New Zealand Renews Laos UXO Response Funding

New Zealand will provide an additional four years of funding for the UXO sector in Laos through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 2021 to 2024.

New Zealand will continue its support to UXO Lao’s operations in Xieng Khuang province under this new $10 million commitment, including its area clearance, non-technical and technical survey and mine risk education activities, Malaysia’s The Star Online reports.

One of those who has benefitted from the support provided is Nouvang, who lives with her husband and three sons in Nakhampang village, Paek district.

In May 2019, a UXO clearance team visited her land, where they found and destroyed 20 unexploded devices.

After the land was cleared, Nouvang started growing more lettuce and dug a small fishpond. She now employs locals to cut the grass and help grow the crops, as the land productivity has greatly increased.

“I cannot find the words to express my sincere gratitude,” Nouvang said.

Original article by The Star Online, March 10, 2021.