Dear Editor,
Thank you very much for the article you published about LUPUs in your issue of
December 6-19 and which underlines the efforts implemented by the mine action sector
to reform and ensure transparency and efficiency in the allocation of cleared lands
to vulnerable groups.
I simply wanted to complete this information with a few precisions.
For the mine action sector, the LUPU is a planning tool which guarantees the active
involvement of intended beneficiaries and local authorities into the process: it
is transparent, participative, decentralized and community based. As such, the system
is perfectly in line with the Royal Government policy of decentralization and devolution.
The system also guarantees that mine clearance operations actively support local
and provincial development plans, ensuring that those operations effectively contribute
to achieve poverty alleviation and socio-economic development.
As M. Monkol explained, the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA) indeed plans to
work soon on a sub-decree which will harmonize, protect and reinforce this decentralized
planning system (whatever the name which will be given) and administratively link
it to the national level as recommended by HE Im Chhun Lim, Minister of Land Management,
at the end of year 2000. The elaboration of this sub-decree should be subject to
a large consultation exercise with relevant authorities, donors, operators and development
agencies.
Being well aware of the cost of clearance operations, the Royal Government, the CMAA
and the mine action sector in general know that efficient planning and tasking are
essential to guarantee the maximum impact of the funds invested in mine action activities.
Finally, your readers may be interested to know that two of the existing LUPUs have
been created and developed with the financial assistance of the European Commission.
- Pascal Simon, Technical Assistant to CMAA, European Commission
Contact PhnomPenh Post for full article
Post Media Co LtdThe Elements Condominium, Level 7
Hun Sen Boulevard
Phum Tuol Roka III
Sangkat Chak Angre Krom, Khan Meanchey
12353 Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Telegram: 092 555 741
Email: [email protected]