Power hitch brings UNDP operations to standstill
 
2005-11-09 09:31:49
By Monica Mayuni

Operations at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offices in Dar-es-Salaam yesterday grounded to a halt for over an hour after electricity cables sparked fire at the main pole connecting the building with power just a few metres from the building housing the international body.

The incident, which happened around 09:00am prompted authorities at the UNDP offices to close the building for over an hour.

The chief security guard at the UNDP offices refused to give more details on the incident.

He referred reporters to the UNDP country representative, John Hendra, who was not in his office.

Eyewitnesses said Hendra and other senior UNDP officials took to their heels after they were informed there was an electric fault outside the building.

The UNDP office and other nearby buildings receiving power supply through the affected pole were saved from damage by electrical technicians from TANESCO, who quickly responded after they were telephoned.

’The quick response by TANESCO probably saved lives,’ said an eyewitness who did not want to disclose his name.

He said the fire was quickly gaining momentum by the time TANESCO disconnected the cables to contain it.

Visitors to UNDP offices between 09:00 and 10: 30 am had to wait away from the building as experts rectified the problem.

It was only after thorough investigations by fire and hydropower experts that clients were allowed inside the building.

By 10:30am operations at the UNDP offices had been restored to normalcy after assurances.

Meanwhile, UNDP has not yet finished consultations with National Electoral Commission (NEC) and other partners regarding refunding the electoral process after the postponement of general election.

UNDP Public Affairs officer Rhena Renju said in an interview yesterday that her organisation was still in consultation with other partners over the matter.

’We will get back to you as soon as a decision is reached,’ she said.

• SOURCE: Guardian