Cambodia Demines Ten Areas, with 15 Provinces Remaining

• 15 March 2023
• Local News
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As of March 2023, the Cambodian government has cleared ten mine-affected areas in the provinces and cities, with only 15 provinces left to be demined. Kandal province was recently declared the 10th demining province on March 13, 2023, according to HE Aun Porn Moniroth, Minister of Economy and Finance, and HE Kong Sophoan, Governor of Kandal Province.

In a statement, the Minister congratulated Kandal province for becoming the 10th demining province, and revealed plans to declare eight more demining provinces in 2023, including Takeo, Kampot, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Kratie, and Mondulkiri. Ratanakkiri Province is also on the list.

Despite the recent success, Governor Kong Sophoan noted that Kandal Province still has other unexploded ordnance, particularly unexploded ordnance in submerged river basins in Muk Kampoul, Lvea Em, Kien Svay, and Leuk Dek districts. Approximately 3,347 unexploded ordnance have been discovered in these areas, highlighting the importance of continuing demining efforts.

Furthermore, the province is still suspected to have explosive remnants of war in an area equivalent to 15,805,253 square meters, equivalent to 143 plantations, of which 5,494,016 square meters are equivalent to 58 Seed plantations.

In response, the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) announced on March 9 that it has opened a mine clearance operation and remnants of war remnants in Siem Reap under the third phase of China’s assistance project, which has a total budget of US$ 10 million.

Cambodia has made significant progress in its demining efforts and continues to work towards achieving its goal of becoming mine-free. However, much work still needs to be done to ensure the safety of Cambodian citizens and the restoration of affected areas.

• Safety and Health
• Energy and Environment