On behalf of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, UNOPS procured ten vehicles (four 4-wheel drive vehicles and six pickup trucks) in support of an African Development Bank (AfDB)-funded programme facilitating the reintegration of and increasing access to basic socio-economic services for people affected by the political-military crisis in the Central African Republic.

The vehicles will support the effective implementation of the activities of the 'Support Programme for the Reconstruction of Basic Communities - Phase 2.'

“These vehicles represent much more than just a means of transport," said Dalila Gonçalves, UNOPS Regional Director for Africa. "They embody UNOPS approach to public procurement, which is focused on transparency, resilience and sustainability."

"Our mission is to support the Central African government and our partners in using public procurement to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of crises and reduce inequalities," she added.

As part of the project, UNOPS will also procure and deliver ambulances, motorcycles and the country’s first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, using $2.3 million in funding from AfDB.

“On ​​behalf of H.E. Prof. Faustin Archange Touadera, President of the Republic, Head of State, I would like to express my sincere thanks to [...] the AfDB and UNOPS for their dynamic commitment and unwavering support for the development of our country," said Richard Filakota, Minister of the Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, during a ceremony handing over the vehicles to the programme.

Read more here (in French).