THE British government has pledged to provide an additional US$5.5 million towards landmine clearance in Mashonaland East and Central provinces.
Addressing journalists during a site tour in Rushinga on Thursday, British ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pete Vowles said the money would go towards raising safety awareness in communities littered with liberation war landmines.
“I want to salute the bravery and dedication of the deminers working to create safe and secure environments in Mashonaland East and Central," he said.
"The UK remains committed in its determination to work towards a mine-free world and is delighted to award this extra funding to MAG and The HALO Trust so they can continue to protect lives and open up opportunities for economic development for affected communities."
The funding, allocated to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The HALO Trust (HALO), is expected to save lives and significantly contribute to Zimbabwe’s goal of achieving a landmine-free status by 2025.
It will also open up employment and career opportunities in demining teams, particularly for women.
Landmines were laid in Zimbabwe in the 1970s by the colonial white minority government.
Approximately 18.3 km² of land remains contaminated with risk classified as "medium" by the Mine Action Review in Zimbabwe, which is one of the few countries actively working to meet the 2025 clearance deadline under the Ottawa Convention.
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