The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and authorities in Koh Kong province on March 10 declared Koh Sdech commune in Kiri Sakor district mine-free.

With the support of The Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), the CMAA in January deployed deminers from the National Center for Peacekeeping Force, Mines and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC) to clear more than 1.1 sq km with eight minefields in Koh Sdech, Prek Khsach districts and Kiri Sakor district.

In a March 10 press release, the CMAA said that the funds were raised from around 700 factories that are members of TAFTAC with the help of Hun Manet, deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and the commander of the army.

CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch thanked TAFTAC president Kong Sang for promoting the participation of its members in humanitarian mine clearance work in Cambodia to provide safety and improve the livelihoods of Cambodians.

He said at the ceremony that TAFTAC was an important driving force in contributing to national economic growth and providing 800,000 workers with job opportunities.

“In 2023, six towns and districts in Koh Kong province will complete demining work. Those towns and districts include Khemara Phoumin town, Botum Sakor, Kiri Sakor, Sre Ambel, Koh Kong and Thma Bang. The work received the support of the Cambodian government through the Mine-Free Cambodia 2025 Foundation and TAFTAC members,” he said.

The press release quoted TAFTAC deputy president Robert Hwang as saying at the ceremony that TAFTAC was pleased to join the Cambodian government in developing society and the economy and alleviating poverty in Cambodia. Prime Minister Hun Sen set the vision to make Cambodia mine-free by 2025.