UK expands de-mining to Ratanakiri province
The UK's Mine Action programme will start clearing unexploded ordnance in Ratanakiri province.
UK expands de-mining to Ratanakiri province
The British Ambassador Mark Gooding announced this program during a visit to the province on 19 February. As part of UKAid’s ongoing Mine Action programme in Cambodia, the Mines Advisory Group will deploy 2 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to Ratanakiri Province.
These teams will conduct life saving and development enabling Unexploded Ordnance clearance in communities with high instances of rural poverty. Following the removal of dangerous munitions by MAG’s dedicated staff, villagers will be able to access and utilize previously ‘no go’ areas of land for productive and ultimately profitable purposes.
Speaking on his trip, Ambassador Gooding said:
I am delighted that the UK will start to fund clearance of unexploded ordnance in Ratanakiri. Cambodia is the number one recipient of funding from the UK’s de-mining programme. Our de-mining work will both reduce the terrible injuries that mine and UXO accidents can cause, and give impoverished communities access to land that was previously off limits. This will enable them to develop sustainable livelihoods and contribute to Cambodia’s economic development.
MAG Country Director Alistair Moir said:
MAG is proud to be saving lives and building futures in the north east of Cambodia and wishes to thank UKAid for their continuing support.
Further information
MAG Cambodia: www.maginternational.org/cambodia/