Japan gives fund to clean mines and UXOs in Cambodia

via Khmer NZ

Tuesday, 13 July 2010 14:01 DAP-NEWS

Under the framework of the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO's Projects, the Government of Japan provides US$928,217 to Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS) on Tuesday to clean mines in Cambodia, the statement from Japanese embassy said.

it continued that the Grant Contract was signed today at the Embassy of Japan between Mr. KAWAMURA Hiroshi, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Mr. EIKI Watanabe, Resident Representative of JMAS to implement projects including.

“The Project for Supporting Mine Clearance in Battambang Province in Cambodia (US$928,217)” is to operate three de-mining teams in Kamrieng District and to deploy a de-mining machinery in Ratanak Mondul District, Battambang Province which is one of the most heavily mine affected provinces in Cambodia with the largest number of casualties,” it added.

it said that in Kamrieng District, villagers will participate in the community-based de-mining activity with the technical support from JMAS advisors and supervision by the staff from Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). The de-mining machinery will be used for de-mining in the contaminated areas of Ratanak Mondul District.

“ It is estimated that the project will benefit about 20,000 villagers by alleviating the threat of mines in the areas and leading to community development once mines are cleared,” the statement from embassy said. it noted The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO's Projects started in Cambodia in 2002 to support activities by Japanese NGOs to help Cambodia's reconstruction and development efforts at the grassroots level.

Since 2002, the Government of Japan has provided over US$12.3 million for 54 projects by the Japanese NGOs, mainly in the field of primary education, health, and explosive ordnance disposal. The project by JMAS is the first one funded by this grant scheme in Japanese fiscal year 2010 (April 2010 - March 2011).

Mines and UXOs in Cambodia, last year, killed and injured 256 people. Heng Ratana, general director of Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) said that the fund is useful to contribute to cleaning mine and help local people for community development from clearance.