In response to the Lao government’s commitment to meet its obligations under the convention, the EU recently launched a project formulation mission to define EU support to the UXO sector from 2011-2015.
As stated at the November meeting, 4 million euros have been earmarked.
The first funding disbursement took place in Vientiane on Friday, marking the start of a new project to help local authorities manage UXO projects in the districts of Bualapha, Mahaxay and Xatbuathong in Khammuan province.
The three districts will receive 600,000 euros over two years. As this is a co-funded project, the United States of America has contributed about 100,000 euros.
“Next year we expect to launch two programmes, one specific to the UXO sector and the other open to any development sector related to poverty reduction,” EU Charge d’Affaires to Laos Mr Henry Prankerd said.
The funding will be channelled partly through a call for proposals for actions proposed by NGOs and partly through the Trust Fund mechanism of the United Nations Development Programme.
Director of the National Regulation Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sectors in Laos, Mr Phoukhiew Chanthasomboun, said the Lao government includes UXO clearance as one of its national development priority projects.
UXO not only poses a great risk to people’s lives and causes injuries and property damage, but also hinders their daily activities and slows development, he said.
The government is committed to doing all it can to rid Laos of UXO and free up more land for agriculture and other farming activities.
It is hoped that people can live without fear of UXO, live life normally and achieve their full potential, thus contributing to the government’s commitment as stated in the Oslo Treaty, Mr Phoukhiew added.
T o achieve and realise national goals and commitments, accurate information and updated data are necessary to help local authorities to improve their development planning process and prioritise UXO clearance in line wit h national development and poverty reduction plans.
“I strongly believe that the projects to be implemented in these three districts of Khammuan will be a step forward in improving future UXO clearance planning,” Mr Phoukhiew said.
“ I believe the results of this project will be of great benefit for UXO actors and development agencies. The lessons learned in this particular project will be shared with everyone involved in other prov inces as well as the donors.”
The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) will partner closely with Lao agencies and international organisations to maximise the impact and elicit the best value for money from this grant, MAG Country Programme Manager Mr David Hayter said.
“As you can see, this is a substantial investment by the EU through MAG to local authorities. It recognises not only that bombs need to be cleared from Lao soil, but also that the Lao authorities are central to ensuring the quality and efficiency of the process, and this project is a major contribution to achieving these aims,” he added.
Source: Vientiane Times
By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
(Latest Update July 11, 2011)
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