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