MAG in Aaramta
Following completion of the basic deminer course in early September 2002, the second MAG Mine Action Team (MAT) began clearance of a mined area in Aaramta, a village located in southern Lebanon with a population of around 5,000 people.
The site, a former military position, was chosen because of its importance to a small working community and the desire of people who had left the village to return to their homes. Between September and December 2002 the MAT cleared over 2,500sq/m of land, destroying several mines and items of UXO. The land was previously used as an orchard and when cleared will free up to 11 plots of land for cultivation. Mr Moustafa Hamzi, the Mayor of Aaramta, said that 35 families are planning to return to the village when the de-mining activities are over.
Highlighting the need for immediate clearance of land Mr Hamzi said: "People are encouraged to come back after many years and are building summer homes in areas very close to the minefield." The mayor's wife also added that thanks to MAG young men are finding employment without having to move and live in the capital.
