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SADC/COMI/2013/1.2C Version 2:180913   MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORT AND METEOROLOGY 14 – 16

SADC/COMI/2013/1.2C

Version 2:180913

 

 
 

MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORT AND METEOROLOGY 

14 – 16 OCTOBER 2013 

ELEPHANT HILLS HOTEL 

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE 

DRAFT ANNOTATED AGENDA

 
 

      1.  PRELIMINARIES

 

1.1  Official Opening and Introduction of Participants

 

1.2  Adoption of the Agenda and Programme

 

      Ministers are invited to consider and adopt the draft programme SADC/COMI/2013/1.2A and draft agenda SADC/COMI/2013/1.2B presented by SADC Secretariat.

 

PART 1: ISSUES FOR DECISION

 

      2. TRANSPORT SECTOR

 

      2.1 Achievements in 2011/2013

 

      Ministers are invited to note the following achievements during 2011/2013 Financial Year:

 

        (i) Institution building: Documents required for operationalisation of the SASO;

 

        (ii) Training:  either delivered or initiated by the COSCAP-SADC Project since the 15th Meeting of the SADC Civil Aviation Committee;

 

        (iii) Technical assistance: on-site technical assistance provided by the COSCAP-SADC Project;

 

        (iv) Coordination of the implementation of the Roadmap with key milestones for the operationalisation of the Joint Competition Authority (JCA) prepared and agreed upon with COMESA-EAC-SADC and COMESA;

 

        (v) Progress on the development of the Charter for the establishment of the SADC Aviation Safety Organisation (SASO);

 

         (vi) Facilitation of the meetings of the Transport Sub Sectoral Committees (CAC) and their Working Groups;

 

        (vii) Progress on the development of the Charter for the establishment of the SADC Aviation Safety Organisation (SASO);

 

        (viii) Facilitation of the election of the United Republic of Tanzania on the Council of ICAO;

 

        (ix) Continued support and coordination of the Shire-Zambezi Waterways Project Feasibility Studies;

 

        (x) Coordination and implementation of the Corridor Infrastructure development and Transport and Trade Facilitation Programme including establishment of the Project Steering Committees of the Lobito  Development Corridor Roads Feasibility and Design Study, Nacala Development Corridor Roads and OSBP Projects Studies;

 

        (xi) Convening of corridor management committee meetings for the Lobito, North South, and of Cluster forums for the Eastern, Southern and Western Corridors; and

 

        (xii) Coordination of the development and implementation of the RIDMP.

 

      2.2 Programme Implementation

 

2.2.1  Air Transport and Civil Aviation

 

      Ministers are invited to note that, with regard to Air Transport and Civil Aviation Programme, their meeting was preceded by the meeting of the Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) that took place in Gaborone, Botswana in July 2013 and in particular considered the following issues:

 

      2.2.1.1 Status of Implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) in SADC and within the Tripartite Framework of COMESA-EAC-SADC

 

          TRIPARTITE

 

      2.2.1.1.1 Ministers will recall that at their meeting held in Centurion, South Africa in October 2011, they urged Member States, amongst others, to provide necessary support and ensure full participation of relevant stakeholders to facilitate the establishment of the Joint Competition Authority (JCA) which would regulate competition in air transport markets within the tripartite framework of COMESA, EAC and SADC

 

      2.2.1.1.2 Ministers are invited to note that:

 

        (i) COMESA, EAC and SADC Secretariats met in May 2012 in Windhoek, Namibia and recommended awarding of a contract to BH Solicitors to develop the institutional and legal frameworks for the operationalisation of the Joint Competition Authority (JCA).

 

        (ii) three (3) Workshops/meetings on the operationalization of the JCA have been held as follows:

 

          (a) The 2nd Meeting of the Board of COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite JCA held in Bujumbura, Burundi December, 2012 to consider and review the draft Inception Report from the Consultant BH Solicitors, for operationalising the JCA.

 

          (b) The ��All stakeholders�� Workshop�� on the operationalisation of the Joint Competition Authority (JCA) held in Harare, Zimbabwe in April 2013 to review the Draft Final Report presented by the Consultants in general and in particular the following deliverables:

          1. Legal instrument for the JCA; 
          1. A Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) compliant Air Service Agreement template; 
          1. Organisational and management structure and functions of the JCA Secretariat; 
          1. Business plan and budget; and 
          1. Sustainable funding mechanism, including a plan and strategy for its implementation.  
 

          (c) The 3rd meeting of the Board of the COMESA/EAC/SADC JCA held in Boksburg, South Africa in August 2013 to establish whether the comments submitted after the meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe by the Stakeholders were addressed in the report.

 

      2.2.1.1.3 Ministers are also invited to note the final draft texts were submitted by the Consultant at the end of August 2013, and in terms of the way forward, the following roadmap has been agreed on:

 

        (i) convene a meeting of the Tripartite RECs legal experts to refine the legal texts in order to harmonise them;

 

        (ii) convene a meeting of the JCA Board to adopt the final texts;

 

        (iii) convene a meeting of the Tripartite Task Force Infrastructure Subcommittee to consider the documents from the JCA; and

 

        (iv) convene a meeting of the Tripartite Senior Officials responsible for civil aviation – to be determined by the Tripartite Task Force.

 

          Decision

 

      2.2.1.1.4 Ministers are invited to urge Member States to render support and fully participate in the process of operationalizing the JCA.

 

      2.2.1.2 Implementation of the SADC Upper Airspace Control Centre (UACC) Project and harmonisation of Air Navigation Regulations

        SADC UACC

 

      2.2.1.2.1 Ministers will recall that at their meeting held in Centurion, South Africa in October 2011, they urged Member States, amongst others:

 

        (i) noted that collaborative efforts, on developing a strategy for implementing the UACC Project, between the Directorates of the SADC Organ for Peace, Defence and Security Cooperation and Infrastructure and Services were in progress;

 

        (ii) urged Member States to undertake consultations and collaborative arrangements with relevant stakeholders including security organizations at national level with the objective of establishing consensus and a strategy for  expediting the implementation of the SADC-UACC Project;

 

        (iii) directed the Secretariat to convene meetings of SADC-UACC stakeholders during 2012/2013 to develop a strategy and roadmap with clear milestones for the implementation of the SADC –UACC Project; and

 

        (iv) directed the Secretariat to ensure that there was clear division of responsibility between the Directorates of the SADC Organ for Peace, Defence and Security Cooperation and Infrastructure and Services.

 

      2.2.1.2.2 Ministers are invited to note that CAC at its meeting held in Gaborone, Botswana in June 2012:

 

        (i) requested South Africa to verify the date for the SAC Extraordinary Meeting in September 2012 and advise the Secretariat to facilitate coordination and participation by CAC Members;

 

        (ii) agreed on the need to establish a Joint Military/Civil Steering Committee to facilitate implementation of the SADC UACC Project.

 

      2.2.1.2.3 Ministers are also invited to note that:

 

        (i) The South African Department of Transport had approached the South African Air Force (SAAF) regarding the CAC's request that South Africa verifies the date for the SAC Extraordinary Meeting in September 2012.

 

        (ii) The SAAF had advised that the Standing Committee on Aviation (SAC) had considered the CAC request and had reached the conclusion that the matter of the UACC could not be fruitfully discussed at SAC-level and they referred the matter of the UACC to the SADC Operations Sub-Sub Committee (OSSC).

 

        (iii) The OSSC presented the matter to the meeting of the Defence Sub Committee (DSC) that took place in May 2013 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

 

        (iv) DSC directed the Defence Intelligence Sub Committee and the SAC to sit together before the next meeting of the Inter State Defence and Security Committee planned for July 2013 and come up with security implications for the SADC UACC which would be presented to the meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Peace and Security (MCO)

 

        outcome of the 15th Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, 13 July 2013, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania presented by SAC representative

 

      2.2.1.2.4 Ministers are further invited to note that

 

        (i)  the Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the SAC was held on 24 May 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa and discussed among others the Establishment of the Upper Air Space Control Centre (UACC);

 

        (ii) SAC was informed that Member States had carried out internal consultations on Upper Air Space Control Center the matter could not be fruitfully discussed at the SAC level and referred the matter to the MCO;

 

        (iii) the DSC directed the DISC and SAC to hold a meeting before the next MCO and come up with security implications for the Upper Air Space Control Centre;

 

        (iv) the Joint SAC-DISC Meeting was held on 8th of July 2013 at the South African Air Force College, Thaba Tshwane, South Africa, to consider the security implications of implementing the SADC Upper Air Space Control Centre Project;

 

        (v) the Joint meeting observed amongst others,the following security concerns:

          (a) the confidentiality pertaining to military and governmental air space use would be compromised;

          (b) there is a lack of clarity on how the sovereignty of Member  would be dealt with and how it would be guaranteed. In addition, Member States expressed concern over the loss of their control of the individual Upper Air Space above Flight Level 240; and       

 

          (c) the external ownership and funding of the project could lead to interference and control. 

 

        (vi) The MCO noted that the control of air space is going to infringe on the sovereignty of Member States.

 

      2.2.1.2.5 Ministers are invited to note that the MCO directed the Secretariat to convene the meeting of CAC, DISC and SAC, to deliberate on the UACC as mandated by the ISDSC.

 

      Decision

 

      2.2.1.2.6 Ministers are invited to:

 

        (i) urge Member States to intensify consultations with relevant stakeholders including security organizations at national level with the objective of establishing consensus and a strategy for expediting the rolling-out of the SADC-UACC Project; and

 

        (ii) endorse the decision made by MCO at its meeting held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in July 2013.

 

      The Tripartite Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Project

 

      2.2.1.2.7 Ministers will recall that at their meeting held in Centurion, South Africa in October 2011, they noted that:

 

        (i) COMESA, in addition to the USTDA funding; secured funding from AfDB to the tune of approximately US$9.4 million for the implementation of the CNS/ATM systems project. Although the funding was sourced and secured for the COMESA project, the Tripartite Task Force (TTF) at its meeting in April 2011 in Dar es Salaam decided that the funding secured by COMESA should be used to implement the Tripartite CNS/ATM systems project and that COMESA should engage AfDB to agree on modalities for expanding the project to cover the entire Tripartite Region;

 

        (ii) COMESA recommended that a Tripartite Institutional framework for the implementation of the Tripartite CNS/ATM project comprising the steering committees of the three (3) RECs be established and that the Secretariats of EAC and SADC be involved in the discussions with the AfDB.

 

      2.2.1.2.8 Ministers are invited to note that:

 

        (i) The Tripartite CNS/ATM systems Project Implementation Unit (PIU) has been established in Kigali, Rwanda and the Government of Rwanda has allocated offices for the PIU. Office furniture and equipment has been secured;

 

        (ii) The Project Manager/Air Navigation Technical Expert, Mr Jonathan, Majakwara, has since been recruited and resumed his duties in May 2013;

 

        (iii) Recruitment of a Legal and Regulatory Expert, Procurement Expert, Senior Administrative Assistant and Driver for PIU is in progress;

 

        (v) Implementation of the project will also rely on the strong participation of the Tripartite Member States through the CNS/ATM Systems Project Steering Committee;

 

        (vi) The Steering Committee will meet regularly to approve the work programme of the PIU, approve the interim outputs of the project and provide general guidance to the PIU; and

 

        (v) ICAO Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAF) in Nairobi plays an advisory role in the Project.

 

      2.2.1.2.9 Ministers are also invited to note that:

 

        (i) CAC agreed that the members of the CNS/ATM Steering Committee will comprise the SADC Troika  while  South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe volunteered to participate in the work of the steering committee ; and

 

        (ii) the names of the CNS/ATM Steering Committee have since been submitted to the SADC Secretariat and transmitted to COMESA Secretariat.

 

          Decision

 

      2.2.1.2.10 Ministers are invited to urge Member States to support implementation of the Tripartite CNS/ATM Systems Project in full collaboration with all stakeholders including Security Organisations at national and regional levels.

 

      2.2.1.3 Update on the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme (CASP-SADC)

 

      2.2.1.3.1 Ministers will recall that at their meeting in Centurion October 2011, in Centurion, South Africa, they noted that, pursuant to their directive of May 2010 and the subsequent 14th CAC Meeting held in Windhoek, Namibia in June 2011:

 

        (i) the Secretariat had written to Member States providing contribution formula and requesting Member States to contribute funds for the Project; and

      1. ICAO would commence the recruitment of Aviation Security Experts from the Region as agreed at the 11th CAC Meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, in May 2008 as soon funds were available. 
 

      2.2.1.3.2 Ministers are invited to note that following dissemination of letters to Member States in November 2011 and subsequent reminders in April 2012 the Project has not yet received contributions from Member States.

 

      Decision

 

      2.2.1.3.3 Ministers are invited to urge Member States to make contributions to the CASP-SADC Project and if funds are still not forthcoming, to decide on whether to close the Project.

 

      2.2.1.4 Progress Made by the Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Program (COSCAP) for the Southern African Development Community States (SADC) Project

 

      2.2.1.4.1 Progress on the Process of Approving the Draft Charter Establishing SASO and Consideration of Interim Measures to Kick Start the Administrative Arrangements to Establish an Interim Secretariat of SASO

 

      2.2.1.4.1.1 Ministers will recall that at their meeting held in Centurion, South Africa in October 2011, they considered and recommended to SADC Council of Ministers approval of the Draft Charter Establishing the SADC Aviation Safety Organization (SASO).

      2.2.1.4.1.2 Ministers are invited to note that:

        (i) Council at its meeting held in Maputo, Mozambique in August 2012 referred the Draft Charter to the Committee of Ministers of Justice/Attorneys�� General for legal clearance;

        (ii) the Ministers of Justice/Attorneys General met in July 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique and considered, among others, the Draft Charter and raised comments that were to be addressed by the Committee of Ministers responsible for transport;

 

        (iii) the Ministers of Justice/Attorneys General proposed the following steps to improve and finalise the draft Charter:

          (a) introduction of amendments to the Draft Charter by taking into account their comments and further inputs  from:

            i. the SADC Ministers responsible for transport; and

            ii. the consultation processes at Member States�� level between the  Senior Legal Officials and their counterparts from the Ministries of Transport;

          (b) approval of the amendments by the Ministers responsible for transport; and

          (c) referral of the amended Draft Charter to the Committee of Ministers of  Justice/Attorneys- General for clearance and subsequent recommendation to Council and Summit.

      2.2.1.4.1.3 Ministers are also invited to note that the Secretariat, in consultation with the Legal Experts from some members of the COSCAP-SADC Project Institutionalisation Working Group addressed and cleared all the issues raised by the meeting of the Ministers of Justice/Attorneys General (Documents: SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.1A – Issues and Comments and SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.1B – amended Draft Charter).

      2.2.1.4.1.4 Ministers are also invited to note that:

 

        (i) policies and procedures that will guide SASO operations and its services to Member States have been developed and keyed to relevant articles of the SASO Charter;

 

        (ii) effectively the Management Service Agreement (MSA) signed with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is coming to an end in December 2013, including the Contracts of the ICAO Regional Experts recruited under the COSCAP SADC Project; and

 

        (iii) resources that were earmarked for the COSCAP-SADC Project by ICAO have been channelled to other ICAO pipeline projects while approval and signing of the draft SASO Charter is being finalised.

 

      2.2.1.4.1.5 Ministers are invited to consider the following interim measures that are intended to implement the administrative arrangements to operationalise SASO whilst the process of clearing the Draft Charter is being finalised:

        (i) resort, in the mean time, to establish interim arrangements for the continuation of the SASO process beyond the life of COSCAP-SADC Project. This also entails the extension of the Project to support the interim arrangements;

      1. authorize the COSCAP-SADC Project, in collaboration with the Secretariat, to proceed with the administrative and logistical processes of setting up an interim Secretariat of SASO. This entails recruitment of an interim Executive Director and the supporting staff and all the steps as contained in the Transition Plan (discussed under Agenda Item 2.2.1.4.4 below);
 

        (iii) determine the Host Member State (discussed under Agenda Item 2.2.1.4.2 below); and

        (iv) direct the Secretariat, on behalf of the Member States, to develop negotiate and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Host Member State. The MoU shall be used as legal instrument that governs the relationship between the parties, spells out the roles and responsibilities as well as the rights and obligations pertaining to the establishment of the Interim Secretariat of the SASO.

      Decision

      2.2.1.4.1.6 Ministers are invited to:

        (i) direct the Secretariat, working with the Civil Aviation Committee (CAC), to facilitate consideration of the comments raised by the Ministers of Justice/Attorneys�� General and subsequent review of the Draft Charter by Member States, and prepare a report to be presented to the Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers responsible for transport for consideration;

        (ii) mandate the Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers responsible for transport, if satisfied with the report, approve the comments and the amendments contained in the revised Draft Charter, on their behalf, for referral to the Ministers of Justice/Attorneys�� General for legal clearance;

        (iii) approve the interim measures intended to implement the administrative arrangements to operationalize SASO as outlined in paragraph 2.2.1.4.1.5 above; and

        (iv) re-affirm their commitment to budget  for their contribution to support the core operations of the COSCAP-SADC Project and proposed Interim Secretariat.

      2.2.1.4.2 Hosting of the SASO Secretariat, Draft Minimum Requirements List for Hosting and Logo for the SASO

      2.2.1.4.2.1 Ministers are invited to note that:

        (i) the COSCAP-SADC Project Steering Committee, at its 9th meeting considered  and accepted the Draft Minimum Requirements List (SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.2A) as a means of conceptualizing what would be required of a State to host the SASO, in the way of SASO office space, configuration, services and location; and

        (ii)  CAC, at its 15th meeting, held in Gaborone, Botswana in June 2012, recommended approval of the proposed Minimum Requirements for hosting the SASO.

      2.2.1.4.2.2 Ministers are also invited to note that:

        (i) CAC agreed that Member States submit, to the SADC Secretariat, their interest to host SASO by 30 August 2013 for consideration by the meeting of the Ministers; and

        (ii) Expressions of interest to host the SASO Secretariat have been received from Botswana and Swaziland.

      2.2.1.4.2.3 Ministers are further invited to note that:

        (i)  Article 4.6 of the Draft SASO Charter, requires the development of a Logo for the SASO (SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.2B);

        (ii) that the design was made within the same footprint as the SADC Logo design; and

        (iii) CAC at its 15th meeting in Gaborone, Botswana considered  and recommended approval of the SASO Logo by the Ministers.

      Decision

      2.2.1.4.2.4 Ministers are invited to:

        (i) approve the Draft Minimum Requirements List for Hosting the SASO Secretariat;

        (ii) commend Botswana and Swaziland for offering to host the SASO Secretariat;

        (iii) decide on which Member State between Botswana and Swaziland will host the SASO Secretariat as both countries meet the minimum requirements for hosting SASO Secretariat; and

        (iv) approve the Logo for SASO.

 

      2.2.1.4.3 The Draft First Year SASO Business Plan, Budget and Draft SASO Work Programme, Draft Work Programme Development Scheme

 

2.2.1.4.3.1 The Draft First Year SASO Business Plan and Budget

      Ministers are invited to note that:

        (i) The Draft First Year Business Plan (SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.3A) and Budget (SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.3B) contain the policies strategies and programmes of the SASO as well as a summary of its first year budget.

        (ii) There must be in place a first year SASO Business Plan and Budget to accommodate the Executive Director��s (ED) initial duties, responsibilities and work programme during the SASO��s first year of operation.

        (iii) During the ED��s first year in office, the ED is expected to, amongst other duties; develop a five (5) year Strategic Plan and Budget.

      2.2.1.4.3.2 Draft First Year SASO Work Programme

      Ministers are also invited to note that the Draft Work Programme (SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.3C) is:

 

        (i) intended to facilitate effective functioning of the SASO upon its operationalisation; and

 

        (ii) the product of a systematic approach to work programme planning, using the Draft Work Programme Development Scheme developed by the COSCAP-SADC Project (SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.3D).

 

        Decision

 

      2.2.1.4.3.3 Ministers are invited to consider and approve:

            (i) the First Year Business Plan and Budget of the SASO;

            (ii) The SASO Work Programme for 2014; and

            (iii) The Draft Work Programme Development Scheme.

 

      2.2.1.4.4 The Transition Plan for Operationalising the SADC Aviation Safety Organisation (SASO)

 

      2.2.1.4.4.1 Ministers are invited to note that:

        (i) the Transitional Plan (SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.4) to operationalize SASO has been developed; and

        (ii) delays in approving the Draft Charter establishing the SASO by SADC Policy Organs affected Project milestones to the extent that it delayed establishment of the SASO by one (1) year.

      Decision

      2.2.1.4.4.2 Ministers are invited to consider and approve the Transition Plan for Operationalising the SASO.

      2.2.1.4.5 Provision of Training and Technical Assistance to Member States

      2.2.1.4.5.1 Ministers will recall that, as part of its mandate, COSCAP-SADC Project:

      1. provides group training of National Continuous Monitoring Coordinators (NCMC) and pre-ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) assistance; and

        (ii)  offers training that caters for more than one NCMC per State due to the workload and scope covered by the ICAO Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA).

      2.2.1.4.5.2 Ministers are invited to note that the Project has:

        (i) either initiated or delivered formal training to 277 Government Safety Inspectors, and five (5) GSI Course Instructors; and

        (ii) provided one or more focused Pre-ICVM, National Continuous Monitoring Coordinator, Regional Operational Safety Team, Approved Maintenance Organisation Certification Monitoring and Air Operator Certification Monitoring technical assistance training to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Namibia.

        Decision

      2.2.1.4.5.3 Ministers are invited to commend the COSCAP-SADC Project for its dedication to training and technical assistance despite severe staffing and funding limitations.

      2.2.1.4.6 The Draft Regional Safety Programme (RSP)

2.2.1.4.6.1 Ministers are invited to note that:

        (i) the Project has developed an RSP (SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.6).

        (ii) RSP is composed of the following primary components:

        (a) Regional Safety Policies and Objectives;

        (b) Regional Safety Risk Management;

        (c) Regional Safety Assurance; and

        (d) Regional Safety Promotion

        (iii) An RSP is a performance based approach to the management of safety at the regional level. It is an over-arching programme that integrates various Members of SASO States�� State Safety Programmes (SSPs) into a harmonised safety programme. It builds safety on the established platform of regional harmonisation of SADC Generic Procedures (SGPs) and SADC Generic regulations (SGRs). It is driven by regional plans and priorities. It addresses regional safety issues in accordance with ICAO Document 9734B, taking into consideration the limited technical staff and budget of the SASO upon its initial operation.

        Decision

      2.2.1.4.6.3 Ministers are invited to approve the SASO Draft Regional Safety Programme. 

      2.2.1.4.7 The Draft SASO Regional Safety Inspector Credential Programme

2.2.1.4.7.1 Ministers are invited to note that:

        (i) In order to carry out their certification and surveillance duties under Article 7 of the draft SASO Charter, SASO Regional Safety Inspectors must be in possession of a current and appropriate Regional Safety Inspector Credential identifying them as technical experts of the SASO;

        (ii) This requirement is in accordance with ICAO Document 9734, Paragraphs 7.5.15 and 7.5.18;

        (iii) A Credential is a document giving evidence of the bearer��s identity, qualification, competence, or authority and is issued by a third party having authority to do so; and

        (iv) In this respect, SASO personnel, including Regional Flight Safety Inspectors (RFSIs) and Regional Aviation Safety Inspectors (RASIs), must be properly qualified and be in possession of a current and appropriate Regional Safety Inspector Credential. This will identify them as technical experts of the SASO, and accepted by the Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) of Member States. The Regional Safety Inspector Credential shall have an expiry date. 

        Decision

      2.2.1.4.7.2 Ministers are invited to consider and approve the SASO Regional Inspector Credential Programme (SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.4.7).

      2.2.1.4.8 Delegation of Authority to the CAC to Perform certain Functions of Ministers as Referenced under Articles of the draft SASO Charter.

      2.2.1.4.8.1 Ministers will recall the draft SASO Charter, where under Article 11; it states in part, that Ministers are responsible for the approval of:

      (i) policies, strategies and programmes of the SASO;

      (ii) annual budget of the SASO; and

        (iii)  the appointment, renewal or termination of employment service of the Executive Director of the SASO

      2.2.1.4.8.2 Ministers are invited to note that:

        (i) the policies, strategies and programmes of the SASO are contained in the SASO Manual, as is its first-year business plan and budget;

        (ii) the earliest the SASO might be administratively established as a SADC Organization would be 30 days after 2/3 of the SADC Member States sign the SASO Charter, when at that time the SASO Charter would go into force; and

        (iii) the first opportunity for States to sign the SASO Charter would be in October, 2013 at the Meeting of SADC Ministers in charge of Transport and Meteorology meaning that the earliest the SASO might be administratively established would be in November 2013.

      2.2.1.4.8.3 Ministers are invited to note that appointment of the SASO ED, as well as the approval and any amendments to the following documents must have approval of Ministers, under the SASO Charter:

      (i) First year SASO Business Plan and Budget;

      (ii) First year SASO Work Programme;

      (iii) Regional Safety Programme;

      (iv) Regional Safety Inspector Credential Programme   

      2.2.1.4.8.4 Ministers are also invited to note that CAC observed:

        (i) that SADC Ministers in charge of Transport and Meteorology now meet every two years as opposed to meeting annually and therefore Ministers may not be in a position to consider appointment of a SASO E.D. or to approve any amendments to the initial SASO Manual until October 2015; and   

        (ii) the constraints and impediments to progress placed upon the COSCAP-SADC Project and later the SASO, by requirements for Ministerial approval as referenced in the draft SASO Charter.

      2.2.1.4.8.5 Ministers are further invited to note that:

        (i) with reference to the SASO, the CAC performs the functions equivalent to those of the Board of Directors and it would be in the best interest of the CAAs of the SADC region if the CAC recommended to Ministers that they consider delegating authority to the CAC allowing it to approve for Ministers under the SASO Charter:

          (a) recruitment, appointment, renewal or termination of the SASO ED ; and

          (b) strategies and programmes of the SASO.

        (ii) regarding the three-year budget and the policies, the CAC agreed that those should be considered and approved by Ministers.

      Decision

      2.2.1.4.8.6 Ministers are invited to consider delegating authority to the CAC allowing it to approve for Ministers under the SASO Charter:

        (i) recruitment, appointment, renewal or termination of the appointment of SASO ED; and

        (ii) strategies, and programmes of the SASO.

      2.2.1.4.9 Review of Funding, Budget and Recruitment of COSCAP-SADC Staff

      2.2.1.4.9.1 Ministers are invited to note:

        (i) that invoices were sent out on 9 May 2012 to the Directors and Directors General of Civil Aviation of the COSCAP-SADC participating States (except Madagascar) on the basis of the agreed formula for contribution to ICAO by Member States. The Status of Member States contributions as at 16 September 2013 is shown on Table 1 below:

 

 

                     
TABLE 1: The Status of Member States Contributions as at 16 September 2013
  2008 2009 2010 2012 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total Outstanding
      Invoices Invoices Payments Payments Payments Payments Payments Payments
Angola     135,000 209,650   134,957     134,957 (209,650)
Botswana     90,000 68,800 90,000   68,800   158800 0
D R C     90,000 68,200   89,962     89,962 (68,200)
Lesotho     75,000 64,250 29,975 44,950 5,975   80900 (58,350)
Madagascar     90,000 NIL*         0 (90,000)
Malawi     75,000 65,000       140,000 140,000  
Mauritius     90,000 67,050         0 (157,050)
Mozambique     90,000  
67,300
  90,000 90,000

67,300

  247300 +90,000
Namibia     90,000 67,300 90,000   67,300   157300 0
Seychelles       4,850*         0 (4,850)
South Africa     300,000 253,850   300,000 253,850   553850 0
Swaziland     75,000 64,750     75,000 64750 139750  
Tanzania     105,000 71,500     102,780   102780 (73,720)
Zambia     ***90,000 69,200     28,195   28195 (131,005)
Zimbabwe     90,000 65,750   89,963     89,963 (65,750)
                     
SADC 626,860 306,412             933,272  
                     
IFFAS         252,063       252,063  
Total 626860 306412     462,038 749,832 759,200    
3,109,092
858,575

 

 

        (ii) that Partial payments were received from, Lesotho, Zambia and Tanzania which were applied to their outstanding payments against the invoices of 2010;

 

          (iii) Swaziland paid the outstanding amount in July 2013;

 

        (iv)  Malawi paid the outstanding contribution in August 2013;

 

        (v) In addition, a Grant of $252,063 was received from ICAO IFFAS in 2010 and accounted for separately under project number RAF/10/803.  The grant was used to pay for the first year of deployment of the two Regional Inspectors in the Project;

 

        (vi) the estimated balance of funds in the Project as at 30 August 2013 after provision for the contracts of the project experts until the expiry of their present contracts is USD394750; and

 

        (vii) the staffing situation in the Project as of the time of presenting this report is unchanged from that reported at the last 9th) Steering Committee Meeting of the COSCAP-SADC Project.  

 

          Table 2: Present Staffing Situation

 
P/L Project  Personnel Contract Expiry Date
11.01 Flight Operations Expert/Project Coordinator

Cliff Elbl

31/12/13
17.01 Regional Flight Operations Inspector

Suzette Nieuwoudt

31/12/13
17.03 Regional Airworthiness Inspector

James Danga

31/12/13
13.01 Secretary/Administrative Assistant

Silahilwe T. Motlhabane

31/12/13
 

2.2.1.4.9.2 Ministers are also invited to note that:

 

        (i) According to the proposed roadmap for the operationalization of the SASO, the Executive Director of the SASO is expected to be in office at the end of February 2014.

 

        (ii) Subject to availability of funds in the Project, it is proposed to extend the contracts of the COSCAP-SADC Project personnel to enable them provide initial support to the SASO and continuity of the assistance being provided by the COSCAP until corresponding personnel are appointed to the SASO to take over COSCAP��s functions.  

 

        (iii) It is proposed to extend the contracts of the COSCAP Project personnel in 2014 as follows:

 

            Table 3: Proposed Extensions in 2014

 
    P/L Project  Personnel Contract Expiry Date
    11.01 Flight Operations Expert/Project Coordinator

    Cliff Elbl

    31/12/14
    17.01 Regional Flight Operations Inspector

    Suzette Nieuwoudt

    31/12/14
    17.03 Regional Airworthiness Inspector

    James Danga

    31/12/14
    13.01 Secretary/Administrative Assistant

    Silahilwe T. Motlhabane

    31/12/14
 

2.2.1.4.9.3 Ministers are further invited to note that:

 

        (i)  in addition, it is proposed to bring on board the Air Transport Economist whose primary role would be assist the Executive Director of the SASO in the development of a 5-year Strategic Plan for the SASO.  The Air Transport Economist will also assist in the development of Financial/Economic policies and documents in accordance with the principles of the SASO Charter and decisions made by the CAC.  The proposed job description of the Air Transport Economist is shown at Appendix III. 

 

        (ii) The issue of funding has been a major impediment to the deployment of the full complement of personnel and implementation of the full range of activities as planned, since the start of the project.

 

        (iii) The project is now in its final stages. Funds presently available in the Project can only allow extension of the contracts of all the project experts including the Administrative Assistant until 31 December 2013.

 

        (iv) Additional funds are required to extend the contracts of the personnel in 2014 and enable the recruitment of the Air Transport Economist as indicated above, as well as continue the implementation of training activities and technical assistance missions to States until the SASO is able to take over these functions.

 

        (v) The revised project budget at Appendix IV shows the funding requirement for 2014 under the Project.

 

      2.2.1.4.9.5 Ministers are invited to note the information presented in this paper on the status of the Project funds, budget and personnel.

 

      2.2.1.4.9.6 Ministers are invited to note that CAC approved the proposed project personnel requirement during the transition to the SASO in 2014 and the corresponding budget

 

          Decision

 

      2.2.1.4.9.7 Ministers are invited to:

 

        (i) commend Member States that have paid their contributions;  and

 

        (ii)  urge Member States with outstanding contributions to honour their financial obligations under this Project as soon as possible to facilitate implementation of the remaining portions of the planned programme.

 

      2.2.1.5 Review of Management and Operations of the SADC Permanent Mission at ICAO (Montreal)

 

      Management and Operations of the SADC Permanent Mission

 

      2.2.1.5.1  Ministers will recall that:

 

        (i) the Permanent Mission of SADC to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (henceforth referred to as the Mission) was established in terms of Annex III to the Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology with the objective, inter alia, of implementing Article 9.5 of the Protocol which states as follows:

 

          (a) ��Member States acknowledge the pivotal role of the ICAO in developing the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fostering the planning and development of air transport.

          (b) To this end, Member States agree to –

            i. Co-ordinate their representation in the ICAO and develop a common position with regard to the establishment and management of the SADC Permanent Mission to ICAO; and

 

            ii. Undertake to provide the support which is necessary for the effective functioning of the SADC Permanent Mission to the ICAO.��

 

        (ii) the Mission became operational when Angola was successfully elected into the ICAO Council in October 1995. The Mission is supposed to be staffed with a Representative and an Alternate Representative assigned by SADC Member States on a rotational basis as per Schedule 1 to the Annex. It is understood as contemplated in Article 1 paragraph 3 of the Annex, that ��the Mission shall continue to exist �� irrespective of election of a SADC Member State to the Council��. This is meant to ensure that there will always be a SADC Representative to manage the Mission which currently consists of:

 

          (a) A Representative serving as Head of the Mission;

          (b) An Alternate Representative; and

        1. An Administrative Assistant (recruited locally in Montreal).
 

        (iii) the Mission is located in the ICAO headquarters in Montreal where it leases office space. It has a furnished and equipped office consisting of four (4) rooms of varying sizes, including two (2) motor vehicles.

 

2.2.1.5.2 Ministers will also recall that:

 

        (i) The ICAO Council was established in accordance with Article 50 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation that was signed on 07 December 1944. It is the governing body of ICAO and the highest authority in international civil aviation. It is responsible to the Assembly which comprises ICAO��s 191 Member States. It consists of 36 Member States which are elected by the Assembly for a period of 3 years. Each of them appoints a Representative to sit on the Council who in turn elect a President from among its members. All of these delegations lease office space in the ICAO building. There are also non-Council Member States with their Permanent Missions accommodated in the same building. All Council Representatives have the same status.

 

        (ii) The following are some of the functions of the Council:

 

          (a) Carry out the directions of the Assembly and discharge the duties and obligations which are laid on it by the Convention;

          (b) Submit annual reports to the Assembly;

          (c) Administer the finances of ICAO;

          (d) Appoint the Secretary General, and make provision for the appointment of such other personnel as may be necessary;

          (e) Adopt international standards and recommended practices and designate them as Annexes to the Convention;

          (f) Conduct research into all aspects of air transport and air navigation which are of international importance and facilitate the exchange of information between Member States on such matters; and

          (g) Study any matters affecting the organization and operation of international air transport, and submit to the Assembly plans in relation thereto.

 

2.2.1.5.3 Ministers are invited to note that:

 

        (i) Though it has been mentioned above that SADC Member States agreed ��to undertake to provide the support which is necessary for the effective functioning of the SADC Permanent Mission��, this has not always been the case;

 

        (ii) the budget provisions have of late shrunk to levels making it difficult to ensure effective functioning of the Mission;

 

        (iii) The provision has been considerably reduced from about US$107,000.00 in 2007/08 down to $42,000.00 in 2013/14. For example, during the ICAO Assembly of 2007 the Mission was able to provide transport for Ministers from and to the airport, and also hosted a dinner for the SADC delegates. In 2010 it only managed to provide transport and could not afford to host a reception. It has no funds for transportation during this year��s (2013) Assembly Session;

 

        (iv) The budget request that was submitted in September 2012 for the year 2013/14 was for the sum of US$143,192.00, excluding provision for upgrading or replacement of motor vehicles.

 

    2.2.1.5.4 Ministers are also invited to note that:

 

        (i) SADC has problems of her own in view of the state of annual contributions from Member States.

 

        (ii) However, the Mission cannot function effectively with such meager funds especially  considering the number of Member States the Mission represents. The number is greater than the membership of any of the other delegations at ICAO. These other offices are well supported by their countries or economic communities. They demonstrate the capacity to entertain guests, provide refreshments during meetings, and extend diplomatic courtesies beyond our means. Other delegations convene meetings (whether or not on their premises) and provide refreshments

 

      2.2.1.5.5 Ministers are further invited to note that some of the shortcomings of the Mission as a result of inadequate funding are as follows:

 

        (i) Failure to attend all relevant ICAO and AFCAC meetings convened away from ICAO headquarters;

 

        (ii) The Mission is generally unable to entertain guests attending bilateral meetings in the office (i.e. providing tea/coffee, etc.) as compared with other delegations. It is also unable to participate in sharing the cost of providing refreshments during the meetings of the African Group at ICAO;

 

        (iii) Failure to replace outdated desktop computers and photocopying machine, as well as some obsolete office equipment;

 

        (iv) Failure to replace the two motor vehicles that are more than seven years old; and

 

        (v) Failure to pay the Administrative Assistant a salary at least equivalent to the bottom notch of the salary scale G-6 as remunerated by ICAO to its employees who perform similar functions. The current salary is much lower than that. The present incumbent works on a voluntary basis in terms of a letter of agreement that is renewed at six-monthly intervals. One cannot imagine what would happen in the event of her deciding to end her service before the upgrading of the personnel emoluments. The Mission would not be in a position to recruit a suitably qualified person to replace her.

 

      2.2.1.5.6 Ministers are invited to note that the CAC and the SADC ICAO Permanent Mission recognize that there is a need to devise a mechanism for the sustainability of the Mission.  The following options have been recommended for consideration by Ministers:

 

        (i) funding for the Mission should be from the SADC Member States annual contributions but in a separate budget item isolated from ��Infrastructure and Transport��. It should be a stand-alone item somehow given such a high priority that will prevent any budget cuts or deductions; or

 

        (ii) funding of the Mission could be by transfer of funds from Member States directly into the Mission��s bank account in Montreal. An initial contribution of US$10,000.00 per Member State per annum would suffice with provision being made for future increments. However some mechanism should be in place to ensure that contributions are paid on time. The foregoing proposed system of payment would have been ideal if all Member States had already established autonomous Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) and agreed to charge the CAAs with the responsibility for payment of the dues. 

 

        (iii) If option (ii) above is considered, then the Secretariat, in collaboration with CAC, should work on the modalities on how the funds would be administered and accounted for.

 

      Decision

 

      2.2.1.5.7 Ministers are invited to:

 

        (i) Option 1: direct the Secretariat to prepare and present to the relevant SADC Policy Organs dealing with finances the financial challenges encountered by the Mission with options to:

 

          (a) consider increasing the budget allocations for the Mission;

 

          (b) creating a separate budget allocation for the Mission outside the Transport Division allocation but still under the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services

 

        (ii) Option 2: commit to contributing directly into the Mission��s bank account in Montreal, Canada if the above Option1 fails;

 

        (iii) direct the Secretariat, working with CAC, to propose a mechanism of how Option 2 can be operationalized taking into account all administrative, accounting and financial procedures that will ensure proper administration of the funds.

 
 

      Review of the rotation system at the SADC office in ICAO HQ

 

      2.2.1.5.8 Ministers will recall that a their meeting in Centurion, South Africa in October 2011, they urged Member States that were next in the rotational order to note the rotational order and familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology and related Annexes and start preparations for appointment and posting of the Representative and Alternate Representative to avoid delays.

 

      2.2.1.5.9 Ministers are invited to note that for the position of the Permanent Representative:

 

        (i)  The Secretariat received communication from the United Republic of Tanzania advising of the nomination of Eng. Raphael W. Bokango for the candidature of Representative of SADC at the Permanent Mission at ICAO and the ICAO Council seat in 2013;

 

        (ii) The Secretariat presented the candidate from Tanzania to CAC members and endorsements were received from most of the SADC Member States; and

 

        (iii) The AFCAC Vice President for Southern Africa has since submitted the United Republic of Tanzania nominee, Eng. Raphael W. Bokango for the candidature of Representative of SADC at the Permanent Mission at ICAO and the ICAO Council seat in 2013 to AFCAC.

 

      2.2.1.5.10 Ministers are also invited to note that for the position of the Alternate Representative:

 

        (i)  Mozambique has been requested to continue as Alternate Representative until the State, next in the rotational order has communicated its decision with regard to the Alternate Representative position which came up in November 2012; and

 

        (ii) There have been no responses to written reminders to the States which are next in the rotational order to take up the post of Alternate Representative.

 

      2.2.1.5.11 Ministers are further invited to note that CAC amongst others, noted:

 

        (i) the challenges being faced in the rotational process for the appointment of the Representative and the Alternate Representatives; and

 

        (ii) accepted the proposal by Namibia to develop a paper which would provide options for managing the SADC Permanent Mission at ICAO consistent with the provisions of the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology.

 

      2.2.1.5.12 Ministers are invited to note that:

 

        (i) CAC received a paper which was at the same meeting translated into a Directive (Document SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.1.5B) in the form of Schedule 1 to Annex III of Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology with regard to the procedures for appointment of the Representative and Alternate Representative to the ICAO Mission; and

 

        (ii) The CAC approved the amended directive.

 

        Decision

 

      2.2.1.5.13 Ministers are invited to:

 

        (i) commend the United Republic of Tanzania for agreeing to take up the position of the Representative at the SADC Permanent Mission at ICAO;

 

        (ii) commend Mozambique for accepting to extend the tenure of office as Alternate Representative until such time as Member States next in the rotational order were ready to appoint officers to the Mission;

 

        (iii)   urge Member States to ensure that they communicate their intentions to take their positions as Alternate Representatives within the prescribed period, failing which, the SADC Secretariat be mandated to approach the State that is next in line to take the seat; and

 

        (iv)  endorse the amended directive in the form of Schedule 1 to Annex III of Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology with regard to the procedures for appointment of the Representative and Alternate Representative to the ICAO Mission.

 

      2.2.2  Surface Transport

 

      2.2.2.1 Comprehensive Tripartite (COMESA/EAC/SADC) Transport and Trade Facilitation Programme

 

      2.2.2.1.1 Ministers will recall that a number of activities which are being pursued for implementation in SADC have now been incorporated in the Programme termed Comprehensive Tripartite Transport and Trade Facilitation funded by TradeMark Southern Africa. Below are highlights of progress to date:

 

        (i) Harmonisation of Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance

 

      Tripartite Stakeholders Workshop on Harmonization of Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme in the COMESA/EAC/SADC Region: Boksburg, South Africa, March 2012

 

      2.2.2.1.2 The regional workshop was held as a culmination of an extensive consultative process that COMESA, SADC and EAC embarked on as an initiative for harmonizing the existing national and regional insurance systems in the Eastern and Southern African (ESA) Region. The Workshop was an activity which was part of a workplan endorsed by the SADC Committee of Ministers responsible for Transport in May 2010.

 

      2.2.2.1.3 The main objective of the Workshop was to review the framework for harmonization of the motor vehicle third party liability insurance systems proposed by the Consultant.

 

      2.2.2.1.4 Based on the SADC protocol and the need to facilitate trade and transportation in the ESA region, the Member States who have not joined the regional third party motor vehicle insurance scheme, recommended that:

 

        (i) the Yellow Card be considered for adoption and harmonization with existing national compulsory third party insurance systems;

 

        (ii) the SADC Secretariat in consultation with COMESA and EAC Secretariats should prepare and present a draft legal instrument for the adoption and implementation of the Yellow Card Scheme initially to the SADC Policy organs for consideration and subsequently to COMESA and EAC;

 

        (iii) the SADC Secretariat in consultation with COMESA and EAC Secretariats should prepare and present a draft implementation plan for consideration by the SADC Policy organs;(an Implementation Plan was drafted and adopted); 

 

        (iv) Member States to establish national working groups to coordinate follow-on activities on the harmonization programme;

 

        (v) the SADC Secretariat should provide technical support to members states to raise awareness, mobilize support and build consensus for implementation of the Yellow Card; and

 

        (vi) consideration be given to enhance the operations of the Yellow Card to accommodate the requirements of the joining member states.  

 
 

      Tripartite RECs Meeting of the Legal and Technical Experts on Harmonization of Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme in the COMESA/EAC/SADC Region: Boksburg, South Africa, April 2013

 

      2.2.2.1.5 As a follow-up to the Tripartite Stakeholders Workshop that took place in March 2012, the Tripartite RECs Legal and Technical Experts met in Boksburg, South Africa in April 2013, to review the draft legal instrument that was developed by the Consultant.

 

      2.2.2.1.6 In terms of the form and contents of the proposed legal instrument the meeting agreed as follows:

 

        (i) The existing COMESA Protocol on Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme (Yellow Card Scheme) is only applicable to COMESA Member States. However the Scheme is currently operational among most Member/Partner States of COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite and is available for use by Non COMESA Member States in the spirit of enhancing integration of the Region;

 

        (ii) The EAC Tripartite Agreement on Road Transport Article IX (6) specifies the COMESA YC as the applicable cross border third party insurance scheme;

 

        (iiii)  The SADC Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology (PTCM) Article 6.8 identifies the need for a harmonized system of cross border third party insurance scheme in the Region;

 

        (iv) an appropriate legal instrument to harmonise third party insurance scheme in the ESA Region would be a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as provided for in the MoU of Inter Regional Cooperation and Integration amongst the COMESA, EAC and SADC (Article 11) which provides for supplementary MoU to provide for specific activities related to the arrangement established in the main MoU;

 

        (v) The objective of the MoU is to recognize the COMESA Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Scheme as the regional scheme for the Eastern and Southern African region;

 

        (vi) The MoU would be considered and approved by the Tripartite Sectoral Ministerial Committee of Infrastructure and adopted by Council after reviews by TTF and Tripartite Member/Partner States Legal and Technical experts;

 

        (vii) to develop the draft MoU (zero draft attached herein SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.2.1A);

 

        (viii) In COMESA a Unit to monitor the operations of the YC has been established. The governance and oversight of the YC Unit should be a joint responsibility of the three (3) RECs;

 

        (ix) General: Each REC should start carrying consultations on the zero draft of the MoU;

 

        (x) SADC to:

 

          (a) Resolve the YC as the Regional scheme;

 

          (b)  Develop annex to PTCM in terms of ARTICLE 6.8 to effect the above; and

 

          (c) Approve and operationalise the implementation plan (draft attached).

         

        (xi) This report and zero draft MoU will be submitted to the Tripartite Task Force (TTF) for consideration and adoption as a working draft.

 

        Decision

 

      2.2.2.1.7 Ministers are invited to:

      1. consider the Draft Memorandum of Understanding on the Harmonization of Compulsory Third Party Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Scheme. 
      1. urge Member States to carry out national consultations on the Draft MoU in preparation for the Tripartite Policy meetings that are planned in the near future; and 
 

        (ii) encourage Member States to establish national working groups to coordinate follow-on activities on the harmonization programme.

 

        (ii) Road Transport Market Liberalisation

 

      Tripartite Stakeholders Road Transport Market Liberalisation Workshop, Boksburg, South Africa March 2012

      2.2.2.1.8 The main purpose of the Regional Workshop was to review the report of the Consultant on the Study on the prevailing situation with regards to road transport market liberalisation in the ESA region on behalf of COMESA, EAC and SADC in particular focusing on harmonisation of road transport market access.

      2.2.2.1.9 The Study was to look at the current regulation of the supply of road transport (passengers and goods) in the ESA Region; to evaluate whether current regulatory measures were contributing to achieving the objectives of the various accords; and to propose a harmonised approach to achieving liberalisation of road transport in order to attain the efficiencies envisaged in the REC documents. The project analysed the terms of the many policy documents to identify the stated objectives of the RECs with regard to the regulation of the road transport markets.

      2.2.2.1.10 In terms of the findings of the Study, the main observations of the current situation were highlighted as follows:

        (i) At the REC level throughout the ESA region the treaties and agreements mention the objectives of promotion of competition, efficiency, reduction of costs, regulatory frameworks to facilitate road haulage operations, equity of treatment of operators and intentions to promote liberalization;

        (ii) At the operational level, the current application of regulatory systems in all countries does not support these objectives. In most areas, the quantity controls are ineffective and unnecessary and in all areas the continual increase in the costs and the levels of regulation is constraining the efficiency of road transport to the detriment of the economic objectives of trade and growth; and

        (iii) In all areas of the ESA region the control of quality of road transport operations is unsatisfactory and the failure to apply the basic principles of transport regulation results in sub-standard transport operator performance standards. There is urgent need to refocus regulation of road transport on quality regulation and to repeal quantity regulation, as the means to create the efficiencies required to meet the stated objectives of the RECs.

      2.2.2.1.11 The following recommendations were therefore outlined by the Study:

        (i) the RECs in ESA should meet and agree to repeal the permit systems and collectively refocus the direction of transport regulation onto the improvement of the quality of all aspects of the road transport systems.

        (ii)  the RECs should support and fund the development of a framework for quality regulation based on the principles of effective transport regulation as outlined in this report.

        (iii) to achieve the necessary improvement in quality regulation the framework should be adopted by all countries as the basis for the national transport quality regulation system.

        (iv) the actual development of a national system in each country should result in the creation of national operator registers and control and monitoring systems based on the agreed and defined standards of the regional framework.

        (v) a MOU or multilateral agreement should be prepared, describing the approach and actions to be taken, including the level of support to be given by RECs for consideration by all countries

        (vi) The development of the framework should be performed by a transport consultant guided by a steering committee consisting of one or two representatives each from RECs, governments, transport associations, legal experts and transport economists.

        (vii) an implementation timeframe should be developed setting out the actions to be performed. The quality control system should be developed and initiated before the permit system is phased out (where such systems exist) and the introduction of the revised operator registration systems should be phased in to replace existing systems (where such systems exist).

        (viii) liaison with customs authorities should be maintained to gain acceptance of the concept that fully accredited and registered operators need no further identification in order to perform the movement of goods and passengers across borders.

      2.2.2.1.12 Ministers are invited to note a follow up study to address the above recommendations has been commissioned with an overall goal of developing a strategy to further liberalise access to the transport markets among the COMESA, EAC and SADC Member States, by articulating and analysing the real issues of the current restrictions on market access. The Specific Objectives being:

        (i) Develop Operator Registration Scheme and recommend an Information Technology (IT) platform architecture to manage the Operator Registration Scheme.

        (ii) Develop a multilateral cross border road transport agreement for the ESA region that covers all the policy, legal, regulatory, technical standards, systems and procedures and requirements for a liberalised regional transport market.

        (iii) Propose conditions for the implementation of the multilateral agreement that has nil or least possible restrictions to market access including required transposed institutional and legal changes at both the national and REC Secretariat levels.

        (iv) Develop an implementation plan with budget to implement the recommendations and proposals in East and Southern Africa region. The implementation plan must split actions and costs to be borne at national and regional (REC) levels.

      2.2.2.1.13 Ministers are also invited to note that the Contract was awarded to Fischer Consulting, A South African based company, in September 2013 and the Study is expected to take six (6) months.

      Decision

      2.2.2.1.14 Ministers are invited to urge Member States to:

        (i) fully participate in the Study by providing the necessary inputs that will be requested by the Consultant; and

        (ii) consider the need for regional harmonization when reviewing national legislation and regulations affecting road transport market liberalisation

 
 

      2.2.2.2 Progress on Corridor Infrastructure Development and Transport and Trade Facilitation in the Region

 

      2.2.2.2.1 Ministers will recall that SADC Secretariat is implementing the SADC Transport Corridor Program which seeks to achieve the following outcomes:

 

        (i) Legal Instruments for joint governance of corridors��

        (ii) Institutional Frameworks for joint and coordinated management of transport corridors;

        (iii) Development of critical corridor transport and logistics infrastructure; and

        (iv) Coordinated operations, trade and transport facilitation.

      2.2.2.2.2 Ministers are invited to note that Corridor Management Committees for the Dar es Salaam, Lobito, Maputo, North South, Trans Kalahari and the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridors met to adopt or review and monitor the implementation of joint projects under respective Action Plans. The Progress Report on Corridor Development and Transport and Trade Facilitation Programme is attached as SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.2.2.

      Border Posts Improvement (including One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs)

 

      2.2.2.2.3 Ministers will recall that:

 

        (i) the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology provides that ��Member States shall promote the effective management of existing and future infrastructure by both public and private sector and encourage- (e) the improvement and integration of frontier facilities; including the provision of common user friendly facilities at frontiers.�� Article 3.3.3 (e); and

 

        (ii)  the Region has embraced the ��One Stop Border Post�� (OSBP) concept for border management efficiency improvement that provides for extra-territorial jurisdiction by border agencies in the implementation of joint control and management of border crossing transactions and activities by agents of the adjoining countries, using shared facilities, systems and streamlined procedures.

 

      2.2.2.2.4 Ministers are invited to note progress regarding the development of border posts in the region as follows;

 

        (i) Transport is one of six infrastructure subsectors addressed in the RIDMP. Transport infrastructure challenges and a strategy to address to meet current and projected capacity and efficiency requirements is presented. Transport chapter covers all modes i.e. maritime, inland waterways, roads, railways and air transport.

        (ii) The Transport chapter of the RIDMP also contains a specific subchapter that defines the goals, objectives, challenges and provides a strategy for improving the efficiency of border crossings in the region.

 

        (iii) OSBP development projects (legal, policy, regulatory process and system harmonisation and integration, and infrastructure development) are under implementation at the following border crossings:

 

          (a) Kazungula (Botswana/Zambia); 

 

          (b) Nakonde/Tunduma (Zambia/Tanzania);

 

          (c)  TransKalahari/Mamuno (Namibia/Boswana);

 

          (d) Lebombo/Ressano Garcia (SA/Mozambique);

 

          (e) Katima Mlilo/ Wenela (Zambia/Namibia);

 

          (f) Mwami/Mchinji (Zambia/Malawi);

 

          (g) Chiponde/Mandimba (Malawi/Mozambique);

 

          (h)  Songwe/Kasumulu  (Malawi/Tanzania); and

 

          (j) Zobue/Mwanza (Malawi/Mozambique)

 

          (k) Forbes/Machipanda (Zimbabwe/Mozambique) ;

 

          (l) Victoria Falls / Livingstone (Zimbabwe/Zambia)

 

          (l) Chirundu (Zambia/Zimbabwe) operational.

 

        (ii) A sensitisation program supported by JICA and TradeMark Southern Africa on OSBP targeted at policy makers, border agencies and corridor management institutions was held in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2011.

 

      2.2.2.2.5 Ministers are also invited to note that the maritime corridors are yet to be defined and an action plan was developed during 2012/2013 financial year. First phase of the plan, conducting a scoping study has been completed. The next phase will include definition of the corridors through a consultative process with all stakeholders.

 

      Decision

 

      2.2.2.2.6 Ministers are invited to urge Member States to:

 

        (i) continue conducting joint design and implementation of border efficiency programs including One-Stop Border Post (OSBP

 

        (ii) develop and enact requisite enabling legal and regulatory instruments for trade and transport facilitation including One Stop Border Posts development; implementing single window and coordinated  border management systems including creation of single border agencies/authority ;

 

        (iii)  design comprehensive programmes that address trade and transport facilitation including OSBPs on a corridor basis in order to achieve maximum benefits. The Nacala Development Corridor is seen as a pilot which if successful should be implemented across the region.

 

        (iv) Participate in the definition of maritime corridors and the refinement and rationalisation of regional transport corridors;

 

        (v) Strengthen existing corridor institutions, accelerate the establishment of additional corridor management institutions and adoption of relevant corridor legal frameworks

 

        (vi) Ensure the adoption and implementation of harmonised corridor performance monitoring indicators and evaluation methodologies and

 

        (vii) promote the development and use of common regional transport and trade facilitation tools for information sharing and capacity building such as the toolkits and GIS tools developed the World Bank, SSATP and TMSA.

 

      Progress On The Development Of The Memorandum Of Understanding (Mou) And Establishment Of Corridor Management Institutions Of The North South Corridor (NSC).

 

        NSC Ministers Meeting

 

      2.2.2.2.7 Ministers will recall that in April 2010, Ministers from NSC corridor Member States met in Harare, Zimbabwe to review progress on the implementation of NSC projects. The Ministers inter alia confirmed the requirements for establishing corridor legal and institutional framework in order to provide a mechanism for the planning, coordination and monitoring of NSC infrastructure development, trade and transport facilitation project and activities. The Ministers also made recommendations regarding the institutional structures for the NSC and confirmed the need for Senior Officials to finalise the draft MoU.

 

        Technical and Legal Experts Review

 

      2.2.2.2.8 Ministers are invited to note that:

 

        (i) four (4) meetings of Senior Officials and Legal Experts from NSC countries, regional trade and facilitation associations and Experts from the three COMESA, EAC and SADC Secretariats were held in November 2010, February 2011, June 2011 and November 2012 respectively to develop the MoU. The meetings were funded and supported by TradeMark Southern Africa (TMSA).

         

        (ii) the meeting of Senior Officials and Legal Expert in June 2011 reviewed all articles of the MoU and reached agreement on all except Article 13.1 (b) regarding the ��user pay system�� as one source of funding the budget of the NSC institutions. The meeting could not reach agreement and decided to ��bracket�� alternative wording. South Africa which is objecting to the wording agreed to by the other six corridor Member States, requested for time to consult internally.

 

        (iii) the Senior Officials and Legal Expert met in November 2012 met to review the impasse over Article 13.1 (b) regarding the ��user pay system�� as one source of funding the budget of the NSC institutions. Again the meeting could not reach agreement and decided to refer the matter to NSC Committee of Ministers for resolution and or further direction.

 

        (iv) The Secretariat was directed to facilitate such a meeting at the earliest possible opportunity. The Secretariat has not been able to convene such a meeting due to a number of reasons including Secretariat budgetary constraints, exhaustion of TMSA budget for this activity, conflicts in SADC calendar of activities and inability by a Member State to confirm participation on one occasion.

 

        Decision

 

      2.2.2.2.9 Ministers are invited to encourage NSC Ministers to:

 

        (i) Convene a Ministerial meeting by December 2013, in order to resolve the impasse and accelerate the process to establish an institutional framework for the coordination of projects on the NSC which is the busiest and most strategic corridor in the east and southern African region; and

 

        (ii) In view of the budgetary constraints of the Secretariat, agree a method for funding common costs for convening such a meeting including translation and interpretation services, hire of meeting facilities and provision of a ��conference package�� for delegates.

 

      2.2.2.3 Tripartite Non-Tariff Barriers Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism.

 

      2.2.2.3.1 Ministers will recall that Member States of the three (3) COMESA, EAC, and SADC launched the negotiations for the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area in June 2011. The Tripartite Free Trade Area aims to reduce tariffs imposed on goods originating in the region and traded in the region.

 

      2.2.2.3.2 Ministers are invited to note that:

        (i) however, in addition to tariff barriers, the region��s producers and traders also face a number of non-tariff barriers. An integral part of the Tripartite Free Trade Area, therefore, is the design and implementation of a programme aimed reducing non-tariff barriers to trade.

 

        (ii) Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB��s) refer to non-tariff related trade restrictions resulting from prohibitions, conditions or specific requirements that make importation and exportation of goods difficult or expensive. The elimination of NTB��s was identified as a priority at the First Tripartite Summit which took place in October, 2008.

 

2.2.2.3.3 Ministers are also invited to note that:

 

        (i) COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite has developed, with support from TMSA, a web-based NTB reporting, monitoring and elimination mechanism at www.tradebarriers.org. This dynamic online system provides a systematic and transparent process for identification and elimination of barriers to trade in the tripartite region.

 

        (ii) A report on the system and current status and progress on reporting and elimination of NTBs is attached as SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.2.3

 

      2.2.2.3.4 Ministers are further invited to note the following:

 

        (i) NTBs continue to be a major impediment to the expansion of intra-regional trade and a contributing factor to the high cost of trading in the Region. Hence there is need for renewed commitment in addressing NTBs;

 

        (ii) The NTBs Mechanism requires that Member States establish National Structures for addressing NTBs, namely NTB Focal Points and National Monitoring Committees. However, not all Member States have established these structures, thus causing delays in resolving NTBs;

 

        (iii) With regard to NTBs of a policy and regulatory nature, there is need to address them on a case by case basis. There is need to acknowledge that some policies or regulations are legitimate, hence rationale would need to be provided. While this is recognised, Member States should still commit to resolving NTBs and agree that application of such policies and regulations still need to facilitate trade and transport. This would entail, among others, improving operational procedures and ensuring transparency in implementation as well as reviewing legislation to ensure that it is in line with regional standards and international best practice.

 

        (iv) As of June 2013, 17 of the 53 longstanding NTBs were of a policy/regulatory nature while the remaining 37 are of an administrative or procedural nature. Of the 17 longstanding NTBs of a policy/regulatory nature the majority 11 fall under the category of transport, clearing and forwarding. Administrative and procedural NTBs can be addressed through harmonization of documentation or fees across the region, as appropriate, while those of a policy or regulatory nature would require policy changes.

 

        (v) Some of the NTBs and hindrances to trade, such as restrictions on movement of persons, inadequate trade-related infrastructure, can be addressed through other regional initiatives, Protocols and implementation of the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan.

 

        (vi)  As trade facilitation is a cross cutting and shared responsibility among different government ministries and agencies of which the main ones are trade, finance (customs), transport, health, agriculture, police, security and immigrations, Ministers are required to collaborate with other the respective Ministers through the regional and national trade and transport facilitation fora.

 

        (vii) The SADC Committee of Ministers of Trade (CMT) at their meeting in Maputo, Mozambique in July 2013 also considered the matter of long-standing NTBs and made the following decision:

 

          (a) reiterated its decision of February 2011 urging Member States to establish the required NTBs national structures where they do not exist and ensure their effectiveness in addressing NTBs; and

 

          (b) requested all Member States to address long standing NTBs

 
 

          Decision

 

2.2.2.3.5 Ministers are invited to

 

        (i) note the existence and operations of the Tripartite Non-Tariff Barriers Reporting, Monitoring and Elimination Mechanism;

 

        (ii) support the decision of the CMT to urge Member States, who have not already done so, to establish the required NTBs national structures where they do not exist and ensure their effectiveness in addressing NTBs;

 

        (iii) ensure the participation of transport policy and regulatory officials in the national NTB structures in order to facilitate the speedy resolution and elimination of transport related NTB��s; and

 

        (iv) direct the SADC Secretariat in collaboration with TMSA, to convene an ad hoc meeting of transport policy and regulatory officials to review and resolve the current list of longstanding transport related NTBs before December 2013. Member States will be required to fund the participation of their delegates.

 

      2.2.2.4 Ports, Ship and Inland Waterways Security and Safety: Development of SADC Anti Piracy Strategy and Action Plan

 

      2.2.2.3.1 Ministers will recall that at their meeting held in Centurion South Africa, in October 2011, they noted that MCO at its extraordinary meeting held in Luanda, Angola in August 2011 considered and adopted the SADC Maritime Security Strategy and Action Plan, which was subsequently endorsed by Summit of the Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation at its meeting held in Luanda, Angola in August 2011.

 

      2.2.2.3.2 Ministers are invited to note the following progress which has been reported to the MCO at its meeting held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in June 2013 by the Standing Maritime Committee (SMC):

      1. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) centres have been set up in Durban and Cape Town to provide linkage, while Maritime Surveillance Centers (MSC) have been established in Mozambique and Tanzania; 

        (ii)    Member States are currently in the process of providing relevant personnel to man the MDA and MSC and SA Navy has appointed two officers for the purpose;

      1. The Republics of Mozambique, RSA and Tanzania signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding, in 2012, to facilitate Maritime cooperation; 
      2. The Republics of Angola and Namibia are in the process of establishing MSC/MDA centres to cover the west coast;
      3. SMC noted the concern raised over inadequate funding for several activities related to the implementation of the MSS Action Plan.  SMC decided that the concern be presented to authorities in Member States; and
      4. There is cooperation with non-SADC countries to facilitate the fight against piracy.

   

      2.2.2.3.3 Ministers are also invited to not that the MCO has urged Member States to commit resources towards the implementation of the SADC MSS Action Plan.

 

      Decision

 

      2.2.2.3.4 Ministers are invited to encourage Member States to actively collaborate and participate in the implementation of the SADC Maritime Security Strategy Action Plan. This will include inter alia collaboration with Ministries responsible for Defence and Security.

 

      2.2.2.4 Implementation of the Regional Railways Revitalisation Initiative

      2.2.2.4.1 Ministers are invited to note that:

        (i) as part of the Tripartite Railway Revitalisation Initiative, a meeting of Railway Operators in SADC was held in in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2012 to review operational problems and challenges faced by regional railways as well as to adopt a practical action plan for the revitalization of the SADC railways.

        (ii) issues and challenges highlighted in the different Workshop included the following:

 

          (a) Transportation bottlenecks create serious impediments to the ability of countries to adequately respond to regional and international transport demand thereby negatively impacting on the overall economic development

 

          (b) Railways in the SADC region were in a poor shape and not operationally sustainable

 

          (c) The rail infrastructure, in most SADC countries, continues to deteriorate due to insufficient funding, deficient policy and regulatory framework coupled with growing public sector investment in the road transport sector

 

          (d) The deterioration of rail transport has resulted in a serious modal imbalance between rail and road

 

          (e) Rail transport must play a critical role in the long term economic development of any region

 

          (f) A non-functional and barely cost effective regional rail transportation system is a major limiting factor to regional economic development and integration

 

          (h) The rail industry in the SADC region is operating under an unfavourable environment compared to roads, hence there was need for levelling the playing field between rail and road

          (i) A railways revitalization initiative to ensure that the regional railways operate as a single coherent network was considered not an option but a must do for railways to effectively play their economic role

 

2.2.2.4.2 Ministers are also invited to note that:

        (i) the participants came up with a regional Railways Revitalization Initiative (RRI) Action Plan with clear actions, timelines and resource requirements attached as SADC/COMI/2013/2.2.2.4; 

        (ii) activities that could be implemented immediately were identified. Addressing railways on a corridor basis was considered as one approach that should be considered;

        (iii) it was recognized that external support would be required by the railways to progress some of the identified interventions and therefore appealed to USAID Trade Hub and Trademark Southern Africa and other cooperating partners to provide the necessary technical assistance and facilitation;

        (iv) SARA and SADC Secretariat were tasked with responsibility to mobilize the required resources. It was also agreed that both SARA and SADC would also collaborate in undertaking further studies to expeditiously conclude the action requirements of the RRI; and

        (v) it was further noted that most of the concepts, philosophies and models under the RRI were not new in region; they had been applied in temporary situations such as during droughts and crises. What is needed is to formalize and institutionalize the measures and arrangements.

      Decision

      2.2.2.4.3 Ministers are invited to note the action plan adopted by the railways and to urge all stakeholders – policy makers, regulators, railway operators, concessionaires and investors to participate in the planned RRI activities and projects.

 

      2.2.3 Reports by the Continental and Regional Associations

 

      2.2.3.1  Report by African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Vice President for Southern Region, Zimbabwe

 

      2.2.3.1.1 Ministers are invited to note the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Vice President for Southern Region, Zimbabwe, presented a report on the 23rd Session of the AFCAC Plenary that took place in Accra, Ghana in April 2013, at the CAC meeting that took place in Gaborone, Botswana in July 2013. The Report highlighted in particular, the following issues:

 

        (i) Progress Report on Implementation of the Abuja Plan of Action on Safety

 

          (a) That additional sources of funding be sought for the continuation of refresher training of AFI-CIS Inspectors and future AFI-CIS Missions beyond 2013 (with  States playing their part in funding the Missions) given the benefits of AFI-CIS; and

 

          (b) That the Secretariat intensify its efforts in ensuring the development of human resources on the continent and look for additional fellowships on trainings for African Experts to improve Aviation Safety in Africa.

 

        (ii) Progress Report on Implementation of the Abuja Plan of Action on Security

 

        That member States support AFCAC in the implementation of the Road Map on Aviation Security and continue to make available to AFCAC their national Experts as well as the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between AFCAC, the French Cooperation and ICAO.

 

        (iii) Progress Report on Implementation of Yamoussoukro Decision

 

        (iv) Environmental Protection

 

        That member States should submit their State Action Plans on CO2 Emissions in accordance with ICAO requirements before the 38th ICAO Assembly.

 

        (v) Report on Ratification of Revised AFCAC Constitution and ICAO Air law Instruments

 

          (a) That member States, which have not yet done so, expedite action in signing the AFCAC constitution (which provisionally entered into force on 10 May, 2010 after  receipt of the 15th signature) and fast-track the process of ratification (only three States had ratified as at 4 April 2013); and

 

          (b) That all member States, which have not done so, sensitize their relevant authorities to sign, ratify, accede and domesticate the Montreal, Beijing, Cape Town and Rome Conventions given their potential positive impact on the development and provision of air transport.

 

        (vi) African Civil Aviation Policy

 

        That member States motivate all entities to abide by the African Civil Aviation Policy (AFCAP) in policy formulation and execution so as to ensure complementarity, focus, harmonization and uniformity on issues pertaining to safety, security and sustainable development of air transport in Africa.

 

        (vi) Progress Report on International Cooperation

 

        (vii) Key Forthcoming Events

 

        The CAC noted that South Africa would be hosting the ICAO Air Services Negotiations Conference (ICAN) in Durban, South Africa on 9-13 December 2013. The objective of the Conference is to facilitate ICAO Member States in their bilateral (or multilateral) air services negotiations and improve the efficiency of the process by providing a central meeting place for States to gather and conduct such negotiations at one location.

       

        (vii) Election of the Bureau and Election of States to represent Africa on the ICAO Council.

 

        Candidature for AFCAC Vice-Presidency (Southern Africa)

 

        That in terms of SADC procedure of rotation, the next candidate after Zimbabwe would be Angola. However, Angola indicated that they were not ready to take the post due to present capacity challenges. The issue was to be put on the agenda of the next CAC meeting so that member states consult adequately on their readiness to take the post if requested to do so.

 

      2.2.3.1.2 Ministers are also invited to note:

 

        (i) that the Secretariat wrote to the Government of Angola and no response was received despite the reminder;

 

        (ii) CAC extended an invitation to Botswana to consider the post as Vice President and Botswana accepted; and

 

        (iii) Botswana submitted its formal acceptance, in August 2013, to the Secretariat which was later transmitted to AFCAC Secretariat.

 

      Decision

 

      2.2.3.1.3  Ministers are invited to:

 

        (i) urge Member States to effectively attend the ICAN Conference; and

 

        (ii) commend Botswana for accepting the position of Vice President of AFCAC Southern Region at short notice and pledged to support Botswana.

 
 

      2.2.3.2 Association of Southern African National Road Agencies (ASANRA)

 

      Progarmme Implementation

 

      2.2.3.2.1 Ministers are invited to note progress on the status of implementation of SADC Protocol on Transport by the ASANRA as presented below:

 

        (i) ASANRA��s operational budget was supported by Member States Contributions and UKaid through the African Access Programme (AFCAP). 

 

        (ii) Out of 14 SADC Member States, only nine (9) SADC Member States were active members of ASANRA, and not all of them contributed towards ASANRA Operational Budget.

 

        (iii) The following standing Committees of ASANRA:

 

          (a) Network Management and Financing – (Chaired by Botswana);

          (b) Materials and Design Standards – (Chaired by Tanzania);

          (c) Road Safety – (Chaired by Zimbabwe);

          (d) Construction and Maintenance – (Chaired by Mozambique);

          (e) Research and Development – (Chaired by RSA); and

          (f) Regional Technology Transfer Centre (Tanzania).

 
 

        (iv) Projects undertaken by ASANRA as shown on Table 4 and 5 below:

 

Table 4: Current Projects Undertaken by ASANRA

 
Project Name Period  of  Implementation Estimated Costs
From To
  1. Development of GIS-Based Regional Road Map
  2. Assessment of status and adequacy of road funding in the SADC region (Peer Review Mechanism)
2013

2013

2014

1014

US$5,000.00

GBP158,498

(UKaid)

US$40.000

(ASANRA)

3.     Harmornised guideline in respect of contract   

        documentation and appropriate methods of contracting

  1. Guideline on Performance-Based contracting
  2. Guideline on Undertaking Technical Auditing of Road Projects
2013  

2013

2013

2014  

2014

2014

US$196,000  

US$150,000

US$12,000

    6.     Updating of SATCC Standard Specifications and Code of Practices

    7.      Preparation of Guidelines on the use of non-conventional soil additives

2013  

2013

2014  

2014

US$60,000  

US$5,000

  1. Guideline on dealing with problem of vandalism/ theft of road signs
  2. Regionalisation of volumes  2 and 3 of the SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual
  3. Maintenance and updating of Research and Development Database
  4. Guideline for in-situ road rehabilitation and upgrading
  5. Performance assessment of naturally occurring non-standard materials
  6. Development of performance rating system of international contractors and consultants
  7. Training needs analysis pertaining to capacity building
  8. Use of sand in road construction and maintenance
2013  

2013

 

2013

 

2013

2013

 

2013

 

2013

2013

2014  

2014

 

2014

 

2014

2014

 

2014

 

2014

2014

US$136,000  

US$60,000

 

US$5,000

 

US$40,000

US$10,000

 

US$5,000

 

US$136,000

GBP280,000

 

Table 5: Projects completed since ASANRA establishment


ID No. Project Details
1.1.4 Review of Regional Trunk Road Network (RTRN) with inclusion of Democratic of Congo links.
1.1.5 Guideline on development models for road User Charging.
1.1.6 Guideline for harmonisation of condition reporting of the SADC road network.
1.1.7 Development of GIS-based Regional Road Map.
1.1.8 Assessment of status and adequacy of road funding in the region.
2.1.2 Best practice arrangements between road agencies and road funds.
2.1.5 Updating of the RTRN (approx. every 3 years)
1.3.1 Updating of SATCC specs and Codes of Practice including translation into French and Portuguese
1.4.1 Production and dissemination of harmonised guidelines on Road Safety Procedures (including audits)
1.4.3 Model legislation provisions on road safety based on international best practice.
1.4.4 Guidelines on principles and development of Road Traffic and Incident Management Systems.
1.5.1 Database of R & D projects under-taken in the region to minimise duplication and maximise efforts.
1.5.5 Guideline for use of sand in road construction in the region.
1.6.5 Co-ordinating with organising committees of international conferences to provide parallel sessions for T2 activities.

 

          Challenges

 

      2.2.3.2.2 Ministers are also invited to note that despite the achievement made ASANRA still meets the following challenges in the course of implementation of the projects.

 

        (i) Financial resources- Funding for some of the projects has not been readily available as ASANRA��s main financial source are contributions from Member countries.  ASANRA, however, appreciates the financial supports it gets from AFCAP, SSATP among other donors; and

 

        (ii) Knowledge support from member counties- Most of the projects are implemented using implementation teams comprising technical experts from within the member states as opposed to the traditional way of using consultants.  The reason is to reduce costs and build capacity within the member states.  At the onset of projects member states are requested to nominate representatives.  On some cases, some member states are no forthcoming to submit the required number of their nominees.  In extreme cases few countries are not able to submit any nominees.

         Decision

 

      2.2.3.2.3 Ministers are invited to urge Member states to be committed to the ASANRA Membership and implementation of projects.

 

      2.2.4 COMESA/EAC/SADC Tripartite Work Programme (Issues for Noting)

 

      2.2.5 Cooperation with International Cooperating Partners (Issues for Noting)

        (i) TradeMark Southern Africa

            (ii) USAID Southern African Trade Hub

            (iii) Sub Sahara Africa Transport Policy Programme (SSATP)

 

      2.2.6 TRANSPORT SUB-SECTOR PRIORITIES FOR 2014/2016

 

      2.2.6.1 Ministers are invited to consider the following regional transport sector priorities for implementation in the year 2014/2016:

 

        (i) To finalise proposals for the implementation of harmonised road user charges as a cost recovery measure in road transport.

 

        (ii) To facilitate the implementation of harmonised third party motor vehicle insurance system.

 

        (iii) To implement vehicle overload control standards and systems.

 

        (iv) To develop a multilateral agreement including competition regulations for road transport market.

 

        (v) To Facilitate the development, review and implementation of road transport and traffic harmonisation frameworks and annexes including those relating to vehicle regulations and standards (e.g. SADC Driving Licence, Driver training, testing and licensing; professional driving permits, ).

 

        (vi) Implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision.

 

        (vii) COSCAP-SADC Project.

 

        (viii) SADC- Upper Airspace Control Centre.

 

        (ix) Aviation Security (CASP-SADC Project).

 

        (x) Implementation of declarations and action plans of AU Ministers responsible for transport in air transport.

 

        (xi) Implement infrastructure development and trade and transport facilitation projects along priority regional corridors.

 

        (xii) Review Port Security and Safety arrangements in the region and develop plans for Port Security and safety audits.

 

      (xii) Implementation of Road Safety Programme.

 

        (xiii) Management and Operations of the SADC Permanent Mission to ICAO

 

        Decision

 

      2.2.6.2 Ministers are invited to approve the above regional transport sector priorities for implementation in the year 2014/2016.

 

      3. METEOROLOGY SECTOR

 

      3.1 Achievements

 

      Ministers are invited to note the following achievements during 2011/2013 Financial Year:

 

        (i)  AMCOMET: On the implementation of the Nairobi Declaration (2010) by the 1st conference of the Ministers responsible for Meteorology in Africa, the AU summit held in January 2011, endorsed the AMCOMET and provided guidelines for further work to be carried out. The AMCOMET task force met in Nairobi in November 2011 where Zambia and Zimbabwe represented the SADC states. Zimbabwe hosted Second AMCOMET October 2012 and assumed Chairpersonship until the 3rd AMCOMET planned for 2014;

 

        (ii) The Euro 800 000.00 grant Inception Phase Project on the development of the Meteorological Sector in the SADC Region from the Government of Finland ended. The Project enabled the carrying out of needs assessment of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in the region; however, challenges were experienced in Implementation Phase as the cooperating partner could no longer provide budgetary support due to internal priority shifts;

      1. Other initiatives in the applications of Meteorology in other sectors of socio-economic development. Capacity building and climate application activities held prior to 15th, 16th and 17th Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) have yielded some return, in particular after the SARCOF processes there are greater possibilities for the application of climate information and prediction products to minimize impacts of hydro-meteorological disasters and potentialities to maximize production in favourable conditions. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) experts and Media and Communication expert were trained in the use and dissemination of climate information for contingency plan development;  
 

          (a) Parliamentarian workshop on climate and sustainable development were organized in Harare and DRC in April and May 2013, respectively;

 

          (b) Personnel responsible for the maintenance of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) systems from NMHSs were trained in the maintenance and calibration of AWS;

 

          (c) Sub Sectoral  Committee (SCOM) of Meteorology meetings  were convened in Lusaka, Zambia, Harare, Zimbabwe and Lilongwe, Malawi, on April 2012, August 2012 and  July 2013 respectively, back to back with the 6th and 7th Meteorological Association of Southern Africa (MASA) Annual General Meetings (AGM VI & VII).

 

      3.2 Programme Implementation

 

      3.2.1 Meteorological Association of Southern Africa (MASA)

 

3.2.1.1 Ministers are invited to note that:

 

        (i) MASA has since its inception, organized a number of activities for the benefit of all SADC NMSs which include: Training in Severe Weather forecasting, aviation quality management system, and data communications;

 

        (ii) MASA faces the challenge of limited resources for carrying out all its programmes due to the fact that some MS have not yet signed the constitution and those who have not yet paid annual membership fees MASA has since its inception developed its strategic plan which focusses on meteorological infrastructure development, capacity building and applications for socio-economic development in the SADC region. As a consequence of inadequate resourcing, MASA has severely scaled down its programmes and thus limited its ability to deliver benefits to MS;

 

        (iii) To date, five countries (Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles) have not signed the MASA constitution while the signatory MS are at various stages of making annual subscription contributions;

 

        (iv) MASA held its seventh annual general meeting (AGM) in Lilongwe, Malawi July 2013. The meeting reviewed progress since the sixth MASA AGM and developed an action plan for the year 2013-14;

 

        (v) The interim MASA Secretariat functions are currently being fulfilled by the National Meteorological Services of Zimbabwe and South Africa, while the United Republic of Tanzania seconded an official for the period of November 2010 to July 2011. These efforts are additional in-kind contribution by the three countries;

 

        (vi) During the 2012/13 period, MASA managed to co-fund key regional capacity building activities with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These activities include: the annual training Severe Weather Forecasting Demonstration Project (SWFDP) session and also the Quality Management Training workshop. The training programmes, respectively, are essential for improving the regional early weather warning systems and ensuring air navigation safety and efficiency in the SADC region.

 

        (vii) In addition, within the SWFDP, the development of a regional flash flood guidance system has begun. A regional training workshop will take place in November 2013 starting with the following participating countries (Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe) as a demonstration phase of this sub-project; and 

 

        (viii) Further, MASA in line with its Constitution contracted the services of an External Auditor to audit MASA��s finances for the period since its inception in 2008. The External Auditors successfully completed this project and issued unqualified opinions for all four successive financial years (2008/9, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12). The record of the clean audits reflects the excellent internal and governance controls which exist within the Association.

 

      Decision

 

      3.2.1.2 Ministers are invited to urge Member States:

 

        (i) that have not yet signed the MASA constitution to do so; and

 

        (ii) that have made provisions contributions to proceed with their payments and those in arrears to honour their financial obligations.

 

      3.2.1.3 Ministers are invited to direct SADC Secretariat:

 

        (i) to assist in following up with the pending signatures and unpaid membership fees of Members States; and

 

        (ii) to enhance its resource mobilization efforts by engaging development partners to fund the MASA Strategic Plan among others.

 
 

      3.2.2 African Monitoring of the Environment for Sustainable Development (AMESD) 2007 – 2011)

 

      3.2.2.1  Ministers are invited to note:

 

        (i) that the implementation of the African Monitoring of the Environment for Sustainable Development (AMESD) Project came to an end in May 2013 and Monitoring for Environment and Security in Africa (MESA) is the follow up initiative. The Grant proposal document of MESA project for 2013 – 2016 period was submitted for approval to AUC; and

 

        (ii) the need for the transfer of the responsibilities of Botswana Department of Meteorological Services (BDMS) as the Regional Implementing Centre (RIC) of MESA to SADC Climate Services Centre as per its regional mandate.

 

        Decision

 

      3.2.2.2  Ministers are invited to direct SADC Secretariat to make sure that the hand-over process of MESA by BDMS to SADC CSC is done in a professional and timely manner in order to fully benefit the SADC Member States with capacity to access and utilise Earth Observation data for planning and decision-making.

 
 

      3.2.3 SADC/World Meteorological Organization Cooperation.

 

      3.2.3.1 Ministers are invited to note that WMO continues to play an important role in the development of the Meteorological Sector in the Region. Some of the highlights of WMO interventions include the following:

 

      International Meetings

      1. SADC delegation participated at the extra ordinary session on Global Framework on Climate Services (GFCS) in Geneva, Switzerland in October 2012. The GFCS emerged out of the societal need to develop information tools to adapt as the climate will continue to be variable and change. The GFCS aims to enhance climate observations and monitoring, transform that information into socio-economic sector specific products and applications, and disseminate those products widely.  
      1. Emerging from the WMO Extra-Ordinary Congress on the GFCS of October 2012, the first Intergovernmental Board for Climate Service (IBCS) was held in Geneva, July 2013. The Board elected its Management Committee to be chaired by Norway and with Co-Vice Chairpersons from South Africa and India. At the same time, United Republic of Tanzania was elected to the IBCS Management Board, whereas Namibia serves in the Expert Team for GFCS Data Policy.  
 

        (iii) the second AMCOMET was held in Zimbabwe in October 2012. The AU Heads of States and Governments in January 2013 endorsed the Integrated African Strategy on Weather and Climate. Zimbabwe was elected as the President of AMCOMET for period 2012 to 2014. The third AMCOMET Session will be held in Benin in 2014 and WMO RA1 Congress in 2015.

 

          Other Programmes/Activities

 

        (iv) WMO will continue to assist the Southern and Eastern African Climate Outlook Forums. WMO will continue to support the RSMC in terms of the SWFDP as well as the Hydrological programmes.

 

        (v) WMO will also coordinate Food security seminars that have started with the objective of engaging farmers to increase food security.

 

        (vi) WMO will support national consultation workshops to develop Frameworks for Climate Services (GFCS) at National Level.

 

      3.2.3.2 Ministers are also invited to note that:

 

        (i) WMO reaffirms its commitment to assist CSC to achieve its mandate as regional structure to be strengthened in order to meet the requirements of user-community to be consistent with the WMO Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) for which Regional Climate Centre are being formed to carry out its mandate.

 

        (ii) WMO is supporting the sub-regional economic groupings in Africa to implement the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS). Member States are encouraged to integrate national meteorological and hydrological observations. The integration of these observations is essential for the standardization of data to WMO standards and also the sharing and accessibility by all stakeholders.

 

        Decision

 

      3.2.3.3  Ministers are invited to urge MS to fully participate in WMO Programmes in the SADC region

 
 

      3.2.4 SADC Climate Services Centre )/SARCOF Activities

 

      3.2.4.1  Ministers will recall that they directed MASA and stakeholders to review the operations and structure of the SADC Climate Services Centre (CSC) in order to propose an optimum structure.

 

      3.2.4.2  Ministers are invited to note that:

 

        (i) MASA CSC Review Committee had undertaken an assessment of the human and equipment requirements to ensure a fully functioning CSC (document SADC/COMI/2013/3.1.4).

 

        (ii) the costing has been carried out which took into account the operation and maintenance needs for a fully functioning, efficient and effective institution. The  CSC Review Committee visited the Intergovernmental Authority on Development's (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) a sister institution of the SADC Climate Services Centre. The Committee noted the enormous benefits a well-resourced CSC would yield to SADC.

        (iii) The  additional costs to current annual budget for SADC CSC  are:  for option 1  seven-hundred and fifty thousand US dollars (750, 000 US $); and  and option 2 about three-hundred and forty thousand US dollars (340 000 US$).

 

        (iv) The CSC Review Committee presented their report to the Meteorology SCOM, at its meeting in Lilongwe Malawi in July 2013 which was adopted with the following recommendations, among others:

 

          (a)  IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) operational organization structure can be taken as one of the ideal structures for CSC with gradual translation of this structure. Due to current lack of financial resources, the CSC option 2 structure as per annex (document SADC/COMI/2013/3.1.4) should be implemented and gradually expanded to ideal strength; and

 

          (b)  SADC CSC be transformed into leading SADC regional centre of excellence in climate monitoring and prediction  and climate change modelling for sustainable socio-economic  in a manner that is consistent with similar institutions in Africa in order for it to achieve desired efficiency and effectiveness so as to better serve communities.

            Decision

 

      3.2.4.3  Ministers are invited to approve the proposed option 2 (document SADC/COMI/2013/3.1.4) to strengthen the CSC in order to enable it to achieve optimum performance for consideration.

 

      3.2.5  Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum Process and its Sustainability

 

      3.2.5.1  Ministers will recall that first Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) was held in Kadoma, Zimbabwe in October 1997 and became a model adopted by the whole globe. Since that time, the SARCOF products are important decision tools for the benefit of multi-sectoral user communities. The SARCOF products are input to NMHS seasonal forecast process. These seasonal forecasts are used for decision-making and planning across multi-sectoral socio-economic development in Member States.

 

      3.2.5.2 Ministers are invited to note that:

 

        (i) with appreciation that that within the framework of ISACIP grant,  SARCOF 15, 16 and its midterm review and 17 were successfully held in Windhoek Namibia, Harare, Lusaka, Zambia, Harare, Zimbabwe, in August 2011, August 2012, December 2012, August 2013, respectively. These were done with back-to-back training for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Media and Communication Experts.

 

        (ii) CSC continues to produce climate outlook updates for the rainfall seasons, in an effort to assist the climate user community with the appropriate planning for the respective operations.

 

      Decision

 

      3.2.5.3 Ministers are invited to:

 

        (i) direct SADC Secretariat to put in place measures that would attract necessary resources for organizing the SARCOF process; and

 

        (ii) urge MS to fund the participation of their experts in the SARCOF process in order to ensure the sustainability of the  process as it important decision tool that immensely benefits planning in many sectors of socio-economic development.

 

      3.2.6 Quality Management System (QMS) in SADC NMSS

 

      3.2.6.1  Ministers are invited to note:

 

        (i)  the progress particularly the increasing number of members who are now ISO 9001:2008 certified, Mauritius, South Africa, UR Tanzania, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The rest of the member states are at different stages of QMS implementation; and

 

        (ii) the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) obliges meteorological service providers to aviation to have their services certified according to international standards leading to ISO  9001: 2008 certification.  The Ministers further recalled that.

 

          Decision

 

      3.2.6.2  Ministers are invited to:

 

        (i) encourage Member States to collaborate in order to achieve economies of scale and also spread the positive progress in the region.

 

        (ii) urge Member States:

 

          (a) that are not yet ISO-certified to implement the process and in the interim ��file a difference�� with ICAO and submit a copy to WMO ; and

 

          (b)  to facilitate the establishment of legal frameworks to allow for NMHSs to cost recover for their provision of aeronautical meteorological services. 

 

      3.2.7 On-Going and New Meteorology Sector Priorities for 2014/2016

 

      3.2.7.1 Ministers are invited to consider the following on-going and new regional Meteorology sector priorities for implementation in the year 2014/2016.

 

        (i) Implementation of the Strategy for the Development of the Meteorology Sector in the SADC Region  

 

        (ii) Strengthening the infrastructure and capacity of national Meteorology Services in the SADC Region including human resource development

 

        (iii) Implementation of the new structure of SADC Climate Services Centre in collaboration with the WMO within the framework of GFCS and RCC, MASA and SADC National Meteorological Services.

 

        (iv) Strengthen data communication and exchange

 

        (v) Develop adaptation strategy to address the adverse effects of climate change and climate variability.

 

        (vi) Implementation of the AfDB/ACMAD/CSC/CLIMDEV PROJECT;

 

        (vii) Implementation of the QMS- in order o comply with the ICAO requirements;

 

        (viii)  Establishment of cost recovery regulatory framework

 

        (ix)  Establishment of GFCS national frameworks and implementation plans towards climate change adaptation;

 

        (x)  Compliancy with WMO Competency requirements for Aviation Meteorological Personnel before 1 December 2013 deadline;

 

        (xi) Implementation of the Monitoring for the Environment and Security (MESA) Project. 

 

        (xi) Resource mobilization

 

      Decision

 

      3.2.7.2 Ministers are invited to approve the main activities for implementation during 2014/2016 financial year.

 

      4. FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN.

 

      4.1 Ministers will recall that following the successful completion of the Master Plan which includes the Oceanic States Infrastructure Programme, the Master Plan was validated by the SADC Ministers responsible for Infrastructure in June, 2012, in Luanda, Angola, after which it was recommended by Council for adoption by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, at its meeting held in Maputo, Mozambique, in August, 2012.

 

      4.2 Minister are invited to note that to implement the Master Plan, a number of steps have to be undertaken in line with the recommendations of the Ministers responsible for Infrastructure and decisions of Council and Summit.  These include:

 

        (i) Establishment and/or re-affirmation of the necessary institutional structures for coordination and exercising oversight on project implementation;

 

        (ii) Further elaboration and alignment of project profiles for the Short Term Action Plan (and provision of all missing key information);

 

        (iii) Scheduling of targeted SADC Infrastructure Investment Conferences, including the High Level SADC Infrastructure Investment Summit;

 

        (iv) Development Finalisation and Adoption of the SADC Declaration on Infrastructure;

 

        (v) Definition of the necessary budgetary allocation to finance the Master plan Road Map for 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 fiscal years (Member States and ICPs);

 

        (vi) Development of an appropriate monitoring mechanism for tracking of projects in the Master Plan and the Oceanic Infrastructure Programme; and

 

        (vii) Addressing the capacity needs for the Secretariat, Regional Bodies and Member States to effectively coordinate and implement the projects in the STAP.

 

      4.3 Ministers are also invited to note that the institutionalization structures, most of which are already in existence, but might not necessarily be active should be put in places in hierarchal order:

 

        (i) Summit of Heads of State and Government;

 

        (ii) Council of Ministers;

 

        (iii) Ministers responsible for Infrastructure (at which all sectors are represented, at least at Senior Officials level, to support the Lead Ministers);

 

        (iv) Sector Ministerial Committees for Transport, Energy, Water, ICT, Meteorology and Tourism;

 

        (v) Sub-Sectoral Committees of Senior Officials (SCOMs) for Transport, Energy, water, ICT, Meteorology and Tourism; at both regional and trans-boundary multinational levels (termed Joint Steering Committees);

 

        (vi) Project Implementation Teams (cross sectoral, comprising experts);

 

        (vii) At the level of the Secretariat, the teams in the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services headed by the Director and accountable to the Executive Secretary shall comprise:

 

          (a) A Steering Committee comprising Senior Programme Officers (Chaired by the Director, to meet at least quarterly);

 

          (b) Project Coordination Unit comprising of Programme Officers responsible for infrastructure development from each of the sectors of Transport, Energy, Water, ICT, Meteorology and Tourism (to meet monthly), as well as a Programme Officer to coordinate Oceanic States Customised Infrastructure; and

 

          (c) SADC Regional Bodies, Implementing Agencies and International Cooperating parties (ICPs) supporting specific projects shall participate in the Joint Steering Committees.

 

      4.4 Ministers are further invited to note that the Ministerial Committee would oversee the development of the Transport and Meteorological Sectoral Plans leading to the Transport Sector Infrastructure Chapter and Meteorology Sector Plan, and need to take charge and ownership of the developments in the respective sectors, supported by the Sub-Sectoral Committees of Senior Officials which undertake regular review of implementation at the Sectoral Level. However, considering that most Sector Ministerial Committees meet once in two (2) years, the SCOMs can commence maintaining oversight on implementation of the Sector Plan forthwith, and report back to the Ministers when they next convene.

 

      4.5 Ministers are invited to note that:

 

        (i) as part of the formulation of the SADC RIDMP, a SADC Infrastructure Projects Database and a Geographic Information System were developed.  The Database is a compendium of all the projects contained in the RIDMP and main source of information has been the project profile sheets which were submitted by Member States;

 

        (ii) the Database is meant to be a coordinated, up-to-date and accessible system of record for all SADC and also the Tripartite regional infrastructure projects, promoting sustainable investment for an interconnected and integrated region and continent. The purpose of the data fields captured in the Tripartite project fiche format is to highlight the most critical information related to project description, location, economic viability, financing, progress, and planning; and

 

        (iii)  the database also contains information of the project��s contact/focal person and the project��s executing agency/ministry to provide real-time information on the status of the project. The Lead REC is also indicated.

 

      Decision

 

      4.6 Ministers are invited to:

 

        (i) note the responsibility of the Sub Sectoral Committees on maintaining oversight on implementation of the Transport  and Meteorology Sector Plans;

 

        (ii) urge Member States to take up the responsibility forthwith, and ensure that requisite reports on the RIDMP are prepared and reported back to the Ministers whenever they convene;

 

        (iii) urge Member States to respond to a request by the Secretariat to provide updates on the implementation of the projects as contained in the RIDMP and Infrastructure Projects Database; and

 

        (iv) note that there is a need for SADC Member States to nominate Focal Points to work on a day-to-day basis with the SADC Secretariat to drive the implementation of the respective Transport and Meteorology Projects, especially the Short Term Action Plan of the Transport   and Meteorology Chapters.

 
 

      5. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUES FOR NOTING

 

      Ministers considered issues for noting SADC/COMI/2013/1.2D presented by SADC Secretariat.

 

    6.  CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS

 

      6.1 Ministers are invited to note that the Secretariat continues to face some challenges and constraints in the implementation of the Transport and Meteorology Programmes. Most of these have also been highlighted in the RIDMP:

        (i) The zero growth based budget adopted by SADC is stalling programme implementation and the budgeting seems to be not taking into account inflation;

        (ii) The Transport and Meteorology divisions are under resourced in terms of human resources. These capacity limitations hamper effective project/programme implementation;

        (iv) There is slow response from SADC Member States on project and programme implementation suggesting low commitment by MSs;

 

        (v) There is generally high staff turnover at most institutions and decision makers usually serve only limited terms in office. This affects continuity and causes delays in implementation;

        (vi) Delays in concluding legal instruments on programme and projects implementation.

      6.2 Ministers are invited to note that to address some of the challenges and constraints raised above, CAC, at its meeting Gaborone, Botswana in July 2013 proposed the remedial measures as presented in Table 6 below:

 
Challenges/ Constraints Proposed Solution Time Frame
Human Capacity constraints within the Secretariat SADC Secretariat to identify critical skills/ competencies urgently required to enable it to effectively and efficiently discharge its mandate; 31 July 2013
Secretariat should contact Member States and request for secondment of personnel with specified skills/ competencies; 15 August 2013
Report to the Ministers Forthcoming Ministerial Meeting
Resource Mobilization SADC Secretariat to establish contact with possible sponsors to source funding; 31 July 2013
The Summit to be requested to urge Member States to keep their financial contributions up to date; By the next Summit
Funding of SADC COSCAP Project    
Industry should be requested to make voluntary contributions to the SADC COSCAP Project 10 August 2013
Member States to be requested to make one final contribution to the SADC COSCAP Project November 2013
Funding of the SADC ICAO Office Ministers responsible for Civil Aviation should be requested to provide appropriate budget vote specifically for the running of the SADC ICAO Office. The contribution by each Member State to be set off against that State��s contribution to the SADC budget. By the next Ministerial Meeting
Institutionalization of SASO The budget for the institutionalization of SASO to be incorporated to the budget of the SADC COSCAP Project. Immediate
SADC member states to sign the charter as soon as it possible, CAC secretariat to facilitate the process.  

Further delays in the institutionalization of SASO to be avoided

Immediately after approval  

Immediate

 
 

          Decision

 

      6.3 Ministers are invited to consider and approve the intervention measures indicated in Table 6 recommended by CAC.

 
 

      7. DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING

 

8.  CLOSURE


 

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