South Sudan says eliminating hazardous mines key to save lives, boost food security

JUBA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan said on Monday that eradicating hazardous mines and other explosive devices from farms will save lives and promote food production in the country.

"Our people feared to cultivate their land because of the bombs and landmines buried underground during the civil war. Removal of these explosive devices will boost farming activities," said Alberio Oremo, Torit State Governor.

He urged the UN mine agency to help the government to remove explosive devices like bombs, grenades, and shells that lie underneath open fields while posing danger to communities.

The UN mine agency recently vowed to clear more land mines and explosive devices that were left behind after decades of civil wars in the then Sudan republic.

"Clearing all these explosive devices will enable local communities to cultivate bare land and boost their food reserves," said Richard Boulter, program manager of the United Nations Mine Action Service.

Jurkuch Barach Jurkuch, chairperson of South Sudan's national mine authority, said that civil strife in South Sudan has left about 90 million square meters of land filled with explosive devices. Enditem