Cunhinga – Ten people died in the province of Bié, victims of mine explosions and other unexploded devices, during the year of 2023, ANGOP learned today.
In total, seven accidents were recorded and in addition to the fatalities, there were injuries, according to the provincial representative of the National Mine Action Agency (ANAM) in Bié, Ismael Brito Sapi, who was speaking at the demolition of mills, which took place in the area of Nhara, municipality of Cunhinga.
Compared to 2022, there was an increase of four deaths and a decrease of the same number of injuries. Among the victims were children, young people and adults.
The person in charge said that the accidents (same as the previous number) occurred in the municipalities of Andulo, Cuito, Cuemba, Chinguar and Cunhinga, characterized by two triggering of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines and five of illicit manipulation of explosive devices, on account of the phenomenon of collection and sale of ferrous material.
Ismael Brito Sapi said that his institution, in collaboration with the two demining operators that operate in the province, namely CND and THe Helo Trust, have developed education campaigns about the risks of mines in communities, in order to appeal to the population, with emphasis on children, to refrain from handling foreign objects.
During the act, 150 different explosive devices were demolished, with emphasis on five anti-personnel mines, one anti-tank mine, two low missiles, 60, 81, 82 and 120 millimeter mortars, as well as various artillery ammunition.
The material was collected by the Local Department of the National Demining Center (CND), during the cleaning work on the electricity transmission line from the city of Cuito to the municipal headquarters of Catabola, over a length of 55 kilometers.
Other devices were also removed in the cleaning work of the Catabola/administrative centre section of Muquinda, on an 18-kilometre route.
The National Demining Center brings together the National Demining Institute, the Executive Demining Commission, the demining brigades of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and the Military House of the President of the Republic. VKY/PLB/DOJ
