Society

Vietnam determined to clear UXO to free land for development

As one of countries most affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the war, Vietnam has paid special attention to the clearance of bombs and mines in order to free land to serve socio-economic development and at the same time promote activities to support and help UXO victims.
Vietnam determined to clear UXO to free land for development ảnh 1Clearing unexploded ordnance (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - As one of countries most affected by unexploded ordnance(UXO) left over from the war, Vietnam has paid special attention to the clearance of bombs and mines in order to free land to servesocio-economic development and at the same time promoteactivities to support and help UXO victims.

The statement was made by Colonel Nguyen Hanh Phuc, DeputyDirector of the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC), at a pressconference providing information about the settlement of bomb and mine consequencesin Vietnam in Hanoi on April 4.

It is estimated that there are still about 800,000 tonnes ofbombs and mines left over from the war in Vietnam, with the contaminated and suspectedly-contaminated area ofabout 6.1 million hectares, accounting for 18.31% of the country’s total area.

These unexploded bombs and mines are hidden underground inall 63 provinces and cities, with many concentrated in the central, CentralHighlands and southeastern regions.

According to Phuc, it will take much time and huge resourcesto clear the contaminated areas to bring about a safe life for people andcontribute to the nation’s sustainable development.

Vietnam determined to clear UXO to free land for development ảnh 2An overview of the press conference (Photo: qdnd.vn)
This year, VNMAC is collecting data to make a reportreviewing the implementation of the national action programme on settlement ofpost-war bomb and mine consequences in the 2010-2025 period, and prepare aprogramme for 2025-2045, with a vision to 2050.

The centre is also building a mechanism on calling fordomestic and foreign donations for this work and plans to complete and submitfor approval a national strategy on education on risks of bomb and mine-relatedaccidents.

Pham Thi Hai Ha, Deputy Director General of the Departmentof Social Assistance under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs,said ministries, agencies and localities have actively rolled out policies to provide social assistance for UXO victims to reintegrate intothe community, and educate people on UXO accident prevention. 

Essential services for the victims include orthopedics,rehabilitation, counseling, psychotherapy, physical therapy, social work, vocationaltraining, employment services, and social welfare policies, she added./.

VNA
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