Villagers to be trained safe demining method

six years has cleared over 33 560 out of an estimated three million landmines that were planted by Rhodesian forces along Zimbabwe’s borders. The figure translates to 270 kilometres.
In an interview on the progress of demining exercise underway in Gonarezhou Transfrontier Park, Deputy Commander of Zimbabwe National Army Engineers Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Edwards said lack of equipment was slowing down the exercise.
“Landmines that were planted cover 850 kilometres meaning we still have 580 kilometres of land to be cleared,” said Lt Col Edwards.
“Some of the landmines have been destroyed by animals and weather action over the three decades.
“We do not have exact figures of the planted landmines but investigations by our deminers and also the number of landmines that we are uncovering per kilometre show us that roughly there might be 3 million.”
Lt Col Edwards said maps that show the exact areas where landmines are and their pattern were taken by the Rhodesians when they left the country.
Mukumbura locals were going to be employed by HALO Trust a non-governmental organisation that has come to the aid of ZNA.
“We told HALO Trust that they must bring in few expatriates when they start demining operations. This will ensure that our people who have suffered from the effects of landmines have something to smile about.
“The locals know the landmines and some are even removing them on their own as they farm in their fields. They however will be trained on the safest way to do it using latest equipment.
“The coming of this organisation is a morale booster to our troops and the nation as we would be able to confront this daunting task from two different fronts,” he said.
ZNA deminers are clearing landmines in Gwaivhi along the Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique border where they are confronted with a 54-kilometre double stretch minefield.