Quang Tri Province is carrying out a major project to clear bombs and mines left over from the war which is being sponsored through the Japan - ASEAN Integration Fund.
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| Many bombs and mines are still lying undetected in Quang Tri Province. Photo: VnMedia |
Quang Tri Province is one of numerous places that suffers from extensive damage as a result of the Vietnam War. The war has been over for 35 years but, many bombs and mines are still buried or lying around undetected. This causes problems for agricultural cultivation, and dangers for the people who live around the areas. It is considered a major problem that has slowed down Quang Tri's socio-economic development.
The areas, after being cleared of bombs and mines, are expected to be used effectively as residential living areas or shrimp farms. The authorities hope that this will significantly improve the environmental, economic and social conditions for the local people.
According to information from the Embassy of Japan, this project is being undertaken by the Vietnam Bomb and Mine Clearance Action Centre (VBMAC, from the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs) and will cover a total area of 690 hectares, covering 9 communes and towns in 4 districts in Quang Tri.
They are Gio Linh District (Cua Viet Town, Trung Giang and Gio Hai Communes), Trieu Phong District (Trieu An and Trieu Van Communes), Vinh Linh District (Vinh Quang and Vinh Thach Communes), and Hai Lang District (Hai An and Hai Khe Communes).
The project began in March 2010 and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Japan and ASEAN countries have approved for the project to be implemented with an investment amount of USD 1,566,695 funded through the Japan - ASEAN Integration Fund.
