Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hong Giang, Commander of the construction unit, stated that the warehouse is critically important. It will ensure logistical support and maintain regular operations of the peacekeeping force, especially during the rainy season when supplying goods is challenging due to slippery roads and the risk of trucks overturning.
Giang explained that constructing the strategic logistics warehouse is more complex than building a typical warehouse. It must meet various technical requirements, including load-bearing structure, ventilation, and specific UN safety standards. Local civilian contractors lacked the capacity to undertake this project.
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Engineering Unit 3 constructs the logistics warehouse for the UNISFA Mission. Photo: Engineering Unit 3 |
Engineering Unit 3 constructs the logistics warehouse for the UNISFA Mission. Photo: Engineering Unit 3
The UNISFA Mission leadership entrusted the Vietnamese Engineering Unit with this task, requesting handover by 20/9 (before the troop rotation). However, Abyei is currently in its rainy season, making transportation and construction difficult and increasing safety risks.
To expedite progress, the unit implemented a "one-on-one" training model. Construction assistants collaborated with supervisors, and skilled technicians provided direct guidance and mentoring to each worker. This approach ensures timely progress while also providing training, enhancing on-site skills, and minimizing errors.
To cope with the frequent rain, the unit capitalized on all dry periods in the early mornings, midday, and afternoons to advance construction, compensating for downtime during prolonged rainfall. After 45 days of construction, the project is over 70% complete.
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The warehouse's structure demands high precision and presents significant construction challenges. Photo: Engineering Unit 3 |
The warehouse's structure demands high precision and presents significant construction challenges. Photo: Engineering Unit 3
Engineering Unit 3, comprising 184 personnel, arrived in Abyei in 9/2024. Despite harsh conditions and security instability, the unit has upgraded several key roads, maintained the helicopter airport, repaired schools, and provided medical and food aid to local residents, particularly teachers and students.
Abyei is a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan, Africa. Vietnam began deploying engineering forces to the UNISFA Mission in 5/2022. By 5/2025, over 1,100 Vietnamese personnel have participated in peacekeeping operations across three missions in Central Africa, South Sudan, Abyei, and at the UN headquarters.
Son Ha
