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FOREWORD

Whether you are preparing for an assignment to Dakar, or are already at post, one of your primary concerns is your housing. There are many facets of daily life in Dakar beyond my purview as Ambassador – the traffic downtown, for example. However, one area that I can, and do influence is housing, as this directly impacts the morale and well being of all employees and their families who live and work in Dakar.

The charge I have made to my staff on your behalf is simple: provide and maintain the best possible housing to all Mission employees. No exceptions. No excuses. It is a difficult burden to bear, given the realities of a limited real estate market in Senegal, budgetary constraints, and applicable U.S. Government regulations.

This handbook is provided for your benefit, so that you may better understand your rights as a member of this Mission. Among other things, the role of the Interagency Housing Board and the process through which they determine your housing assignment are described. This handbook also outlines the maintenance and repair services that are available upon request throughout your tour in Dakar; our housing program is actively managed, and customer care does not stop when you are handed the keys to your new residence upon your arrival.

In addition to describing what services you can expect, this handbook also details your responsibilities as a member of this Mission. As a representative of the U.S. Government, you will be expected at all times to maintain your home properly, safeguard all furnishings for which you are accountable, notify the Mission promptly of any problems that may occur with your residence, and respect the community in which you live.

I sincerely hope that this handbook will serve as a valuable guide, and I encourage you and your family to read it closely. I am equally hopeful that our housing program will exceed your expectations, serving as a foundation to make your tour of duty in Dakar a rewarding and memorable experience.

Ambassador

US Mission - Dakar, Senegal

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Valued Customer:

The attached handbook should serve a useful reference for housing issues. I would encourage you to spend a few minutes and acquaint yourselves with its content.

Determining how to get your housing needs met can be confusing. Listed below are some frequently asked questions that should make your transition easier

Alan Roecks

Supervisory General Services Officer (SGSO)

___________________________________________________________

What number do I call after hours if I have problems at home? The GSO duty phone is 383-4850.

How do I place a work order? You can place a work order from Dakar’s web site. From home, the e-mail address is WorkRD@

What should a work order contain? The work order should include your residence address, time someone will be at home, nature of the problem and contact information if you cannot be there.

What is the most common oversight made by newcomers? Unless you live in an apartment, you are responsible for the maintenance of your lawn. Take the time to either arrange for a gardener or do it yourself. If not, you will end up having to pay for a new lawn – a cost of several hundred dollars.

What are the most common items forgotten by people new to post? Not putting in work orders when the gas canister is used up and forgetting to clean their distiller. You have two gas canisters for your stove. When one of them becomes empty, please put in a work order, requesting a replacement. If not, you will be without cooking gas.

The water distillers must be cleaned regularly. If not, the distiller will become clogged and you will have to purchase drinking water from the economy, at a cost of over a dollar per liter. You (and your domestic) will be shown how to clean the distiller when a Housing staff visits you at your home. Also, the cleaning instructions are included at the end of the Housing Manual.

What is a maintenance emergency? Any condition in the residence with endangers life or property. Example emergencies include:

• Fire

• Broken water pipe

• No power to the entire home

• No water or cooking gas in the home

• No generator fuel

• Imminent structural collapse

• Refrigerator/freezer failure on weekends

FOREWORD i

HOUSING IN DAKAR 1

THE HOUSING PROGRAM………………………………………………………………………………………. 1

Authority……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1

Mission Housing Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2

Use of Residences……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

Pets.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Businesses and Hobbies …………………………………………………………………………………………. 4

Temporary Absences ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4

Alterations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4

Surrender of Quarters 4

THE ASSIGNMENT PROCESS 4

Interagency Housing Board 4

Housing Profile 6

Housing Assignment 6

Reassignments 8

Appeals 8

RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES ….8

Policy 8

Maintenance Responsibilities 9

Residents……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9

Landlords ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

The Embassy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10

Levels of Maintenance ……….10

Routine Maintenance and Repair ………………………………………………………………………. 10

Emergency Maintenance Services ………………………………………………………………… … 10

Preventive Maintenance …………………………………………………………………………… ………. 10

Maintenance Services Provided 11

Painting …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 11

Interior Fumigation ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

Repairs, Additions and Alterations ………………….…………………………………………. 12

Pre-Occupancy Maintenance …………………………………………………………………………… 12

EXTERIOR AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE 12

Residential Gardening Services 12

Trash Removal 13

OTHER SERVICES 13

Utilities and Telephone Service 13

Residence Keys 14

FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS, APPLIANCES, AND EQUIPMENT 14

Policy 14

Responsibilities of the Resident 15

Basic Furniture, Furnishings, Appliances, and Equipment 15

Supplemental Furniture, Furnishings, Appliances, and Equipment 15

Hospitality Kits 16

Residential Inventory 16

Furniture Sets 17

Re-Upholstery 17

Draperies and Curtains 18

Carpeting 18

Furniture and Carpet Cleaning ……………………………………………………………………………………….19

Fire Protection Equipment 19

Smoke Alarms ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….19

Fire Extinguishers ………………………………………………………………………………………………… .19

Electric Light Bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes 19

Electrical Transformers, Adaptor Plugs and Outlets 20

Generators 20

Air Conditioners 20

Air Conditioners & Amperage ……………………………………………………………………………… ……..20

Ceiling & Exhaust Fans 21

Awnings and Screens 21

Propane Gas Bottles 22

Child Safety Gates 22

Water Distillers 22

Mosquito Nets 22

APPENDICES 23

A – ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS 23

B – KITCHEN SAFETY 24

C – CLEANING YOUR WATER DISTILLER 25

D - MOVING OUT ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27

E - TELEPHONE AND E-VOTE CRITERIA ……………………………………………………………. 29

HOUSING IN DAKAR

O

ne of the many joys -- and hard-ships -- of an assignment abroad, whether in the Foreign Service or under the auspices of another agency, is the task of transforming into a home the house or apartment that has been furnished and provided to you, sight unseen, courtesy of the U.S. Government.

As those members of our community already living in Dakar may attest, it is no easy task. Dakar, while cosmopolitan in comparison to most of Africa, and with a profound French influence still evident, will nonetheless never be confused for a city in the United States.

Many of the amenities that you may come to expect in an American home, such as dishwashers, wall-to-wall carpeting, and electric garage door openers, are simply not available here.

On the other hand, housing in Dakar tends to be more spacious than comparable American residences, with higher ceilings and more bedrooms and bathrooms. You can rest assured that your residence will be equipped with air conditioners, American manufactured appliances, and have furniture that is in good condition.

Your safety and security are also of paramount concern; fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, alarm systems, deadbolt locks, uniformed guards (at night), water distillers, and electrical generators to ensure reliable power supply are standard features of all residences.

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THE HOUSING PROGRAM

Authority

T

he U.S. Embassy, Dakar, administers an interagency housing program, encompassing approximately 90 apartments and houses in Dakar and surrounding neighborhoods. Development of an interagency housing policy was first mandated by Congress in 1979 to ensure uniformity and equity in the provision of housing benefits to employees of all U.S. Government (USG) agencies overseas.

Responsibility for managing the program was granted to the Department of State, which was designated as the Single Real Property Manager (SRPM). The objective of this decision was to ensure cost-effective management of the extensive world-wide housing program.

In embassies overseas, Chiefs of Mission are responsible for ensuring proper compliance and implementation of this policy. Day-to-day management of the program is delegated to the Administrative Counselor, who is the embassy’s SRPM.

The SRPM manages the Dakar interagency housing program in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in Volume 15, Chapter 2 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. Copies are available on the Department of State intranet site, or on the internet at .

The policies, standards and procedures outlined in this handbook supersede those contained in the Dakar Housing Handbook, dated August 2004, and are applicable to every U.S. citizen employee, and their dependents, of all USG agencies under the authority of the United States Ambassador to Senegal. No other housing policy takes precedence over or alters the provisions outlined in this document.

Mission Housing Policy

All USG employees permanently assigned to the Mission are provided housing for the duration of their tour. Assigned housing includes all essential furniture, furnishings, major appliances and equipment, and associated maintenance services. Refer to the sections of this Handbook on Residential Maintenance Services; Exterior and Ground Maintenance; and Furniture, Furnishings, Appliances and Equipment for more information.

With the exception of the designated residences (i.e. Ambassador’s residence, Deputy Chief of Mission residence, and the Marine Security Detachment Residence) and the dedicated residence (i.e. USAID Director’s residence), the Mission maintains a common housing pool. Housing assignments are not made based on agency affiliation or previous occupancy of a particular residence.

The policy of the Interagency Housing Board, in concert with the recommendation of the Housing Officer, is to assign residences based on the date of arrival at post of the employee coupled with the availability of the first residence to which an employee qualifies. In no instance will residences be “held” for a particular employee, if another employee, arriving at post at an earlier date, qualifies. Refer to the section of this Handbook on The Assignment Process for more information on the role and function of the Interagency Housing Board, and authorized space standards for employees.

Certain contract personnel, USG employees assigned on TDY, student interns, or other designated personnel, may be assigned to occupy existing residences within the embassy housing pool, with the approval of the SRPM.

To the maximum extent possible, employees will be assigned housing prior to their arrival in Dakar. In some cases, however, this may not be feasible, necessitating temporary, short-term housing.

Permanently assigned USG employees who choose not to occupy the residence assigned to them by the Mission are not eligible to receive a Living Quarters Allowance (LQA).

USG employees may not vacate their assigned residence and/or occupy another residence without the prior approval of the SRPM. Under no circumstance will USG employees acquire, modify or terminate lease agreements; employees may be held personally liable for any such action.

While individual agency regulations governing housing, furnishings, maintenance and employee responsibility may be more restrictive, in no case shall they be more liberal than the policies adopted by the Mission.

Use of Residences

The following information is provided solely as a guideline for the proper use of residences assigned to USG employees. On specific issues, members of the Mission should consult with the Housing Officer for clarification and applicability, and/or refer to 15 FAM 200.

Pets

Employees should notify post if they intend to bring a pet into Senegal. The keeping of pets in Government-held housing units is a privilege, not a right. The SRPM may prohibit pets on Government-held premises because of nuisance, health, damage to Government property, infringement of quiet enjoyment, or other fair and just causes.

Every precaution must be taken by employees to prevent pet damage to quarters, furniture and furnishings for which they are responsible and will be held fully liable.

Businesses and Hobbies

Without prior approval from the Ambassador, occupants may not install an office or shop, raise animals or plants commercially or otherwise use their residence as a place of business or as a business address.

(15 FAM246.2)

While the Mission does not restrict an employee’s right of quiet enjoyment of hobbies, the SRPM reserves the right to prohibit or limit the pursuit of those hobbies that infringe upon the rights of others, inflict an abnormal strain or overload on the residence, or constitute an increased operating or maintenance cost to the USG.

Temporary Absences

Employees may not leave their residence in the custody of a “house sitter” without the prior knowledge and authorization of the Housing Officer and the RSO. Occupants should consult with the Housing Officer and RSO prior to making any house sitting decisions.

Alterations

Employees may not make alterations to their residence without the express, written consent of the Housing Officer.

Surrender of Quarters

An employee shall vacate the assigned residence on the last day of duty at post prior to departing Dakar for onward assignment. GSO will inspect the premises, preferably with the occupant, and list, as appropriate, any damage to the residence for which the employee might be held financially responsible. For more information see Moving Out – Appendix D.

THE ASSIGNMENT PROCESS

Interagency Housing Board

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R

eporting to the Ambassador under the guidance of the SRPM, the Interagency Housing Board (IAHB) is an independent working group responsible for implementation and management of the Dakar housing program. The IAHB provides final approval to all housing assignments, by majority vote of the current membership. It works closely with the Mission Housing Officer to identify residential properties that are suitable for occupancy by USG employees and which meet all applicable housing regulations.

The IAHB is comprised of employees drawn from all USG agencies at Post, and its membership represents a cross section of ranks, agencies, marital status and job specialties. The Ambassador appoints the Chairperson of the IAHB for a one-year term. The IAHB Chairperson rotates between the different agencies represented at Post.

Other members are designated to serve on the IAHB by the senior representatives of agencies represented at Post, with the Ambassador determining the total number of members appointed to the IAHB.

In addition, there are two ex officio members of the IAHB: the SRPM, who provides all necessary guidance on interpretation and application of housing policies and regulations; and the Regional Security Officer, who advises on security issues related to housing.

Non-voting members who provide input to the IAHB include the Housing Officer, the Facilities Maintenance Manager, and the Community Liaison Officer.

The Housing Officer serves as the IAHB Executive Secretary, and is responsible for preparing an agenda for each meeting, as well as for keeping minutes of proceedings and circulating copies to all IAHB members.

Neither the Ambassador, nor the Deputy Chief of Mission may serve on the IAHB, as these officials serve in the direct line of appeal should an employee disagree with an IAHB decision.

The IAHB normally meets each month following the Expanded Country Team Meeting, but may be called into session at any time if the Chairperson determines that action is required before the next regularly scheduled meeting. Telephone and/or e-mail polling of the IAHB membership may also be conducted if urgent action is warranted. For use of telephone and E-Votes see Appendix E.

USG employees are welcome to observe IAHB meetings, and/or to review the ratified minutes of previous IAHB meetings.

Housing Profile

Under the terms of the worldwide interagency housing policy

(15 FAM 222), each post must establish a housing profile.

The Supervisory General Services Officer, who serves as the Mission Housing Officer, is responsible for identifying prospective new residences for assignment to USG employees by the IAHB, and determining whether existing residences should continue to be utilized by the Post.

A number of variables influence the size and composition of the housing pool, to include:

■ Post demographics

■ Security

■ Lease terms

■ Maintenance costs

■ Amenities

■ Desired locations

While USG employees may advise the Housing Officer on potential residences for use in the Dakar housing pool, the Housing Officer will neither acquire, nor continue to lease, residences that do not meet these minimum factors.

Housing Assignment

Information used in the assignments process is gleaned from travel orders, data provided from the sponsoring agency, responses given to the Post housing questionnaire, and direct input from a prospective USG employee on housing preferences. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure that Post has the most accurate and current information available upon which to make a housing assignment.

Housing assignments are based on two criteria: rank/grade and family size. The rank of an employee’s position, not one’s personal grade, is used to determine the maximum space authorized in a particular residence. Promotion during an employee’s tour of duty is not justification for movement to another residence.

Family size is determined by the number of official dependents residing permanently (i.e. more than 50% of the year) at post, and who are listed as such on an employee’s travel authorization. An employee’s space authorization may be increased by 175 square feet for every two dependents (i.e., one or two) residing away from post more than 50% of the year. For example, a MID3/4 employee with one dependent residing away from post would be authorized 2232 square feet or 2057 square feet plus 175 additional square feet for the dependent residing away from Dakar. A MID3/4 employee with two dependents residing away from post would be authorized the same 2057 square feet plus 175 additional square feet just as in the previous example. There would be no additional increase for the second dependent residing away from post. (15 FAM 264.1c (2))

The size limitations for each rank tier and family configuration are shown below:

|Family Size |1-2 |3-4 |5-6 |7+ |

| | | | | |

|Rank | | | | |

| |1870 |2361 |2712 |2852 |

|Executive |(174) |(219) |(252) |(265) |

|(EXC) | | | | |

| |1426 |2057 |2408 |2548 |

|Mid-Level |(132) |(191) |(224) |(237) |

|(MID) | | | | |

| |1286 |1870 |2174 |2314 |

|Standard |(119) |(174) |(202) |(215) |

|(STD) | | | | |

All figures in square feet; square meters are in parentheses.

Housing categories are determined by position rank. The chart below describes the ranks for the EXC, MID, and STD housing categories.

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15 FAM Exhibit 264

RANK TIERS & GRADE EQUIVALENTS

| |FS |GS |MIL |Wage Sys |

| |SFS |SES |O10 ................
................

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