Congresswoman Visits Laos to Discuss UXO

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D- FL) recently completed a visit to Laos to discuss UXO and landmine removal efforts. As a four-year member of the U.S. House of Representatives International Relations Committee, Congresswoman McCollum helped to secure $2.5 million in aid from the U.S. Congress for UXO removal in Laos.

The money will be used in three major field projects that are being jointly funded by Japan and Australia to help clear heavily contaminated areas. During her visit to Laos, Congresswoman McCollum met with the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) to discuss UXO removal efforts and had an opportunity to observe and participate in the demolition of recently discovered UXO. She attended a school play on the dangers of UXO and visited children in a local hospital who had been injured by UXO.

The Congresswoman was reportedly impressed by the progress that the country has made in dealing with UXO and landmines. Laos now uses a standard database and survey process to prioritize areas for clearance so worst case areas are addressed first. An incentive program is also in place to encourage locals to report UXO findings to authorities. The incentives are needed to discourage the local residents from illegally removing and recycling UXO for profit.