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Tajikistan Project Visit- Phase 1 Report
Dushanbe and the Khorog1st to 7th November 2015
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FIREAID, an organisation established with a small grant from the UK Department for International Development (DFID), bringing together a number of UK Fire & Rescue Humanitarian Aid organisation’s under one umbrella. FIREAID’s member organisation’s operate in over 30 countries particularly where the challenges of fires, natural disasters and road crashes are most acute – providing fire and rescue humanitarian aid to communities in need of such assistance. Among other areas of work, FIREAID provides guidance and sets standards for donation projects, manages an equipment database, and provides a forum for discussion on issues relevant to its members. Further information can be found on its website: www.fire-aid.org.
An initial scoping visit to Dushanbe, Tajikistan took place in March 2015, funded by DFID, to begin exploring how the UK might cooperate with Tajikistan and best support the emergency services. The evidence gathered showed that the fire service lacked the equipment, training and resilience to effectively respond to road traffic collisions and other emergencies in both Dushanbe and rural areas (the full scoping report is available on request). The report recommended that a large-scale donation and training programme should be implemented to build the capacity of the emergency services in this vital area starting in 2016. This second visit took place in November 2015, funded by the British Embassy in Dushanbe, to donate trauma equipment to appropriate services and further plan the larger scale donation of fire and rescue aid to Tajikistan in 2016. Delegation
Alfred Wilson (Chair SESHAA and Steering Group Member FIREAID)
Michael Pitney (Advisor EASST and Steering Group Member FIREAID)
Paul Radcliffe (SESHAA and Steering Group Member FIREAID)
Julie Utting (Director of Administration and Communications, FIRE AID and EASST)
Partner Organisation Representative
FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance (an affiliate to the Aga Khan Development Network)
Pete Stevenson
Young Generation of Tajikistan
Naimjon Mirzorakhimov
Kumush Murtazakulova
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CONTENTS
Executive Summary.................................................................1
Contents..................................................................................2
Objectives................................................................................3
The Programme.............................................................4-5-6-7
Potential Funding Partner Meetings………………………………………8
Phase 2 proposal- September 2016……………………………………….9
Notes…………………………………………………………………………………..10
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OBJECTIVES
Following on from the success of the March 2015 scoping visit, and with support from the British Embassy, FOCUS and Young Generation Tajikistan, this visit was an important stepping stone for a wider donation of aid and training in 2016. The FIREAID team made a donation of £40,000 of trauma equipment, firefighting PPE and other essential emergency rescue supplies to emergency services in Dushanbe and Khorog accompanied by instruction. The visit is key to the planning of the donation taking place as Phase 2 in 2016, including discussions with the emergency services and other relevant stakeholders regarding the equipment, convoy requirements, training programme and other essential aspects. A particular interest of the group is to look at road traffic collisions which in 2013 were the cause of 18.8 deaths per 100,000 population (an increase from 2010 when the figure was 18.1).
90% of road deaths and injuries occur in low- and middle-income countries that have only 48% of the world's registered vehicles
Fire AID members are working with rescue services to build capacity, supply equipment for emergency response, provide training, a multi-agency approach, community engagement, education and Build political will
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THE PROGRAMME
Monday 2nd November 2015
Meeting with Ambassador Philpott.
Venue: British Embassy, Mirzo Tursunzoda Street 65, Dushanbe 734002
The team met with the Ambassador at the British Embassy, Alf Wilson thanked Ambassador Philpott for his sponsorship of the trip and ongoing support and explained the team’s ongoing plans. Julie Utting talked through the plans specific for the week. Details were discussed for the Dushanbe handover and press. The meeting was informed of the increase in road traffic deaths in Tajikistan and the latest WHO figures (up from 18.1 to 18.8)
It was agreed that the team would be supplied with a list of contacts to approach for funding in the week. The ambassador asked about road safety educational materials. Julie Utting informed of EBRD materials and Young Generation of Tajikistan. The EASST grant agreement was signed.
The Ambassador expressed his wish to support Phase 2 of the project in 2016 but due to budget restraints and strategy, he cannot guarantee anything at this stage or what amount. Julie Utting to contact the Ambassador in early 2016 reference the next grant application form. The donor list will be followed up.
Meeting with General Ibrohimzoda (formally Mammadov), Head of the Republican Fire Service Station.
The team updated the General on plans for the week and possible plans for 2016. Details were discussed for the week and possible changes to the programme depending on weather, transport, and the Khorog phase of the visit. Details for the handover and roundtable were discussed and agreed. The General informed the team that 13 fire service instructors and 10 medics have been identified to receive training later in the week.
Working Dinner with Peter Stevenson, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (affiliate to Khan Development Network)
The meeting discussed the issue of the travel arrangements to go to the Khorog, the weather would be the main obstacle, if the weather stopped the Helicopter flying we would have to discuss whether we split the team, two member’s travel by road to Khorog and two members stay in Dushanbe to meet with the Minister, Generals and undertake the handover of the donated equipment. The weather would determine our decision.
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Tuesday 3rd November 2015
Travel to Khorog Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region Weather conditions meant that the planned helicopter travel was cancelled. Julie Utting and YGT had already in place a back-up plan to move the roundtable if necessary from Thursday to Friday– this was put into action and agreed by all stakeholders including the Ministry of Internal Affairs before the team departed Dushanbe.
The team took the Pamir Highway, the M41, a road traversing the Pamir Mountains through Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is the only continuous route through the difficult terrain of the mountains and serves as the main supply route to Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. The route has been in use for millennia and formed one link of the ancient Silk Road trade route. The roadway is paved is some areas, but is mostly unpaved. The road is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. The road follows the river along the Afghan border where the Taliban are known to operate. The Focus vehicles and reputation in the region provide some protection in that regard. The team arrived late on 3rd November.
Wednesday 4th November 2015
Khorog Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region
The team visited the Focus local office to meet with staff and plan the day. FOCUS were thanked for all their support regarding the visit. Following the FOCUS meeting the group spent the morning at the main fire station in the town:
An official handover ceremony of equipment took place with the Chief, the equipment had been transported earlier by FOCUS from Dushanbe to the Khorog. Two members of the FIREAID team undertook training of the crew in the use of the donated equipment, Thermal Imaging Cameras, Spine Boards, Cervical Collars and Personal Protective Equipment and attendance certificates were awarded.
The local Firefighters gave a demonstration of their expertise in the use of hook ladder and use of pumps and hose. A planning discussion took place with the Fire Service Chief regarding the Fire Service equipment needs, RTC extrication, line rescue, search and rescue, future support and training in incident command (especially large incidents), BA and control of the scene, fire investigation.
Key points from Khorog planning discussion: the regions of GBAO also have small fire stations. It is the main station that coordinates the response. Individual numbers exist for 3 services. The Focus team then took the FIREAID group to visit “Eraj’s Lake” to view the devastation of the June flooding. Over 80 homes remain underwater.
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Alf met with Committee for Emergency Situations, in Khorog, who were fully supportive of the project. The Officer in Charge asked for a future partnership to be formed and combined training with the Fire Service, a lack of equipment was evident, a list of requirements was noted.
Thursday 5th November 2015
The team took the Pamir Highway, the M41, back to Dushanbe, a road traversing the Pamir Mountains through Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The trip along this road took the team approximately 12 hours. Driving the Pamir Highway back to Dushanbe, the team experienced first-hand the dangers of the road in Tajikistan. Aid workers engaged in humanitarian work often find themselves in extreme environments – facing risks from natural disasters, terrorist attacks and crime. But the greatest
risk they face is often unrecognised: road deaths. According to Paul Jansen, Executive Director of Fleet Forum, “Road traffic accidents are the number one killer of aid workers.” The poor road conditions of the mountain road caused an articulated lorry to become lodged on a corner of the Pamir Highway. The team discovered that just a few kilometers’ after passing the lorry, it left the road, crashing into the river below and killing a driver.
Friday 6th November 2015
Roundtable meeting- Dushanbe In addition to providing training and equipment, a key objective of the team was to plan what is hoped to be a larger scale donation of aid in Phase 2-2016. A successful roundtable discussion was held with the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Deputy Minister Olimov Nasim, Fire Service General Ibrohimzoda, Traffic Police (GAI) Health Service, Focus Humanitarian Assistance Peter Stevenson, Shodmon Hojibekov and Young Generation Tajikistan to gather information, receive feedback and inform project stakeholders on the team’s aspirations for the 2016 Phase. The issue of a Memorandum of Understanding was discussed and agreed, to be forwarded by FIREAID in February 2016. There was in depth discussion regarding the cooperation and inclusion of the Dushanbe Republican Fire Service training school and instructors in the project, this was also agreed with both the Deputy Minister and General Ibrohimzoda.
It had been brought to the attention of the team that it was not legally possible to bring right hand drive vehicles into Tajikistan, an example was given by FOCUS of some right hand drive vehicles being stopped
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at the border. The issue was discussed with the Deputy Minister and the General Ibrohimzoda, they both gave an assurance that we would receive a letter allowing any of our vehicle’s across the border into Tajikistan, this was supported by the Police (GAI) representative, who also stated that a Police escort will be made available to meet the convoy at the Tajikistan border.
The official handover of the donated Fire Service and Medical equipment.
Friday 6th November 2015
Dushanbe Fire Station.
Following the roundtable meeting, a gathering of Fire Officers, Firefighters, Fire Service Training Instructors, Medics and Medic Instructors were assembled in Dushanbe Fire Station. The purpose of the attendance of these personnel was to undertake some familiarisation training for the donated equipment.
The instruction was well received and the personnel attending were keen to learn about their new kit, following the instruction, certificates of attendance were issued by the British Ambassador, Hugh Philpott. The instructors were gathered together separately and it was explained to them the importance of their role in the project, also the role of the Fire Service Training School as the training venue.
The Handover Ceremony.
The handover of the donated equipment was preceded by a formal ceremony attended by the British Ambassador, Hugh Philpott, Deputy Minister Olimov Nasim, Fire Service General Ibrohimzoda, Traffic Police (GAI) Health Service, Peter Stevenson, Shodmon Hojibekov Executive Officer, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, the FIREAID team and the Fire Service and Medical personnel from Dushanbe. The Ambassador spoke in fluent Tajiki to the gathered audience and thanked FIREAID and its partners for their ongoing support. The Deputy Minister also spoke of FIREAID and its commitment to the project and added that the Tajiki government are looking forward to future partnership and cooperation, which they will
support and promote.
The medical aid worth £30,000 was handed over to the senior medical officer from Dushanbe, who expressed the thanks of his Minister and the team at the Dushanbe Hospital for the donation and partnership. Alf Wilson spoke on behalf of FIREAID and its partners and reiterated all that the previous speakers had said, the Ambassador was particularly thanked for his funding toward the cost of travel and accommodation for the FIREAID team, without this support this phase 1 of the project may have
had to be undertaken in early 2016. The Officers and personnel who attended were thanked for their
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interest and keenness shown in the training sessions and a particular mention was given to the Deputy Minister Olimov Nasim, Fire Service General Ibrohimzoda, for their support, friendship and partnership.
POTENTIAL FUNDING PARTNER MEETINGS
Friday 6th November 2015
SWISS AGENCY FOR COOPERATION
Julie Utting and Mike Pitney had a very positive meeting with Firuza Rahimova, the National Program Officer for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Swiss Cooperation Office Tajikistan part of the Swiss Consular Agency.
Key points:
On hearing about the project, Firuza indicated that the team would be welcome to apply to their small grants programme and would send through details to Julie Utting.
The United Nations Development Programme were commissioned to change the Tajikistan emergency phone service to a single unified number. A Swiss surgical team will likely travel to GBAO in Spring 2016 to conduct training with medics for 10-15 days. Firuza will keep Julie informed on this. The sustainability of the project and its value for money were emphasised.
UNICEF
A similar positive meeting was held with 3 representatives of UNICEF who know both Focus and YGT well. Again, the sustainability of the project and its value for money were emphasized by Julie and Mike. Julie expressed the importance of prevention, safety messages and sustainable long term behavioral change. The UNICEF team stated that they do not convey fire, road or disaster safety messages to children in current literature, media etc. but would consider doing so in the future.
The UNICEF team therefore proposed:
20 cartoons will be produced next year for children, currently there is no content on fire, road, disaster safety. There was a Suggestion of cooperation in this area on the new script. Messages are currently on hand washing and other topics but nothing on these issues.
Communication for Development Programme, contains guides on emergency prevention messages in different languages. FIREAID can add messages to this on what FIREAID is doing if we wish. This is distributed to NGOs and FIREAID can be integrated into this.
It was suggested that FIREAID approached the EU mission, Oxfam, Japan and German Embassy for grants, they will provide contacts for National Committee in London too for possible funding
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PHASE 2 PROPOSAL-SEPTEMBER 2016
The focus of Phase 2, September 2016, is on the response to road traffic collisions which currently cause 18.8 deaths per 100,000 populations in Tajikistan (WHO)– a considerably high road death rate. A project to supply road safety education, fire fighting vehicles, equipment and training to the Republican Fire Service and other emergency services in Tajikistan is recommended. The infrastructure is already in place to receive any donations.
The supply of three Emergency Service Vehicles, equipped with standard Firefighting equipment plus an RTC extrication capability, should be split between two Fire Station areas of Dushanbe and Dangara. A further rescue capability in the form of a 4x4 will be situated at a picked station in the Khorog, Pamir mountains.
Assistance is also proposed for the Police and Ambulance services. All equipment and vehicles to be sourced as redundant donations from Fire & Rescue Services, Ambulance Services and manufacturers. The equipment and vehicles to be transported by road convoy from the UK to Dushanbe- 4,261 miles. Convoy drivers to be flown from Dushanbe to UK. A team of instructors to be flown into Dushanbe to undertake a training course/courses, the venue to be the Republican Fire Service Training School, this is also the accommodation for all personnel.
Courses to be delivered: Vehicle and equipment familiarisation- RTC extrication Course- Trauma Training Course (F&RS personnel) Inter service Liaison Course RTC- Command and Control at the Scene. Trauma training RTC course for Medics to be undertaken at the Fire Service Training School where possible.
The proposed RTC/Rescue vehicle for the Pamirs, researched by personnel during phase 1 will be put in place and appropriate training, RTC, swift water rescue, line rescue and Mountain Rescue to be undertaken
The proposed dates for Phase 2-2016;
The Convoy sets out from the UK, Staffordshire, 9th September, drivers to fly back to the UK on the 24th September. A small FIREAID team will arrive in Dushanbe on the 14th Sept to set up the training school base and get ready for arrival of convoy and instructors etc. Instructors fly out to Tajikistan from the UK, 18th September, flying back to the UK on the 1st October.
Documentation.
A Memorandum of Understanding to be formulated, agreed and signed by the partner and recipient organisation’s.
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A business plan to be formulated, agreed and signed by the partner and recipient organisation’s.
NOTES
