Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) will receive US$6,444,808 from the U.S and Norwegian governments for cluster munitions remnant and landmine clearance projects in Cambodia.

H.E. Heng Ratana, Director General of CMAC and Mr. Rune Dale Andresen, Resident Representative of the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) signed the Cooperation Agreements at CMAC’s Phnom Penh Headquarters on Mar. 9.

According to H.E. Heng Ratana, US$6,355,720 of the total amount is for Cluster Munitions Remnant Survey and Clearance in Eastern Cambodia, funded by the U.S. Government, and the rest, US$89,077 for two short-term projects namely Landmine Survey & Clearance on the Cambodia-Thailand Border and the Landmine Free Provinces in southern part of Cambodia funded by the Government of Norway.

The U.S’ support will enable CMAC to undertake humanitarian service with around 200 demining experts to be deployed in the provinces of Kampong Cham, Thbong Khmum, Kratie, Stung Treng, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri for cluster munitions remnant survey and clearance. With the period of 45 months, from Mar. 1, 2022 to Nov. 30, 2025, CMAC expects to clear the targeted land release of 13,200 hectares of cluster munitions affected areas.

For their part, the demining clearance projects will assist CMAC to realise its strategic plans to support the Royal Government of Cambodia to reach AP landmines Ottawa Convention by 2025.

CMAC and NPA have a long history of cooperation since 1992. The cooperation is removing threats of landmines and ERW, returning hope and rebuilding a prosperous future for Cambodians.

“CMAC wishes to profoundly thank the Governments and people of America and Norway for their continued commitment and strong support to mine action. Both financial and in-kind contributions have extensively enabled CMAC with stronger and more effective operations to fight against hidden killers and, to respond to the needs of millions of people affected by landmines and ERW, as well as to support socio-economic development of Cambodia,” said H.E. Heng Ratana.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press