Japan has provided $665,186 to a Japanese demining operating NGO for cluster munition clearance, via grant assistance for Japanese NGO projects.
The contract was signed today, February 4, by Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia and a representative of the recipient, Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS), according to a press release.
The grant is for a project known as “Promoting Reconstruction Support with Cluster munitions disposal in Stung Treng: PRCS”. Through this support, JMAS will demine 170 ha of cluster munition contaminated areas while instructing the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) on efficient and safe cluster munition clearance methods.
“In addition, the project will provide not only landmine risk avoidance education for local residents but also agricultural technology and management for farmers,” it said.
The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects started in Cambodia in 2002 to support activities by Japanese NGOs to help Cambodia’s reconstruction and development efforts at the grassroots level. Since 2002, the Government of Japan has provided over $60 million for 170 projects, mainly in the field of primary education, health, agriculture and mine clearance in Cambodia.
Urano Shigeyuki, JMAS representative in Cambodia, said the demining work, with this support, will kick off on February 5.
Ambassador Atsushi said he expects that the project will help reduce casualties caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), ensure the safety of the people in those areas, and promote sustainable development within local communities.
“Furthermore, this effort will contribute to achieving the ‘elimination of cluster munition-contaminated areas,’ which is a goal of the Cambodian Government,” he added.
