PHNOM PENH: Landmines have been the blight that has plagued Cambodia, long after the soldiers laid down their weapons. For many the spectre of war still looms, often with deadly consequences, but the country makes in roads to rectify the situation, and at the heart of the solution is CMAC mine disposal.

In the first 10 months of 2021, the Cambodian Mine Action Center located and destroyed 69,904 landmines and unexploded ordnance. In doing so they cleared over 83 million square meters of affected land. This impressive feat was announced by the Royal Government delegate in charge of the General Director of CMAC Heng Ratana, at the CMAC Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday.

The land clearance had a hugely beneficial effect to locals, over 36,627 families were directly and indirectly affected. Further progression was made during the same period. Outreach also conducted clearance measures, securing 14,538 pieces of ordnance.

There is much to be done, the draft plan for 2022 plans to clear 125 square kilometres in accordance with the national plan and the commitment with the international community to achieve the Ottawa International Convention by the end of 2025. The path to a mine free Cambodia is a long one, but the recent clearance figures show there is light at the end of the tunnel.