The Japanese government has donated US $846,000 towards de-mining in the southern Mozambican province of Gaza, PANA reported on Tuesday. The project covers the districts of Mabalane, Chibuto, Xai-Xai and Chicualacuala in the southern part of the country. Under the Aid for Community Projects, Japanese ambassador, Yoshihiro Nose presented the money to the National Demining Institute (IND) on Monday.

"With the financial support that the Japanese government gives to Mozambique, we are convinced that this country shares in a practical manner the development strategies adopted by the Mozambican government", the director of the IND, Artur Verissimo said. Japan previously donated US $1 million for the demining of areas surrounding the Massingir dam in the southern province of Gaza.