Clearing unexploded ordnance (Photo: VNA) 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.
An overview of the press conference (Photo: qdnd.vn) 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
