THE Japanese government has pledged to provide about US$1.5 million for mine clearance and the destruction of unexploded ordnance from Cambodia’s civil war.

According to a press release Wednesday, $652,549 will be given to the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) for mine clearance in Battambang and Banteay Meanchey provinces, and $829,191 for explosive-ordnance disposal in Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu and Kandal provinces.

Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Kuroki Masafumi is set to sign an agreement with the involved parties, CMAC and Japan Mine Action Service today.

Heng Ratana, director general of CMAC, said the project will take place over seven months at Battambang and Banteay Meanchey provinces. Japan has given similar mine-clearance support on six previous occasions.