US gives $1.5m for UXO clearance in Laos

The US government has provides US$1.5 million (over 12 billion kip) for the survey and clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Savannakhet province, Laos.

The programme's survey and clearance work will continue to focus on the two districts of Vilabouly and Xepon. These two districts rank among the poorest in Laos, as measured by the national poverty index, and suffer some of the highest UXO accident rates.

The HALO Trust has been officially authorised by the Laos government to conduct operations in the country since 2012. Director General of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA), Mr Phoukhieo Chanthasomboune, said:

“I find that the Halo Trust has a high level of capacity and efficiency, as demonstrated in the work they have carried out over the last three years. The Halo Trust carries out surveys and clearance, as well as roving tasks and mine risk education. This work helps to reduce poverty and spur socio-economic development in Savannakhet province”