Govt launches landmine policy

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga (Retired) yesterday launched the Zimbabwe National Mine Action Strategic Plan (2018-2025) meant to rid the country of landmines planted by the Ian Smith-Rhodesian regime during the liberation war in the 1970s.

The plan was crafted with the assistance of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining.

VP Chiwenga said the clearance of minefields would ensure affected areas are safe for human habitation.

“A Zimbabwe that is open for business entails a country that is safe and risk free. Therefore, the launch of the Zimbabwe National Mine Action Strategic Plan 2018 to 2025 is meant to clear the remaining minefields in the country and make the areas safe for human habitation,” VP Chiwenga said.

Zimbabwe requires at least $122 million to clear the minefields and VP Chiwenga called on donor agencies to continue rendering their assistance to the country to ensure the success of the plan.

“May, I therefore, appeal to donor agencies already funding demining in Zimbabwe to consider increasing the funding.

“In the same vein, we urge others with the capacity, to consider funding and supporting this noble humanitarian cause for the sake of Zimbabwe’s future generations,” he said.

Currently, there are four internationally accredited de-mining organisations in the country and these include Hazardous Areas Life Support Organisation Trust, the Norwegian People’s Aid, the Mines Advisory Group and Apopo while the fifth player is the National Mine Clearance Unit, a squadron of military engineers.