DJIBOUTI RESPONSE TO PROPOSED

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DJIBOUTI 000079

SIPDIS

OBO FOR DIRECTOR WILLIAMS
OBO/PD/PEA/CPB FOR PAUL THORN
OBO/PD/PDD FOR MAHFUZUR RAHMAN
OBO/AM FOR FRANKLIN WHITE
AF/EX FOR STEVE NOLAN AND VIRGINIA MILHOUS
AF/E FOR EUNICE REDDICK

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT ABLD DJ
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI RESPONSE TO PROPOSED
REVISIONS TO SRP

REF (A) E-MAIL - REVISIONS TO DJIBOUTI SRP

(01/12/06)
(B) E-MAIL - DJIBOUTI/TASKER #10210
ATTACHMENTS (01/17/2006)
(C) 05 Djibouti 1111


1. Post has reviewed the cost saving
measures proposed in OBO's most recent Value
Engineering (VE) study as outlined in Refs A
and B. While some of the proposed changes
are acceptable, post feels that it is
critical to oppose proposed changes that -
coupled with the extreme climate of this
country and the cultural isolation here -
will result in severely negative impacts on
post operations and morale that will further
erode efforts to staff this growing Hard-to-
Fill post.


2. Chancery Large to Medium: Post agrees
that downsizing the footprint of the
chancery is a logical cost savings measure
provided that any future growth can be
accommodated through expansion of the
chancery or annexes on the existing
compound. However, post cautions that
moving offices from annex buildings (as
proposed) and adding the cafeteria into a
smaller chancery building will create
immediate space limitations that must be
managed.


3. Removal of swimming pool and cabana:
Post strongly objects to the removal of the
pool and cabana from the NEC. The existing
Embassy compound incorporates a pool that is
a center of Embassy community activity
especially over the summer months. With
daily average high temperatures above 120
during summer months and extremely high
humidity, employees and family members rely
upon the current facilities. The embassy
pool is a secure location for family
activities that is not replicated anywhere
in Djibouti. Removal of the pool from the
NEC will further erode our ability to
attract employees to this growing post.
Since MSG watch-standers are not authorized
vehicles, the MSG Detachment will also
benefit from having an on-site, secure
recreational outlet. If the pool is not
included in the NEC, post requests OBO
support to maintain possession of the
existing Embassy compound with recreation
facilities which, other than at the Sheraton
Hotel, do not exist for the public. Post
will adamantly oppose any course of action
that will result in the loss of secure
recreation facilities that are essential to
our efforts to attract and retain employees.
(See Ref C for other justifications for
keeping the existing compound)


4. Removal of Chancery Atrium: Post
requires a central gathering location where
awards ceremonies, town-hall meetings and
other formal (and informal) events can be
held. Employees are not able to escape the
confines of their office buildings during
the summer months. Removal of the atrium
will have a negative impact on morale of
employees at post, will create a tomb-like
atmosphere and will prevent post from
holding events that require a central
meeting area for a significant portion of
the year due to the extreme summer
conditions and normally humid and
uncomfortable conditions except in January
and February.


5. Reducing Staff Parking: Reducing the
number of Staff parking places may provide
an immediate cost-savings, but the long-term
result will be costly maintenance of
existing green-space and loss of additional
parking as the embassy grows. Maintaining
grounds in Djibouti consumes significant
resources relative to maintaining similar
areas at other posts because of the need for
continuous watering and top soil
replenishment. Post recommends that the
parking area remain at 71 spaces. Asphalt
is far less costly to maintain in Djibouti
than grass, trees or flowers.

RAGSDALE