Hanoi (VNA) – Measures to resolve the lingering consequences ofunexploded ordnances (UXO) and toxic chemicals left by wars throughout thecountry were discussed at a dialogue held by the Standing Office of theNational Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war UXO and ToxicChemical Consequences (Office 701) on December 25.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. NguyenChi Vinh, Head of Office 701; and representatives from the Ministry of Labour,Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment,Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange (AO) and Dioxin and competentagencies.
Along with bold moves to ensure healthcare and jobs for AO/dioxin victims, theparticipants looked into measures to enhance state management in the inspectionand war aftermath alleviation.
Domestic and international cooperation to assist AO/dioxin and landmine victimswas highlighted at the event.
As a core force in the settlement of post-war consequences work, the HighCommand of Chemicals has joined hands with both domestic and foreignorganisations to complete 19 projects on research, evaluation and survey ofleftover bombs, mines and toxic chemicals.
Particularly, it has worked with competent agencies to assess the dioxincontamination levels at several airports like Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Tuy Hoaand Phu Cat, and give consultation to treat 7,500 cubic metres of polluted landat Phu Cat airport, and 90,000 cubic metres at Da Nang airport.
Taking note of the efforts made by relevant ministries, agencies and localitiesin the past time, Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen ChiVinh said that they should enhance coordination, raise public awareness of theurgent task of bomb and mine recovery work, and promote communication aboutpreventive measures as well as assistance to victims of post-war bombs andmines and AO/dioxin.
According to theMinistry of National Defence, about 800,000 tonnes of unexploded bombs andmines left over from wartime remain buried over 6.13 million hectares,accounting for 18.82 percent of the country.
At the currentrate of clearance, it would take the country at least 100 years and billions ofdollars to complete the job.
The figure doesnot include the billions of US dollars needed for resettlement and ensuringsocial security in contaminated areas.
Since 1975,leftover wartime bombs and mines have killed over 40,000 people and injured60,000 more./.
VNA