| What is LTBP? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Regional Offices | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Calendar | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Photo Gallery | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Publications | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Programmes: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Biodiversity |
| Environmental Edu. |
| Fishing Practices |
| Geogr. Info. Syst. |
| Pollution |
| Sedimentation |
| Socio-economics |
| Training |
Processes: |
| Legal Convention |
| Strat. Action Prog. |
Management: |
| Reg. Co-ordination |
Projects: |
| Nyanza Course |
| Uvira Renovations |
| Waste Oil Clean-up |
| World Environ. Day |
Administration: | Project Resources | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
If someone wants to contact me in Bujumbura, what information should I give them? Projet sur la Biodiversité du Lac Tanganyika Boîte Postale 1119 Bujumbura, BURUNDI Tél: +257 21 99 60 Fax: +257 21 99 61 The project office is now located in the the old CRHHA buildings within the Dept. of Fisheries compound. What is the time difference in Burundi? GMT +2 hrs Will people be able to send me email via the project? The project's email account in Bujumbura is: ltbpbuja@cbinf.com This is the best mode of communication between Bujumbura and the outside world. You can use the project's email account for project and private emails. Emails are submitted to SLO's office on disk and are typically queued and sent twice a day. Email replies are printed and distributed daily. We don't encourage people to send large attachments via email as the phone lines tend to choke on them. Should I bring my computer or will I have access to one in Bujumbura? The project office has four Hewlett Packard Vectra VE 200Mhz computers with 15" monitors (3 in French). There are also 3 HP 720C deskjet colour printers and an HP Laser Jet printer. As well, the station has a colour scanner, LapLink, Iomega Zip drives, and software to read Macintosh diskettes/Zip's. However, there is considerable demand on this equipment because 1 of the machines is dedicated for the Administrative Asst. As well, breakdowns are not infrequent. If you plan on doing considerable word-processing, you should bring your own laptop computer.
What is the power situation like in Bujumbura? Power in all of Burundi is very good. The power is both consistent and stable. The power situation at the LTBP project office has been adequate for the past few months. We have several Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS) units and voltage stabilizers installed. We have telephone line surge protectors installed as well. Plugs are Belgian-style 2 prong. So bring plug adapters if your technical equipment and laptops aren't hard wired for the Belgian system. Voltage is 220v 50 Hz. We don't have any step-down transformers here yet so avoid bringing 110v equipment if possible. Check your AC adapter, many American computers are rated for both 220/110v and 50/60 Hz simultaneously. Will I have access to vehicles while in Bujumbura? The project currently has two four-wheel drive vehicles in Bujumbura; a Land Rover Defender 110 and a Toyota Hilux dual cab pickup. Obviously, every attempt is made to accommodate the need for transport. However, there is considerable demand on the vehicles and the project cannot always accommodate everyone's needs simultaneously. Compliance with current vehicle sign-up procedures will be requested. Will I have access to boats while in Bujumbura? LTBP - Bujumbura Station currently has one 5 metre Rigid Inflatable boat and a 22ft working boat is clearing customs. The station has 2 - 40Hp and 2- 15Hp outboard motors as well as use of the CRHHA-owned 75Hp motor. Our boats are under considerable demand, so we ask you to sign up for them in advance. NB: You must also submit a detailed workplan for any field work to the LTBP offices 1 week in advance. We will have to get security clearance from UNDP for any work outside of Bujumbura. As Burundi is no longer under embargo, transportation into/out of the country has become much easier. Please see the relevant up-to-date boat and plane schedules in our on-line Travel Centre. Will I have access to dive gear? We currently have 6 sets of dive gear and 9 dive bottles, all of it being used for special studies field work. We also have one dive compressor, one Marinox Oxygen Therapy Unit, and one hand-held sonar device. It is advisable to bring as much of your personal gear (minus cylinders) as possible in order to avoid any lagtime. What should I know about monetary matters? It is possible to get cash advances off of credit cards in Bujumbura at BCB Bank and credit cards can be used at the Novotel. Current exchange rates are available from our on-line Travel Centre. The Bujumbura imprest account should normally have sufficient funds to cover or reimburse your routine project-related expenses. If you anticipate major project-related expenses while in Bujumbura, please notify the SLO in advance so that she can arrange funds. Please fill out the Regional Needs Form and email it to the BJM Station before you travel. Money transfers from Dar to Bujumbura take about 2 weeks (assuming the Dar imprest has sufficient funds). The best option is to arrive with a travel advance to cover your subsistence and incidental expenses for your stay in Bujumbura. Will I be able to travel freely between the riparian countries? Currently, the project has no 'free pass' visa system between all four countries. The project advises you to obtain all the necessary visas before you arrive in Burundi.
Is Malaria common in Bujumbura and should I take a malaria prophylaxis? Malaria is common in all East African countries and, unfortunately, the local variety is the cerebral kind which can cause death in as little as 3 days if not treated. The project recommends that you take a prophylaxis and bring a sufficient quantity out with you. Either Larium (for the brave) or a combination of Paludrin (Nivaquine) and Chloroquine seem to be the favourites of project personnel. Bring a decent supply of quality bug repellent. You will need it. Additionally, the local mosquitoes are attracted to dark, especially black, clothing. It is advisable not to wear dark clothes after sunset. Contracting malaria is a common event, even if only here for a short time (and will ruin your trip) Any other medical concerns I should know about? The local hospitals can handle most medical needs including malaria tests. The water supply is very 'drinkable' if you are accustomed to the local 'flora', but to prevent illness, you should boil drinking water for 20 min. It might be a good idea to bring a portable camping-style water filter just to be safe. Giardia is common and we advise you bring a prescription of Ciprofloxacin or equivalent for traveller's diarrhoea and/or Giardia. Many project consultants have contracted Giardia in the last few months, in Kigoma. We recommend that before visiting the region you have full vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever, Tiphoid, Polio, Diptheria/Tetanus, Meningococcal, and possibly Rabies. Followup vaccinations can be obtained in Bujumbura, Kigoma, Lusaka, and Dar es Salaam. | |||||||||||||||||||
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