The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) called on business owners who invest in areas suspected of having landmines or explosive remnants of war (ERW) to request that either it or the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) inspect the land.

The bodies would then carry out the necessary clearance activities before any development work was undertaken.

Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the CMAA, announced via social media on August 30 that the owner of a resort in Thmor Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province, had requested that CMAC inspect his land, as he had suspicions it harboured mines or other ERW.

A team from CMAC carried out an operation and discovered several mines and unexploded ordnance.

“Once again, I take this opportunity to call on all business owners and representatives of the private sector who are planning to invest in areas suspected of containing landmines or other ERWs to contact any demining operator who has received a clearance license from Cambodian Mine Action, and have them secure the area,” said Thuch.

He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the new government will continue to be committed and focused on solving mine problems in Cambodia in a bid to accelerate the “Providing Safe Ground, Creating Smiles” project.

According to the CMAA, in the seven months from January to July this year, the number of victims of mines and explosive remnants of war was 22, a reduction of 45 per cent, when compared with the 40 people who fell victim in the same period in 2022.

They noted that 17 of this year’s victims were men, with four boys and one woman also listed among the unfortunate.

Three people died, seven were permanently disabled and twelve were seriously injured by the tragic reminders of the Kingdom’s war-torn past.