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MAG has worked in Angola since 1994 to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) that remain from a 27 year conflict. Explosive remnants of war (ERW) continue to threaten people’s lives and livelihoods as they return home and begin rebuilding their lives. MAG works in the most heavily contaminated province of Moxico, deploying highly-skilled Angolan staff to clear areas that hinder both economic and agricultural development.
MAG’s program in Angola provides a comprehensive response to the mine and UXO threat through the following activities:
- Community Liaison teams conduct participatory surveys with at-risk communities, to identify the threat caused by mines and UXO.
- Clearance teams remove landmines and UXO from areas that have been prioritized by the Community Liaison teams.
- Mechanical assets are used to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of clearance operations.
- Mine Risk Education (MRE) is delivered to at-risk communities to reduce the threat of injury or death.
MAG's work has not only allowed people to return home and live safely on their land, but has also contributed to the overall development of the country. In 2005, as a direct result of MAG's road clearance, 150 miles were opened for safe travel that connected major communities in Moxico Province. In addition, MAG helped to rehabilitate a water plant in Luena by clearing 15,000 square meters of land, providing the city's 300,000 residents with access to clean water. Overall, MAG has assisted in the recovery of civilian life, giving Angolans access to basic necessities such as land for travel and irrigation, as well as areas needed for the building of schools and hospitals.
"We are very happy and very grateful to MAG for clearing this area near our houses, and that the population will have land available for houses and cultivation."
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The presence of landmines and UXO can limit the possibilities in a growing community. The 4 de Feverieo region, heavily populated by returning refugees, was quickly running out of room for homes to shelter and fields to feed its growing population. Hemmed in on one side by a minefield, the community had no room to grow. Thanks to MAG's work, homes are already being built on land cleared this year. Alexandre Saki, the community's chief, expressed his gratitude to MAG: "We are very happy and very grateful to MAG for clearing this area near our houses, and that the population will have land available for houses and cultivation." |