Japan enhances Lao capacity in UXO destruction

(KPL) The Government of Japan has committed to providing technological assistance to the Lao PDR to enhance its capacity in destroying unexploded ordnance- UXOs, legacy of the Indochina War, said an official.

Between 14 and 18 February 2011, Head of the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector in the Lao PDR, Mr. Phoukhiao Chanthasomboune led mediamen and Japanese experts to visit Saravane and Champassak to learn about the UXO destruction and clearance in the two southern provinces.

The visiting delegation was informed by local UXO official that UXO clearance was difficult, relevant officials lacked cutting-edge technology for detecting and removing UXOs.

Over the past 13 years, Saravane province has removed UXOs from 2,231 ha, equivalent to three per cent of the UXO contaminated areas, and over 136,000 bombies (bomblet contained in cluster bomb) have been destroyed.

Meanwhile, on an annual basis, Champassak province has removed UXO off 200 ha, equivalent to 0.12 per cent of the contaminated area, leaving large area of land remaining dangerous for human life while the need of development by local people is increasing.

Annually, local people in the province propose the UXO Clearance Programme to remove at least 300 ha of land.