Cuito – Eleven fields with various explosive devices were detected this year in the central Bié Province, by the British Non-Governmental Organization “Halo Trust”, the head of operations of that organization, Alfredo Cativa Bongue, told ANGOP today.
The areas are located in the municipalities of Cunhinga, Camacupa and Cuemba.
According to Alfredo Cativa Bongue, the camps were discovered through complaints from the population, who are now awaiting clarification, with a view to avoiding the triggering of mines and other explosive devices.
Alfredo Cativa Bongue said that strengthening awareness campaigns about the danger of mines is one of the strategies being implemented to reduce accident cases.
In 2022, there were five mine accidents, which resulted in six deaths and an equal number of injuries, during a period that the National Demining Institute (INAD) in Bié destroyed 103 explosive devices and 4 527 small caliber ammunition.
The material was collected in several minefields.
The devices include 10 anti-personnel and tank mines, 59 various mortar shells, 14 hand and rifle grenades, a 120 mm projectile, among others.
An area of 2 879 000 square meters was also cleared.
This year, according to the representative of the National Mine Action Agency (ANAM) in Bié, Ismael Brito, the province registered 4 mine accidents, in the municipalities of Cuito (two), Cunhinga and Chinguar, with one each, which caused 3 deaths and 4 injuries, as well as the partial destruction of a seeding machine.
With 70 314 square kilometers, Bié has close to 101 fields suspected of still being mined.
The demining process in the province of Bié has been carried out by the National Demining Institute (INAD), the Angolan Armed Forces (Brigade C of the IVth Division) and the 2nd, 4th and 6th Demining brigades of the Military Staff of the President of the Republic.
AS/ PLB/CF/jmc
