Cambodia Needs US$29 Million for Mine Clearance in 2010

Cambodia Needs US$29 Million for Mine Clearance in 2010

The Mirror, Vol. 14, No. 659

“Phnom Penh: According to an announcement from the Cambodian government on 3 April 2010, Cambodia needs US$29 million for mine clearance in 2010.

“The Cambodian Mine Action Center [CMAC] announced that mine clearance will be carried on five more years, and in 2010, US$29 million is needed, including for mine clearance tools and mine clearance techniques.

“According to the announcement, besides the funds of US$29 million for actual mine clearance, US$13.5 million and US$11 million are reserve funds, and US$1.5 million is still being negotiated with donors. But another US$1 million has not been specified.

“The announcement adds that if fundraising is not successful, 20% of the CMAC personnel of 3,000 persons in total will be dismissed from their respective tasks in 2010.

“In 2010, CMAC plans to finish clearing mines at 423 or 424 development sites of 28,000,000 square meters. At least, 7,000,000 square meters are considered as areas where people could easily become victims from unexploded ordnance and mines – these are considered as core areas

“Deum Ampil news center had contacted the CMAC director-general, Mr. Heng Ratana, several times via telephone, but could not reach him.

“It should be remembered that many sites with unexploded ordnance are left from the three decades of civil war. Many landmines have been cleared already since 1998.

“So far, Cambodia has cleared 520 square kilometers from landmines and has found and destroyed 2.7 million explosives, including unexploded ordnance.

“It is estimated that in Cambodia, there are about 670 square kilometers remaining mined which have not yet been cleared.” Deum Ampil, Vol.4, #452, 4-5.4.2010

This article was first published by The Mirror, [3] Vol. 14, No. 659 - Monday, 5.4.2010
Have a look at the last editorial - you can access it directly from the main page of The Mirror. [3]

Norbert Klein is the Editor of The Mirror [4] – The Mirror is a daily comprehensive summary and translation of the major Khmer language press - More about The Mirror [5]