Demining exercise gathers momentum

THE United States, United Kingdom and Japan, which have contributed over US$20 million towards the clearance of landmines in the country, have pledged to continue supporting the country towards attaining its goal of eliminating all landmines by 2025.

Speaking at a handover of land cleared of landmines in the Ganganyama area in Rushinga last week, the US’ deputy chief of mission in Zimbabwe, Mr Thomas Hastings, said since 2012, his country contributed US$13 million towards demining and landmine education in Zimbabwe.

“We are living in a time of peace, the liberation struggle ended 39 years ago,” he said. “Most children have never known war and even some of their parents probably don’t remember the war but these landmines are a memory of the war.”

“Zimbabwe continues to celebrate its war heroes, but we also need to celebrate peace heroes, who are working in time of peace to clear the country of landmine centimetre by centimetre.

“We will continue supporting Zimbabwe until reaching its goal of a landmine free country by 2025. We will also continue with the work of landmine education.”

United Kingdom deputy ambassador Mr Giles Enticknap said his country, through the Department for International Development, is working with Zimbabwe to make vulnerable communities safer.

“Landmines maim and kill the innocent and they have no place in Zimbabwe and the world,” he said. “Today we recognise and celebrate the brave men and women who are working hard to rid Zimbabwe of landmines.

“Our support through the global mine action programme not only removes and destroys landmines but also focuses on community liaison, risk education to ensure that the people understand the risk of mines.

“Since demining started in this area I am proud to say UK has supported the programme. Since September 2017 we have contributed US$7,5 million into the programme. During that time 2, 5 million square metres of land have been cleared of landmines.

“I am told that this benefited over 7 000 members of the community, which is an amazing result. We will continue to support Zimbabwe. I want to acknowledge the Zimbabwean deminers, because of the dangerous work that they are doing. Their expertise has earned them a reputation across the world.”

Deputy Head of Mission in the Japanese Embassy in Zimbabwe Mr Kenichi also reiterated his country’s commitment to funding the demining exercise.

“Sadly, 39 years after independence communities are still suffering from the reminiscence of the war,” he said.