Mbanza Kongo - An area of 85 hectares earmarked for the construction of facilities for the future logistics platform in Luvo commune, Mbanza Kongo municipality, Zaire province, was cleared of mines during the first quarter of this year.
The information was disclosed Wednesday in Mbanza Kongo by the local acting head of operations of the National Demining Centre, Mpanzo António Nlandu, who pointed out that the perimeter cleared corresponds to 855,300 square metres.
According to the official, the clearance work was carried out by specialists from the National Demining Institute (INAD) in the region, and 257 unexploded explosive devices were removed, including anti-personnel mines, projectiles and bears.
The source announced that the next operation will take place on the site where the future housing project of Mbanza Kongo will be built, in the commune of Nkiende, 30 kilometres west of the World Heritage city.
"We're just waiting for the green light from the provincial government to start the demining work there," he said.
Mpanzo António Nlandu said he is concerned about the growing practice of many citizens collecting iron, aluminium and other artefacts for sale, adding that awareness campaigns have been conducted for sellers and buyers of these materials to prevent possible accidents caused by mines.
"In several places in our country, we have seen people die from mine accidents as a result of collecting irons and other aluminum. Therefore, we ask our population to avoid this business, which is considered very risky," Nlandu advised.JL/TED/AMP
