All items are being procured locally, with the exception of plastic sheeting which CCSL has in stock. The needs are being met from the current ACT Appeal AFSL81, which was issued on 8 January 98. For now the additional budgetary implications are not huge but if further IDPs arrive additional funds will soon be required. Program plans remain unchanged at this stage, though this is being reassessed continuously. The Tonkilili operational areas is currently not accessible, all programs have been suspended and the situation is being monitored - the Makeni office has been temporarily closed and staff redeployed to Bo to cope with the IDPs.
All CCSL staff are safe.
One CAid staff was evacuated on Christmas eve. He is in Banjul and will travel to Conakry this week. Another staff person will join him in Conakry from where both plan to travel to Freetown as soon as the situation permits. ACT members are continuously monitoring the situation and this office will keep the network informed on the developments. Thank you for your kind attention.