Belgium to continue support of de-mining in Kisangani

Belgian State Secretary for Development Cooperation Eddy Boutmans announced on Monday that an additional US $343,434 would be granted to Handicap International Belgique so that the non-governmental organisation could extend its de-mining programme in northeastern Congo into February 2002. He said the effort would help safeguard the population and humanitarian organisations in and around the city OF Kisangani. This would allow access to fields, footpaths, schools and a local sawmill, as well as inform the public - particularly children - about the danger of mines and unexploded ordnance. Boutmans said his government had approved the grant because of the existing "immense area of risk" around the airport of Bangboka. All routes leading to the airport in this zone, estimated to cover 2,800 ha, were mined during 'the six-day war' in 2000. The minefields are located near homes, schools and water sources. Local residents have largely abandoned the area because of a dozen explosions.