Dioxin clean-up (Photo: USAID)

(VNA) - A project to detect and clear bombs, mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) commenced on Friday in the central province of Quang Nam. The project, funded by the US Government through the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), will be implemented in Binh Minh commune, Thang Binh district from now until the end of 2014. Quang Nam is defined as one of the localities with the largest volumes of bombs, mines and explosives left by the war, causing great impacts on the daily life and production activities of local people. Since its opening in July 2012, the MAG office in Quang Nam has coordinated with local authorities in locating unexploded ordnance hotspots in Thang Binh district. Speaking at the ceremony, US Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear said that the US has helped Vietnam in addressing the issue of unexploded bombs and mines since 1989. This year, the US Department of State has provided over 4 million USD for non-governmental organisations to support bomb and mine clearance programmes in Vietnam. The US is determined to maintain its commitments to joining Vietnam’s efforts in removing UXO in war-torn localities.