MASERU REQUEST FOR SUPPLEMENTAL 7901 FUNDING

UNCLAS MASERU 000215 SIPDIS OBO/OM/AM/AF - PETER VAN ECK CAPE TOWN FOR FM JOHNNY SHIELDS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ABUD AFIN LT SUBJECT: MASERU REQUEST FOR SUPPLEMENTAL 7901 FUNDING REF: NUMEROUS AND VARIED POST/AMO COMMUNIQUES ¶1. Maseru respectfully requests supplemental 7901 funding to be allocated for the following projects. ¶A. Repair and maintenance of the Chief of Mission Residence (GO property #1001),to include excavation, concrete removal, and replacement of significant broken concrete walkways and skirting, repair to the leaking car port and store room roof, replacement of guttering and downspouts, and improvements to storm drain and rainwater runoff. The CMR is an aging, but extremely valuable property which needs continuing maintenance. As the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs recently noted, Ambassador Nolan has reversed the practice of relying on drab local hotels and maximized use of the CMR for representation, resulting in cost savings and lively interaction with guests. The effect has been a boon to post donor coordination, GOL participation, outreach, and Mission morale. With increased usage and the imminent rainy season approaching, the CMR requires this imperative work. Estimated cost: $30,000. ¶B. Repair and maintenance of the Deputy Chief of Mission's Residence (GO property #9009),to include concrete repaving work, tree root removal which is blocking the sewer pipe and creating a serious health concern, excavation and replacement of skirting being undermined by poor storm drainage, as well as roof guttering and downspout replacement. The DCR is located immediately adjacent to the Chancery compound. Little work has been done on this property since it was significantly upgraded nearly ten years ago. With increasing rainfall and an old installation of poor quality materials, rain guttering has badly deteriorated. The resulting leakage is beginning to undermine the foundation of the house. The relatively minimal funding required will increase if time passes without the necessary work being taken care of. Estimated cost: $15,000. ¶C. Repair and maintenance of the Management Officer's Residence (GO property #8008),to include removal and replacement of broken and rusted galvanized interior pipe, repair of vertical settlement wall cracks, repair of holes in the eaves, and excavation, removal and replacement of broken and spalled concrete skirting around the house. The MOR too, has experienced significant wear and tear over the past year, especially with the heavy storms and sustained rains we experienced. Many of the leaky pipes are those originally installed during construction of the house. The leakages have damaged both government property as well as that of the occupant. As with the DCR, the heavy rains have overwhelmed the current dilapidated guttering causing water to stand around and undermine the house's foundations. Without immediate attention, the condition of the property will continue to deteriorate and require still greater resources to restore it to its charming glory. Estimated cost: $37,500. ¶D. Repair and maintenance of the Embassy maintenance building (property #7008),to include removal, demolition, retiling, electrical work, and replacement parts. Estimated cost: $75,000. ¶E. Repair and reconfiguration of the A/GSO office (property #7010),to include demolition, carpeting, partitioning, and replacement parts. Estimated cost: $25,000. ¶F. Repair of sidewalk near GSO cabana (property #7010),to include repaving and excavation. Estimated cost: $10,000. ¶2. Post highly appreciates OBO's favorable considerations for funding of these critical and urgent maintenance requirements. NOLAN