Sir, - In reference to the article "GOAL Withdrawal Dents' Irish Image" on August 20th, I wish to point out a number of inaccuracies which need to be addressed.
The article refers to a numbers of development projects "identified by GOAL" for which funding was secured and on which preparatory work has been undertaken. This was not the case. GOAL was requested by the UNHCR to construct 1,000 houses, but after much study and discussions with GOAL's country management it was felt that this was not a sector in which it had sufficient experience, and the request was turned down. The water-supply project referred to was not abandoned but was reduced in scale, whereby many broken down pumps were repaired and water is now being supplied to communities.
In stating that the Ntarama, school will be completed, the fact that a number of other schools and a clinic have already been completed was omitted.
The decision to phase gradually out of the Great Lakes Region was made early in 1996. This process is being done strategically and professionally. The security situation in Goma necessitated that this process be accelerated somewhat, as the safety of our personnel was in serious doubt. The Zairean camps' operations were under contract to UNHCR. They are coming to the end of the contract period and GOAL has, rather than abandon commitments, assisted UNHCR in sourcing other agencies to continue the work. The refugees will not lose out as a result of this transfer.
When the UNHCR was informed of our decision to withdraw from the Great Lakes, they said that they fully understood our position. They thanked GOAL for the tremendous work that had been done and requested it to continue working in the refugee camps in Tanzania until at least the end of 1996, which has been agreed.
The overall programme in the Great Lakes has never been 100 per cent donor funded. There are significant costs, particularly in Rwanda, which have always been funded directly by GOAL.
GOAL's reputation has not suffered in Tanzania, Rwanda or Zaire nor has it dented the "Irish image" as so dramatically headlined. GOAL has carried out tremendous work in the area. It has been recognised by UNHCR, governments and beneficiaries alike for its dedication to the people most in need. Why, then, is GOAL continually requested by donors to implement projects?
The article states: "Development aid requires a sustained, long term approach by an NGO". This is absolutely correct, but it is necessary to point out that the projects referred to in the article are not "development" but" rehabilitation" projects. They are relatively short term in nature, as many areas of the region are not yet ready for longer term initiatives.
Finally, let me state that GOAL seeks to provide assistance to the greatest number of needy people as is humanly possible. However, like any other organisation we are restricted by limited resources.
Yours, etc.,
Director, GOAL,
Dun Laoghaire.