The equipment, including generators, water tanks and concrete mixers, was funded by the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, whose ambassadors attended the handover ceremony, along with representatives from the JIUs, Joint Defense Board (JDB) and UNMIS.

Addressing the ceremony, United Kingdom Ambassador Rosalind Marsden stressed the importance of JIU development, as they were a "symbol of trust and cooperation," essential for realization of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

Also speaking at the ceremony, Dutch Ambassador Norbert Braakhuis said, "Rebuilding trust is difficult if the peace agreement leaves loose ends and questions." He added that the JIUs played an important role in strengthening trust for stability and security, with elections scheduled for April 2010 and border demarcation nearing its final phase.

"The Joint Integrated Units are a symbol of national unity and integrity," UNMIS Force Commander Maj. Gen. Paban Thapa said.

UNMIS was mandated to assist with the development and deployment of JIUs across Sudan, Maj. Gen. Thapa stated, adding that 84 per cent of the forces' deployment had already taken place.

"The first project in reinvigorating the JIUs is the handing over of the equipment," Maj. Gen. Thapa later noted, adding that UNMIS would further support the units by developing their camps so that JIUs become more effective. "Time is short, we have to get this started as quickly as possible."

JIU Commander Maj. Gen. Yahya Khair said the equipment was essential for forces in remote locations, often without electricity and water. He added that more training was needed in the English language, administration, computer and military skills.

"This will give a push to the work of the JDB and the JIUs," said Maj. Gen. Salva Chol, chairman of the Joint Defense Board overseeing the JIUs' development. "It will lift the constraints of electricity and water points in areas hard to access."

The chairman noted that the units needed more support in transport, communication and training, including awareness-raising about the CPA and its protocols, as well as national elections.

Emphasizing the role of JIUs in election support, Ambassador Marsden mentioned that voter registration had begun on 1 November across the country, and encouraged the Sudanese population to register.

"Don't leave it too late because you won't be able to vote," the ambassador said, sending a message to the community at the ceremony, which was hosted by the Pakistani contingent in El Obeid, who along with the Indian troops offered logistical support in preparations for the equipment's handover.

According to the CPA, the JIUs will be the nuclei of Sudan's national army if it decides for unity in the 2011 referendum. If Southern Sudan secedes, the forces will be the core of the remodelled Sudan People's Liberation Army and Sudan Armed Forces respectively.