Saurimo: At least 1.3 million anti-personnel mines have been destroyed in Angola over the last decade, as revealed by Isabel Massela, the deputy director-general for the technical area of the National Mine Action Agency (ANAM), during a recent event in Saurimo, Lunda-Sul.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the announcement came at the conclusion of a training course focused on mechanical demining, assurance, and quality control. This extensive demining process also resulted in the destruction of 68,364 anti-tank mines and over 6.3 million explosive devices. Isabel Massela highlighted that the cleared areas have facilitated the construction of essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power lines, ports, airports, schools, hospitals, and railways, including the significant development of the Lobito Corridor with the Benguela Railway. These efforts have substantially contributed to Angola’s economic growth and development.
Ant³nio Upite, the provincial delegate for Former Combatants and Veterans of the Homeland, emphasized the positive impact of demining on agriculture and community infrastructure. He stated that the efforts have enabled farmers to increase cultivation, created safe leisure spaces for children, and supported family development through improved infrastructure. Upite reaffirmed the Lunda Sul government’s commitment to backing initiatives that enhance human security and support both local development and national reconstruction.
Upite also urged technicians from demining companies to implement their training effectively in their daily operations. Over the course of 11 days, participants engaged with topics related to land clearance, mechanical demining, quality management and control, victim assistance, human resources, and risk education.
