Japan extends $1.3M funds for mine clearance projects
Van Socheata
Japan has announced it will provide an additional grant of over $1.39 million to two Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS) projects, which focus on clearing cluster munitions, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Stung Treng and Banteay Meanchey provinces. The initiative marks the third year of the project’s operation.
“In the third year of the project, we will continue the clearing of cluster munitions and landmines in Stung Treng province, as well as unexploded ordnance in Banteay Meanchey province,” Japanese ambassador Atushi Ueno stated at the December 19 signing ceremony for the grant agreement.
He emphasised that JMAS would also carry on with education on avoiding danger and provide agricultural assistance.
“We hope that the two projects signed today will alleviate the suffering caused by landmines and UXO. They should also improve the livelihood of people living in affected areas, contributing to the Cambodian government’s goal of a complete clearance of anti-personnel mines by 2025,” he added.
According to a press release, Japan has been funding Japanese NGOs to support economic and social development projects in developing countries or regions since 2002. Over the last 20 years, the Japanese embassy has supported more than 150 projects through the programme, significantly enhancing the quality of life for the Cambodian people.
“I am pleased to see Cambodia’s rapid development recently. However, I recognise there are still challenges to be addressed in improving people’s quality of life. The Japanese government will persist in cooperating with Japanese international NGOs and supporting their efforts to resolve these issues,” Ueno stated.
Masakazu Karube, JMAS Resident Representative in Cambodia, addressing the ceremony, noted the organisation’s involvement since 2002 in supporting clearance activities in collaboration with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC).
The current project is titled ‘Reconstruction Support with Cluster Munitions Disposal in Stung Treng: RSCS (Year 3)’.
“JMAS will demine 470ha of cluster munition contaminated areas while instructing the CMAC on efficient and safe … clearance methods. In addition, the project will provide not only landmine risk avoidance education for local residents but also agricultural technology and management for farmers,” the press release stated.
The second initiative, focused on Banteay Meanchey province is known as RSDB (Year 3).
“In this project, JMAS will clear 180ha of contaminated area … At the same time, we will transfer efficient and safe methods for [clearance] to the CMAC,” it added.
The effort will offer landmine risk avoidance education and opportunities for farmers to learn rice cultivation techniques and develop model farms on cleared land.
Japan has contributed over $52 million to 154 projects in the Kingdom since 2002, primarily in the fields of primary education, health, agriculture and mine clearance, as per the press release.