Vientiane Capital – The U.S. Government has made a significant contribution to the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao), aimed at enhancing its operational capacity in provinces supported by U.S. 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 Lao PDR.
The contribution, valued at USD 3,132,640, includes 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.
A handover ceremony was held on November 29, 2024, at the UXO Lao Headquarters Office. The event was attended by H.E. Ms. Baykham Khattiya, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, and Ms. Heather Variava, U.S. Ambassador to Lao PDR. Other attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the National Regulatory Authority (NRA), UXO Lao, the U.S. Embassy, and Tetra Tech.
During the ceremony, U.S. Ambassador Heather Variava remarked “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 U.S. financial assistance to UXO Lao specifically is close to $10 million – a record level.”
H.E. Ms. Baykham Khattiya, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare expressed her gratitude, stating, “I deeply appreciate the U.S. 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 where U.S Government support. It also directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 18 (SDG18: Lives Safe from UXO), ensuring people in UXO-contaminated areas can live and work safely without fear. The U.S. Government, as the largest donor to the UXO sector in Lao PDR, has provided supports 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.”
The U.S. Government’s continued support underscores its commitment to helping Lao PDR tackle the challenges posed by unexploded ordnance and create safer communities across the country.