An innovative MAG project to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) from a foundry in Phonsavanh is now underway.
The foundry is the final destination of much of the scrap collected in Xieng Khouang. Villagers collect scrap metal and sell it onto local dealers, who in turn sell it onto the foundry. Here, the metal is melted down and made into steel rods used in construction.
The scrap collected often includes UXO, much of which is live. Over 20,000 items of UXO are currently stored at the site, including cluster bomb submunitions, rockets, grenades and white phosphorus rockets.
The project will clear UXO from the foundry and scrap dealers’ yards,
reduce the acceptance of UXO as scrap metal, and provide scrap dealers
with safety briefings and a reporting system for UXO.
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Unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination is one of the prime factors limiting long-term development in Lao PDR. |
“After there were accidents at the foundry, the owners stopped
melting down UXO and just let it pile up,” said Soth Phommalinh, MAG’s
Provincial Programme Manager in Xieng Khouang.
It is possible that if one item in one of the piles exploded, it could set off a series of detonations.
Around 45 people work at the foundry, and there are houses of local residents within sight. If there was a major accident it could result in numerous casualties.
An opening ceremony for the project, which is funded by the US Department of State, was held earlier this month. The ceremony was attended by provincial officials and MAG staff.
Links:
» BBC Radio World Service audio: 'Bomb Hunters'
» More on MAG's work in Lao PDR
» Latest news from Lao PDR
» US Department of State website
16 June 08
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