13 August 2008
Dundo — At least 120,308 antipersonnel landmines were deactivated and destroyed countrywide from 1996 to July 2008.
This was said Tuesday in Dundo, northeastern Lunda Norte province, by the chairperson of the National Demining Commission, Jo á o Baptista Kussumua.
According to the official, 13,983 antitank landmines, two million explosive devices and over two tonnes of lethal material were also cleared and destroyed.
From 1996 to July 2008, about 81,434 kilometres of road were considered out of landmines danger, which enabled the government to repair these routes that guarantee security to circulation of people and vehicles, as well as 2,283 kilometres of railway linking the provinces of Benguela, Namibe and Luanda, where passengers can now travel freely by train, stressed Jo á o Batista Kussumua.
He also mentioned that an area of 1,466 kilometres bearing electricity conveying posts were also demined, therefore enabling the supply of this commodity nationwide.
The activity is being carried out by personnel from Angolan Armed Forces (FAA), National Reconstruction Office (GRN) and National Institute of De-mining.
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