UK gives 28.9 billion kip for UXO clearance in Xiengkhouang and hammouane

VIENTIANE,JUN.(KPL)- The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) signed here last Friday an agreement on a two-year unexploded ordnance clearance project in Khammouane and Xiengkhouang provinces with the National Regulatory for UXO/Mine Action Sector.
The project costs 28.9 billion kip (approximately USD 3.62 million) and is financed with a grant from the government of United Kingdom.
Signatories to the agreement were Deputy Director of the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector Phetsavang Sounnalath and MAG Country Project Manager David Hayter.
British Ambassador to Laos Asif Ahma, Vice Governor of Xiengkhouang province Khampiane Sinouanthong and relevant officials of both sides witnessed the signing.
The project is aimed at helping Lao officials access capacity building for longterm UXO clearance. Of the budget provided by the British government, USD 40,000 will be spent on UXO clearance training for local officials to help Laos achieve in realizing the ninth Millennium Development Goal (MDG).
“The UK government is committed to continuing its efforts to ensure that the Laos people live without UXO,” said British Ambassador to Laos.