Siem Reap officials and the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) announced that with the help of the Peaceland Organisation, Trapeang Thma Village in Khun Ream Commune, Banteay Srei district, is now free of landmines.
More than 100 mines and UXO were destroyed over 10 months.
Banteay Srei district governor Khim Finan told The Post on Tuesday that the demining operation means residents who live in the area are safe.
He said the village served as the first destination to detonate mines and UXOs as the area was a former battlefield during the civil war.
“Because the location has a chronic war history, villagers have often spotted mines and requested help from the authorities to remove them.
“More than 200 families have expressed concern about the problems of mines and they almost don’t dare grow rice on their land. From now on, these villagers have no more problem and can live as normal,” Finan said.
He said 40 mines and 67 UXOs had been uncovered and destroyed in the village, and that the authorities plan to organise demining operations at other communes in the district early next year.
He requested residents to report mines and UXO to the police so that the authorities may carry out operations before any danger befalls the villagers.
CMAA deputy secretary-general Chhiv Lim told The Post on Tuesday that the project cost $180,000 and was donated by Peaceland. Mines have been removed from more than 60ha in the village.
“The project has benefited residents in the area in many ways and farming is also good. Clearing mines across the country will continue, but we stopped collaboration with Peaceland for now due to Covid-19. We will start with them again in early 2021,” he said.
