PM demands minimising losses caused by UXO

Hanoi (VNA) – The Prime Minister has instructed relevant agencies to take measures to minimise the death toll and damage caused by unexploded ordnance (UXO).

According to statistical data, around 30 percent of explosions are triggered through foolish acts by people collecting, storing, trading, sawing or dismantling UXO.

The remaining explosions are unexpectedly caused by those, including children, who live in areas contaminated with unexploded ordnance.

Among recent explosions to have occoured, there was one in the Van Phu urban area in Ha Dong district, Hanoi, on March 19 which killed five people and injured 10 others; or another in Bai Dinh, Ma Voi hamlet, Duc Binh Tay commune, Song Hinh district, Phu Yen cenral province which cost three lives.

In order to minimise the damage caused by unexploded ordnance, the PM asked relevant ministries and agencies, the State Steering Committee for the National Mine Action Programme , also known as Programme 504, and People’s Committees of provinces and cities to mobilise the whole political system to boost communication campaigns to help people avoid accidents caused by UXO, especially in the Central and Central Highlands regions.

The PM demanded disseminating knowledge of unexploded ordnance, laws and forms of violation relating to UXO, and the revision of legal documents, policies and regulations.

Relevant agencies were urged to draw up projects on the clearance of bombs and mines with priority to be given to areas heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance, especially in the Vietnam-China border areas and border gate economic zones.

The PM asked Programme 504’s steering committee to review and advise relevant ministries and agencies on revising legal documents relating to the State management in overcoming the UXO consequences.

He assigned the Ministry of National Defence to intensify capability and create conditions for the Vietnam Bomb and Mine Action Centre to complete its tasks under Programme 504 and strengthen bomb disposal military forces with training and equipment.

The Ministry of Public Security was urged to instruct local policies to coordinate with governments at all levels and military units to mobilise forces and equipment for collecting, managing and disposing of unexploded ordnance, increase inspection and deal with related violations.

The Ministry of Communications and Information, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam Television, Radio the Voice of Vietnam were asked to boost communication campaigns to raise awareness of unexploded ordnance and their danger.-VNA