Dear Editor,

Photo by:

MICHAEL HANSEN

A billboard in rural Cambodia depicting the dangers to villagers of undetected land mines and unexploded ordnance.

I was pleased to read about demining successes in Cambodia ("Focus in demining shifts to victim aid", The Phnom Penh Post, March 6), but noted the necessity of the need to remain mindful of continuing dangers.

Recently, motorcycling along Route 57, I saw roadside billboards, aimed at local farming families, that graphically raised awareness of the danger of UXOs.

Unfortunately, the signwriter's work was becoming weathered, and it may not be long before the warning script becomes illegible.

Is it possible that such deterioration could lead to a certain complacency - the impression being given of danger fading with the paint?

The sponsoring organisation, which deserves credit for proactive involvement in the field, had recently replaced its stick-on logo, but I wonder if touching up the message might have been given greater priority than keeping a brand in the public eye.

Michael Hansen

Phnom Penh

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