Mozambican sappers in demining operation in Sudan

MAPUTO, Mar 21, 2005 (Xinhua) — A group of 22 Mozambican sappers working with US RONCO demining company, have been clearing landmines from about 200,000 square meters every month in Sudan, local media reported on Monday.

The aim is to clear the country’s priority areas to allow the circulation of people and goods, and particularly to open access routes to channel aid to accommodation centers and other areas.

This work, scheduled for a period of three years, is done partly manually, and partly with the use of dogs and mechanical equipment.

RONCO cleared 94,600 square meters manually and 78,400 square meters with the use of dogs in Sudan between February and 3 March this year.

RONCO is also operating in Afghanistan, with a team of 46 Mozambicans and 12 dogs. In Mozambique, RONCO’s teams are currently clearing priority areas in two provinces.