maintaining and whatever possible enhancing livestock productivity and production, approximately 85% of the cattle population within the country are indigenous breeds with milk production levels ranging from 200 to 1,500 kg per lactation. Since the imposition of sanctions, attempts to improve breeding of the stock through artificial insemination have been virtually paralyzed. There is an urgent need to reactivate the breeding Programme, particularly in view of the prevailing economic and food security situation.  To these ends, the plan includes importation of 10,000 pregnant heifer and 20 progeny tested bulls and the acquisition of basic artificial insemination equipment.(see Annex AGRI 4I).

138.    In an attempt to enhance animal protein availability, revival of fish production is considered in this plan. The country has great potential for fish production and considerable investment in this sub-sector, had been made for its development.  Similar to the situation in other sub-sectors, fishery sub-sector has also suffered immensely, and the full exploitation of the available potential is constrained by the lack of resources.

 139.   The plan addressed the fishery sub-sector requirement through the provision of equipment needed for fish finger productivity, parent fish stock, needed spare parts to rehabilitate the existing equipment, rehabilitation requirement of fish hatcheries and needed fishing equipment. (see Annex AGRI-4H).

140.    In line with the above and in an attempt to maximize milk production , the plan included the provision of spare parts for milking machine , portable milking units and milk containers to be distributed to dairy stations and to small and medium dairy farms (see Annex AGRI 4J).

·       Continuation of core ongoing activities such as controlling agricultural pests and weeds, and promoting and improving bee keeping as an important potential for the region. Provision of industrial and other seeds to meet the needs of agro-industry projects for raw materials, and for improving the productivity of local vegetable farming.

·       Vaccination and management to control livestock and poultry diseases through the importation of needed vaccines and drugs in addition to projects for controlling trans-boundary and endemic disease.   Continued rehabilitation of poultry, dairy, and fish production and improvement of livestock feeding.

·       Rehabilitation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure together with improvements to traditional surface irrigation schemes. Water storage for irrigation and livestock watering in addition to creating an emergency construction unit by importing the required additional machinery to maintain existing irrigation projects.

           ·       Provision of tractors, combine harvesters, stone pickers, and seed drills together with tires and spare parts.

·       Provision of forestry and range seeds, forestry tools, supplies, and equipment and machinery to increase seedling production for the reforestation programme. Provision of seeds to improve natural range cover, thereby decreasing soil erosion and increasing forage crops.

·       Development of agro-meteorological services by developing some important rainfall areas as agro-meteorological sites.

·       The new projects under agro-industry include slaughterhouses in Rania and Koya to improve the hygienic slaughter of livestock; fruit and vegetable cold stores to improve the storage capacities and to preserve the farmers’ produce; laboratories to improve quality control of food; milk collection centres to offset the difficulties of the current fleet of refrigerated vehicles in transporting the required quantities to milk factories; a woven plastic sack and plastic box production line to address huge post-harvest losses due to unavailability of packaging material; and continued rehabilitation of scouring lines by providing the required equipment, training, and other facilities. 

142.     Agriculture is a social and economic mainstay in the three Iraqi governorates of Dohuk, Erbil and Suleimaniyah. It is, in particular, an important contributor to the health and nutrition of the people. Although the agricultural programme under Security Council resolution 986 (1995) and related resolutions has arrested accumulated deterioration in the sector, in part by improving disease and pest control, further action is required beyond the provision of basic agricultural supplies. Productivity gains from the programme have also been offset, in affected areas, by two consecutive droughts.  Further enhancements in the production and quality of locally produced protein, as well as of vegetables and fruit, are also required as supplements to the food basket.

Irrigation Sub-sector.

143.    Rainfall in Iraq was extremely low and erratic during the 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 agricultural season and still affecting Iraq . As a result, both rain-fed and irrigated crops were severely affected.  Lack of essential irrigation water schedules due to low water levels in rivers and reservoirs seriously affected the irrigated crops. The Distribution Plan details immediate intervention measures required for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the existing water resources infrastructures, to arrest the deteriorating situation and the adverse effects of drought on human, crops and livestock. A speedy approval from the UN Sanctions Committee for the distribution plan inputs will enable early intervention to alleviate the disastrous trails left by the drought on human, crop and livestock.

144.    Pumping Stations.  The water pumping stations plays a key role in the irrigation systems which have been established in many parts of Iraq. These not only provide the irrigation water to the fields but also, drain part of it out again. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these stations are suffering from frequent breakdowns as the equipment exceeds the end of its useful life. There is also an acute shortage of necessary spare parts for maintenance and repair. In many of these cases, rehabilitation will prove uneconomic and indeed, will often also not prove to be technically feasible.

 145.   The plan therefore proposes that a number of the pumps should be replaced whilst others will be rehabilitated through provision of spare parts. The proposed inputs are presented in Annex AGRI 6. The overall objective of this intervention to provide services for approximately 750,000 ha of land which at present, are suffering from a severe lack of pumping capacity and efficiency.

146.    Maintenance of Irrigation Projects.  Whilst the establishment of irrigation projects requires a very high level of investment, it will be a waste if those projects are not adequately maintained.  Many of the soils in Iraq are alluvial and are exposed to erosion. This causes high rates of sedimentation in the rivers, which could adversely affect water supply for irrigation purposes.  In order to maintain these resources, the rivers and water channels require continuous dredging. Equipment and sprinkler irrigation systems for maintaining the high efficiency of the irrigation projects need either to be replaced or to be repaired, also to execute some projects in order to increase the Irrigated area and to save in water requirements.  Annex AGRI 7 indicates the immediate requirements, which have been identified for inclusion in the present plan.

147.    Surveys and monitoring of water storage structures. The main infrastructure for water storage and control consists of dams and barrages. These not only store the water prior to its distribution but also constitute a vital component of the flood control measures. As part of the maintenance procedure for such structures, periodic monitoring surveys must be undertaken. In addition, the Saddam Dam on the upper Tigris above Mosul requires grouting for its foundations.  The inputs required in this regard are presented in Annex AGRI 8.

148.    In vast areas, ground water resources represent the only source of irrigation and drinking water. Governorates which currently suffer from water shortages include Kerballa, Najaf, Anbar, Tameem, Diyala, Salah Al-Deen and Basrah.

149.    The inputs consisting of equipment and spare parts which are required for restoring the ground water supply are listed in Annex AGRI 9.

150.    Water and Soil Analysis.  Deterioration of water quality and agricultural soils throughout the country necessitates continuous monitoring by the Ministry of Irrigation. These activities need well equipped laboratory facilities. To enable the Ministry to carry out these activities, necessary laboratory instruments and supplies have been included in the plan (see Annex AGRI 10).

151.    The implementation of the proposed plan allocated US $ 350.69 million for agriculture of which US $ 89.74 million is for the three northern governorates (Dohuk, Erbil and Suleimaniyah).   US $ 171 million is allocated for irrigation for the 15 governorates.

152.    In accordance with paragraph 40 of the MOU, the Government of Iraq shall provide the Programme with detailed information about the delivery of supplies and equipment to their locations. In order to facilitate the observations of their use, the Programme will conduct the tasks provided for in paragraph 8 of annex-1 of the MOU.

PART SIX

PLAN OF PURCHASE OF MATERIALS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION SECTOR

153.    Primary, secondary and higher education in Iraq have been effected by the severe shortage of basic teaching materials, school furniture books, and stationery, printing requirements, training laboratories and other basic requirements.  The damages of the classrooms of about 5000 schools remained non-repaired. Most of these classrooms are without doors or windows. In some schools, the classroom, which usually holds 30 students, enrolls 70 students. A large number of schools still lacks potable water and sanitation. This sector needs an urgent rehabilitation as indicated by the reports of UN agencies and the report of the UN Secretary-General of 29 November 2000 (S/2000/1132).

154.    The current situation has led to the decrease in school enrollment and to a considerable increase in the rate of school dropouts, particularly in the primary and secondary stages. The quality of teaching has been effected by the lack of basic educational means and materials. Thus, the general, basic and urgent requirements of the educational sector throughout Iraq are estimated at large amounts, US $ 248.28 million allocated for this sector, of which US $ 153.02 million have been allocated in the plan for the basic educational requirements up to the secondary stage, of which US $ 62.02 million allocated for the three northern governorates.

155.     Under distribution plans I, II and III, the programme in the three northern governorates implemented several construction and rehabilitation projects for primary and secondary education across the three northern governorates.   These activities were expanded to cover higher education in other sectors, such as health, under distribution plans VI and VII.  The Education Management Information System “EMIS” Project, which aims at strengthening the local planning and management capacity for education, was initiated under distribution plan VII. Improved planning and management, provided under this project, will enhance budgeting and implementation.  For phase IX, more attention will be focused on the quality of secondary and higher education.

156.    As a continuation of the previous phases, the Programme under phase IXwill support access to basic education by improving the learning environment through renovation of infrastructure, provision of school furniture and teaching materials, and provision of technical assistance for developing the quality of teaching.  The number of kindergartens and primary schools will be increased, and local capacity to produce textbooks further strengthened. To sustain programme implementation, the planning and management skills within the education authorities will be enhanced and supported.

157.    In secondary education, the programme in the three northern governorates will  focus on improving the quality of educational services, and on providing education equipment, tools, and supplies.  Newly constructed schools will continue to be provided with all the necessary furniture and textbooks to students in all three governorates. 

158.    Improving educational services necessitates the provision of transportation facilities to students and teachers. The programme will also diversify educational services through libraries and the training of librarians, and well as through providing students’ supplies for sports, music, and art.  Significant resources will continue to be allocated to science education. 

159.    Training seminars and courses will be conducted to enhance the skills of teachers and administrators. 

160.    For Higher education, there is a need for construction and rehabilitation of universities as well as the provision of necessary equipment and supplies.  The plan allocates US $ 130.38 million of which US $ 57.88 million for higher education in the three northern governorates.

161..    In the three northern governorates, the provisions for higher education under distribution plans VII and VIII complement similar activities in previous phases with respect to construction and rehabilitation of facilities and provision of equipment and supplies.   Emphasis continues to be placed on two important institutions:  a master plan for the University of Suleimaniyah, and a conference hall for Salahaddin University.  

162.    Distribution plan IX will include training in all academic fields, exchanges of professors, provision of scientific literature, and enhancing the teaching and research capacity of laboratories. Construction is also continuing for the University of Dohuk, Salahaddin University, the University of Suleimaniyah, and technical institutes in the three governorates.  In addition, means of transportation for students and staff will be provided.

PART SEVEN

INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR FOOD, NUTRITION, AGRICULTURE

AND HEALTH SECTOR TRANSPORT AND TELE-COMMUNICATIONS AND THE PLAN OF PURCHASE OF MATERIALS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION/BANKING REQUIREMENTS

Telecommunications

163.    The telecommunication sector is considered as the infrastructure to Iraq’s infrastructure. It has a vital role to play in the improvement of food distribution, medicine, water and sanitation, electricity, and the rest of the humanitarian Programme sectors. Before 1991 the telephone density in the country was 5.6 telephones per 100 inhabitants. In 1999 this density has decreased to 3.3 due to damaged exchanges, shortage of spares and increase in the population. World telephone density average is 10%.

164.    The present state of telecommunication systems throughout Iraq is extremely poor. Apart from the wider social considerations, there are negative consequences for the efficient procurement and distribution of humanitarian supplies. The difficulties experienced by the Ministries involved in implementing the MOU when communicating with their suppliers have contributed to delays in ensuring timely submission of applications and subsequently in the delivery of supplies to Iraq. In the health sector, poor communications between warehouses and hospitals have contributed to delays in the collection of supplies by health facilities. The absence of adequate data links has also hindered the timely passing on of accurate information on requirements. With regard to the electricity sector, this has affected the co-ordination of operation between the source, the transmission stations and substations.

165.    A UN mission (August 1998) to Iraq by experts delegated from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has concluded that the entire telecommunication infrastructure is deteriorating to such an extent that the quality of service is beyond comprehension. The rate of unsuccessful calls has risen dramatically in recent years and the quality of transmission channels is so bad that it constitutes a major problem for even the transmission of faxes. At present, the transfer of computer files, (data transfer), is almost impossible via the public telephone network and this affects directly UN observation activities and reporting. The mission, further, concluded that the rehabilitation and modernization of the telecommunication network is a huge development project. It would require an investment of US $ 1 billion or more and its implementation could take between 7 and 10 years. This of course falls outside the SCR 986 Programme.

166.    In order to ensure a more effective implementation of a distribution plan and enhanced utilization of commodities imported, communication equipment is required. The requirements presented in the current distribution plan are those identified by ITU mission referred to in item 4 below and has the objective of replacing damaged or obsolete equipment and introducing some new equipment that will improve communications in areas of activities of the humanitarian Programme in Baghdad and other few selected areas. This will directly have positive impact on the improvement of the procurement and distribution system of humanitarian supplies.

167.    The installation of telecommunication projects requires high level of expertise. Before 1991, the staff of ITPC used to carry out all the installation of telecommunication equipment with minor supervision from the suppliers. The same staff was able to put the majority of the remaining systems, immediately after the war, into operation. The plan envisages the utmost use of local resources for the installation and commissioning of the projects, to minimize expenditures.

168.    Whilst the establishment of telecommunication projects requires a very high level of investment, this all risks to be lost unless those projects are adequately maintained. In order to maintain these projects properly, planned on-job training is required. It goes without saying that the new equipment to be purchased is of new technical generation. This will require training in the manufacturer premises.

169.     A reliable system of telecommunications is an integral part of the life of the community and is essential for information flow among service providers, and for co-ordination of environmental protection and of sectors like food, agriculture, education, electricity, and emergency health services.  The telecommunication projects envisaged in the three northern governorates under phase IX cover improvements to the existing external plant network, implementation of a mobile cellular GSM system, and the replacement of remote exchange units and their interconnection to transmission links in the three governorates. Due to limited availability of funds and other constraints, only the priority areas have been considered for improvement under the present phase. These basic requirements are reflected in the annexes to this distribution plan.

170.    The GSM system would initially cater for 15,000 subscribers mostly in the remote areas thereby meeting their immediate communication needs in social and business activities. The improvements to the existing external plant network would pave the way for a more reliable network conforming to ITU guidelines and recommendations thereby facilitating data and ISDN applications. 

171.    All activities by the programme in the three northern governorates will be compatible with the national telecommunications network.

Railways

172.    The Iraqi Railways plays a great part in the transportation of food and agriculture products, beginning with the first stage of farming by providing fertilizers, seeds, etc. This kind of transportation from most of the cities in Iraq to different parts of the country requires special wagons and rolling stock. Most of the transportation of food which arrived at Um-Qasr port under the MOU, especially grains and rice, are carried by railways to most cities of Iraq. The Iraqi Railways can not fulfil its obligations to distribute the required quantities of food due to the lack of spare parts for locomotives and wagons, which are needed for this huge transportation task. The number of operating locomotives has been reduced to 65, and the operating number of wagons reduced from 11000 to 1000, representing different kinds of wagons, because of this shortage of spare parts needed for major maintenance. The Iraqi Railways need 365 locomotives per day to be in a position to assure a minimum standard of transportation service. Moreover, the condition of the present railway track system, totaling about 2500 KM, is not in a state of repair which permits the acceptance of this number of locomotives and wagons, because of the non availability of spare parts and materials for maintenance of the tracks, including spare parts for track-maintenance machines. This situation affects the capacity and the safety of the rail transport system, and will only deteriorate further unless urgent measures are taken to halt the decline.

173.    In accordance with paragraph 41 of the MOU, the Government of Iraq shall provide the Programme with detailed information about the delivery of supplies and equipment to their locations in order to facilitate the monitoring of their use and to make sure of this. The Programme will conduct the tasks provided for in paragraph 8 of annex-l of the MOU.

Ports

174.    The port of Um-Qasr is the only port in Iraq authorized to receive commodities imported to Iraq against the MOU. Since 1991 the port facilities have not been maintained and consequently they have now degraded to an extent which is severely limiting the ability to handle humanitarian supplies. To prevent further degradation in the situation it is necessary to dredge the entry channels and repair the port facilities.

175.    Dredging. Prior to 1991, the channel and wharf could accept vessels with a draught of 10.5 metres. Today that draught has been reduced to 8.5 – 9 metres , and as result larger vessels discharge in Jordan, (Aqaba), and goods are transported by road to Iraq a distance of 1350 KM. This adds 4 to 5 days to the transit time and increase transport cost by $38-40 per metric tons. Dredging the channels and port will increase in the capacity of Um-Qasr will lead to an increase in the capacity and result in more vessels using the port. This will increase the rate of delivery of Humanitarian Supplies into Iraq and reduce the landed cost of goods by $38 - $ 40 per metric tonne.

176.    Port Facilities.  The state of port facilities has similarly degenerated. Mechanical handling equipment is old and inefficient; safety equipment, including fire fighting equipment, is obsolete and unreliable; auxiliary power, essential to provide 24 hours operation and for safety and security, is non-existent. The availability of tugs and pilot vessels imposes delays on berthing and accordingly on the speed of discharging humanitarian supplies. The speed of discharging has a direct effect on the receipt and ultimate distribution of humanitarian supplies, as well as the total cost of commodities. Any improvement in this area will have a positive effect on the humanitarian Programme.

Land Transport

177.    To carry MOU commodities from Umm Qasr and Trebil, different trucks (flat semi trailer, refrigerants, open trailers lorries of different kinds and capacities are required for this purpose. More than 10000 ( ten thousand) trucks are required per year.

Public Transport

178.    To overcome congestion in carrying public throughout the country ( towns and rural areas), different kinds of busses are required (city and inter city mini busses, coasters, etc.). Since, trains could not meet the demand.

Other Sub-Sectors

179.    Demand for supplying earth moving equipment (shovels, graders, etc) together with fuel tankers, water tankers, generating sets, etc. are needed to replace old ones. Also needed tyres, spare parts, repair kits and tools for this purpose.  Attached as an Annex is a list of projects contemplated.

180.    In addition , requirements for civil Aviation & Hetrolergical  office are essential to support MOU.

           One)        Planes under Iraqi Airways carry sick people & disabled for treatment outside Iraq. That means facilities such as buses, different vehicles, Ambulances , etc need to be in good countries & in operative manner.

           Two)       Metallurgical Reports & information’s are needed  for farming in all sector throughout the bounty.

    Total fund for Telecommunication & Transport sector will amount to US $ 440.40 million.

181.    In accordance with paragraph 41 of the MOU, the Government of Iraq shall provide the Programme with detailed information about the delivery of supplies and equipment to their locations in order to facilitate the monitoring of their use and to make sure of this. The Programme will conduct the tasks provided for in paragraph 8 of annex-l of the MOU.

PART EIGHT

PLAN FOR THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE OIL SECTOR

182.     The implementation of the provisions of distribution plan necessitates achieving steady and sustained rate of oil exports which requires the continuation of the purchase of spare parts, materials and equipment needed for maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrading of obsolete or semi-obsolete equipment and systems as well as development of existing and new oil fields in the upstream sector in order to compensate for the depletion in oil available for export and prevent further deterioration in oil production, processing, storage , transportation capabilities and ensure better reservoir management and improve environmental protections and pollution control.

183.     In regard to downstream requirements, the provision of various oil products for local consumption meets a range of essential humanitarian requirements including heating, cooking, transportation and electricity production. Hence it is essential to sustain the safe operations of the existing refineries with acceptable standards of efficiency, safety and environmental protection, as well as to continue the rehabilitation, revamping & upgrading of the oil product production & distribution facilities to achieve these aims as well as provide and transport the fuel needed to operate the electricity generating plants in the country. Moreover, overcoming severe and chronic shortages in essential items such as LPG cylinders which have been utilized years beyond their safe working life, requiring immediate replenishment and compensation to avoid unnecessary burns and accidents. Similarly, fuel stations and other related facilities should be operated within appropriate safety margins. Hence provision has to be made for the continued supply of urgently required equipment to achieve the above aims.

184.     In regards to Oil Training Institutes requirements, some basic needs have to be provided for these institutes to enable them to carry out the task of developing middle level technical staff, for the oil industry

185.     $ (600) million dollars is allocated (UNSCR 1330) for the Oil Sector in phase IX for the supply of spare parts, materials, equipment and cost of service contracts to cover the essential and urgent needs of the Oil Sector, to enable it to implement the necessary works and projects mentioned above. $ (370) million dollars will be allocated for the upstream ,$ (225) million dollars for the downstream requirements and $(5) million dollars for Oil Training Institutes requirements.

186.     The secretary general delegated a team of experts to discuss the Oil Sector’s requirements with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil representatives.

           An annex coded (08-9) outlining these requirements was submitted to the team on the 17^th of January 2001 after the completion of the consultations between the two parties during their visit to Iraq over the period 13-18 January 2001.

187.     In accordance with paragraph (41) of the M.O.U., the Government of Iraq shall provide detailed and timely information about the delivery of supplies of equipment to their locations in order to facilitate and ensure observation of their use.     

PART NINE

PLAN FOR THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE HOUSING SECTOR

188.    A sum of US $ 342 million has been allocated under phase IX to import materials, raw materials and machinery and other related requirements for the Housing and construction needs in all fifteen central and southern governorates under this plan. The requirements for the social welfare projects such as schools, hospitals, streets, mosques, churches and water and sewerage projects as well as other projects which render services to the population. This shall include:

·       The building materials imported by the Ministry of Trade, will be distributed to the public by the State Company for Construction Materials and the State Company for Shopping Centres directly from the warehouses of these companies, spread over the mentioned governorates, upon presenting the official and formal building license together with documents showing that the plot on which the housing unit will be constructed is owned by the applicant and that the housing unit will not exceed 400 sq. mt of floor area. Specifying the quantities required shall be done through the engineering Department in the mentioned two companies taking into consideration the size of plot. The prices of the materials supplied shall be decided by the Ministry of Trade.  The plan allocates US $ 209 million to this element.

·       The building materials imported by the Ministry of Housing and Construction will be for the task of constructing housing complexes and other public utilities in all central and southern governorates. An allocation will be made to the Ministry of Housing and Construction under phase IX to cover the cost of importation of equipment (i.e., bulldozers, cranes, shovels) required by this Ministry to build social housing complexes and other public utilities closely related to housing in all fifteen central and southern governorates , in addition to that these imported equipments will be utilize for the rehabilitation of existing roads and the construction of new roads and bridges.   Roads and bridges are part of the countries basic infrastructure and an important factor for the efficient implementation of all humanitarian sectors.   Because of the limitations of the railway and the lack of alternative transport means, the country depends heavily on the road infrastructure for the transport of humanitarian goods as well as for the private sector. The plan allocates US $ 65 million to this element.

·       The Materials and the equipment imported by the Ministry of Industry and Minerals will be for rehabilitation of plants that produce construction materials , such as cement brick ,tiles, iron and steel factories also electrical facilities plant in addition to the raw materials nedded to produce such construction materials . The plan allocates US $ 68 million to this element.

RESETTLEMENT REHABILITATION

189.    In the three northern governorates, the programme provides Internally Displaced Persons and other needy persons in northern Iraq with viable, long-term settlement programming such as community-based housing initiatives. The activities are focused on the settlement and rehabilitation sector, which involves the design, programming, and implementation of construction or reconstruction of settlements with sufficient infrastructure and access to basic services to ensure sustainability.

190.     Settlement and rehabilitation projects involve design, tendering, and construction of new and rehabilitated housing, water supply, sanitation and storm water drainage systems, roads, schools, clinics, and other related services in rural and urban areas. Housing projects may vary from developments of ten to six hundred houses. Infrastructure projects may be small local works or more complex medium scale projects requiring greater capital investment such as treatment plants, municipal services and public markets. 

An allocation of US $ 82 million has been made for these purposes in phase IX.

MINE RELATED ACTIVITIES

191.    There are currently more than 3600 known minefields in the three northern governorates, which continue to plague the lives of the local population. Civilian landmine casualties are estimated at between ten and twenty per month.  An estimated twenty per cent of the arable land within the region cannot be cultivated due to landmines. Resettlement activities are furthered hampered by the presence of landmines. 

192.    The  Mine Clearance Program in the three northern governorates focuses on the locating and removal of landmines to allow the civilian population to lead unimpeded lives. The emphasis is on communities with the greatest needs for village resettlement, agriculture, and other humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation projects supporting community activities.  Manual clearance teams, dogs and the continued operation of mechanical clearance devices are utilized to address the mine problem. Continuation of victim/prosthesis centers, and of mine awareness training, are core components to the Mine Action Program. The current plan requires $US10 million for the ongoing support of these activities.

PART TEN

SPECIAL ALLOCATION REQUIREMENTS

Introduction

193.    In addition to the uniform food ration distributed to the entire population, they also receive basic services such as health care, potable water, sanitation facilities, subsidized power supply and rehabilitated shelters under the humanitarian programme.  The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is the nodal Ministry tasked with the provision of assistance programmes to the most needy segments of the population outside the SCR 986 arrangements. The special allocation envisaged in paragraph 12 of SCR 1330 (2000) for the impoverished segments of the population has been earmarked under the distribution plan to support essential humanitarian services for this group.

194.    These funds are also intended to establish lasting infra-structural assets and service delivery for the continuing benefit of the needy groups through projects implemented in the health, housing and water and sanitation sectors.  In this regard, the government has identified targeted geographic areas in the central and southern governorates.  The classified list of requirements under this allocation will be specified in the annexes with special sector codes.

Water and Sanitation

195.    The condition of water and sanitation systems in many parts of the country remains critical. Large sections of suburban and rural areas have either no access to potable water or receive inadequate quantities, invariably of poor quality. To ameliorate this situation, US $ 121.74 million has been made available under the special allocation to the General Establishment for Water and Sewage (GEWS) for the supply of electrical and mechanical equipment for plants in affected areas. The government will submit projects for 14 water treatment plants in the central and southern governorates of Nineva, Salah El-din, Baghdad, Kerbala, Al-Qadissiya, Thi Qar, Missan, Basrah and Al-Anbar. In addition, envisaged are mechanical equipment for compact and osmosis units to improve the quality and quality of water in rural areas.

196.    A total amount of US $ 44.27 million has been earmarked from the special allocation to execute water and sewage projects in Baghdad to improve the delivery of drinking water to one million beneficiaries in the southern part of the city (Kamaliya, Aubaydi, Ameen). Of this amount, US $ 18 million would be utilized for seven Nissan water treatment plants, which have a capacity of 225000 m³/day.  

197.    An additional amount of US $ 7 million is earmarked for Tammoz water treatment plant with a design capacity of 68000 m³/day. The end users, totaling 350000 individuals, reside in Battaween district of Baghdad where available drinking water per person is less than the minimum recommended, because of it location at the furtherest end of the network from the pumping station of the City of Baghdad. The funds would provide items such as water pumps, tanks, ductile pipes, pressure filters, and electrical generators.

198.     US $ 15 million earmarked for the implementation of a sewage network for Zafaraniya District in Baghdad, one of the most densely populated areas of more than 100000 low-income inhabitants, will address the problems of flooded septic tanks thus reducing the hazards of an outbreak of infectious diseases. The project includes:

·       4 Sewage treatment compact units,

·       20 pumping stations using submersible pumps, and

·       140 km of pipes.  

Housing Requirements

199.    The housing situation for the majority of people remains precarious. Construction activity ceased some years ago while demographic figures indicate that the population has increased significantly. Consequently, the most needy seek refuge in existing buildings thus exacerbating overcrowding and accelerating the deterioration of the physical structures. The special allocation envisages the construction of new dwelling units in cities with enormous unmet housing needs.

200.    The Ministry of Housing and Construction intends to utilize the amounts earmarked under the special allocation to design , supply materials and requirements and building of  housing complexes in Baghdad, Missan, Thi-Qar and Muthanna where overcrowding prevails with a high concentration of low-income families.

201.    In addition to houses, the project development plan includes an elementary school, two intermediate schools, a medical centre, mosque and shopping center and administrative offices. These sites will be provided with all necessary infrastructure facilities such as water, sewage , roads , car parks , power connections and other network services. The Plan allocates US $ 110.68 million for these projects.

Health

202.    The Ministry of Health has prepared a plan for the utilization of additional funds for the rehabilitation of medical facilities as detailed in the annexes. These facilities, providing services to the disabled and other special cases, in addition to the general population, have deteriorated markedly. The plan includes the rehabilitation of medical facilities in the southern and central governorates of Baylon, Wasit, Nineva, Missan Kerbala, Sala-Eldine, Tamim, Baghdad and Diyala for a total expenditure of US $ 110.68 million.

203.    The rehabilitation will also improve the provision of specialized services to a reasonable standard for special needs cases such as plastic surgery for the handicapped, cancer treatment, pediatric services as well as general preventive and curative services.