Clearing unexploded ordnance (Photo: VNA) The statement was made by Colonel Nguyen Hanh Phuc, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC), at a press conference providing information about the settlement of bomb and mine consequences in Vietnam in Hanoi on April 4.
It is estimated that there are still about 800,000 tonnes of bombs and mines left over from the war in Vietnam, with the contaminated and suspectedly-contaminated area of about 6.1 million hectares, accounting for 18.31% of the country’s total area.
These unexploded bombs and mines are hidden underground in all 63 provinces and cities, with many concentrated in the central, Central Highlands and southeastern regions.
According to Phuc, it will take much time and huge resources to clear the contaminated areas to bring about a safe life for people and contribute to the nation’s sustainable development.
An overview of the press conference (Photo: qdnd.vn) The centre is also building a mechanism on calling for domestic and foreign donations for this work and plans to complete and submit for approval a national strategy on education on risks of bomb and mine-related accidents.
Pham Thi Hai Ha, Deputy Director General of the Department of 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 into the community, and educate people on UXO accident prevention.
Essential services for the victims include orthopedics, rehabilitation, counseling, psychotherapy, physical therapy, social work, vocational training, employment services, and social welfare policies, she added./.
VNA
