VIENTIANE: The United States government has donated new vehicles and equipment to UXO Lao worth US$3,132,640 (over 68 billion kip) in a significant contribution to the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme.
The vehicles and equipment will enhance the operational capacity of UXO Lao in provinces supported by United States funding.
This support will enable UXO Lao to expand its clearance efforts, improve mobility for teams working in remote areas, and strengthen overall efficiency in addressing the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance, directly benefiting communities across Laos.
The donated vehicles include 54 Toyota Land Cruiser hardtops, six Toyota Land Cruiser pickup trucks, and 47 Honda Wave motorcycles, ensuring reliable transportation for field operational teams.
Additionally, the donation includes portable toilets and bathrooms, pre-stressed concrete flooring for tent installations, 185 Vallon metal detectors, 64 Ebinger detectors, and 64 refrigerators, along with other essential equipment to support UXO Lao’s critical work in the field.
The vehicles and equipment were handed over on November 29 at UXO Lao headquarters in Vientiane. The event was attended by Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Baykham Khattiya, US Ambassador to Laos, Heather Variava, and other officials.
Ambassador Variava said “If you include the vehicles handed over today, the United States has donated a total of 130 vehicles for UXO Lao operations since 2018. This year, the total of US financial assistance to UXO Lao specifically is close to US$10 million - a record level.”
Baykham expressed her gratitude, saying “I deeply appreciate the United States’ government’s continued support. This assistance is a significant contribution to addressing UXO challenges, reducing poverty, and supporting socio-economic development in Laos significantly in the six provinces receiving US government support.”
“It also directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 18 (Lives Safe from UXO), ensuring that people in UXO-contaminated areas can live and work safely without fear.”
“The US government, as the largest donor to the UXO sector in Laos, has provided support since 1995 and continues to extend its vital assistance. This partnership is critical for clearing safe land for development and reducing UXO-related accidents and casualties,” Baykham said.
The US government’s continued support underscores its commitment to helping Laos tackle the challenges posed by unexploded ordnance and create safer communities across the country. - Vientiane Times/ANN
