Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati
JAPAN and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered with the Government to accelerate the removal of anti-personnel landmines in Zimbabwe.
The US$3,4 million project, “Enhancing Resilience of Communities through Mine Clearance and the Improvement of the Agricultural Infrastructure”, will improve the safety and livelihoods of communities in Rushinga and Mudzi districts along Zimbabwe’s borders.
Japan and the UNDP will contribute US$3 million and US$400 000, respectively. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Defence through its Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre (ZIMAC)office, in partnership with HALO Trust and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), directing demining operations.
Concurrently, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development will lead all agricultural components of the initiative.
Since independence, communities along the border with Mozambique had been unable to return to full normalcy due to the threat of explosive ordnance (EO) from Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
According to the UNDP, the contamination covers approximately 12 km2, about 4 percent of the original coverage of 310 km2.
“The contaminated land is dangerously close to villages, agricultural lands and water sources, hindering development and posing a constant threat to life,” said the UNDP.
“This project directly supports Zimbabwe’s efforts to meet its obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) and its national development goals.”
UNDP said that by clearing the land, the initiative would release safe land for farming and other economic activities, directly contributing to the resilience and prosperity of these vulnerable communities.
The Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Shinichi Yamanaka, applauded the Government’s commitment to creating a safer world.
He said Japan was a partner in promoting peace and human security across the world and currently held the presidency of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
“We are proud to support Zimbabwe in its journey to become a landmine-free nation. Furthermore, this project contributes to the rehabilitation of mine-cleared land as farmland and to the improvement of the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) Approach.
“This project is about restoring hope and enabling development more than it is about just removing the deadly remnants of war. Through this assistance, we reaffirm our friendship and solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe.”
The project takes a comprehensive approach, linking mine action with long-term community development. Interventions will include explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance, and strengthening the capacity of national institutions like the ZIMAC.
It is also expected to introduce diversified livelihood opportunities, such as the SHEP Approach, to build economic resilience.
UNDP deputy resident representative in Zimbabwe, Mr Lealem Berhanu Dinku, said the project aligned with the principle of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The legacy of conflict has for too long held back the potential of Zimbabwe’s borderlands. This vital project, generously funded by the people of Japan, allows us to address the fundamental issue of human security.
“Integrating mine clearance with sustainable development, climate action, and social cohesion creates pathways for communities to recover and thrive. This is a critical step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and supporting Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030,” he said.
Online Reporter