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Mukachana Hanyani Correspondent

The removal or clearance of wartime landmines by Government in areas like Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Matabeleland North provinces is an immensely crucial development for the affected communities.

The demining exercise is still ongoing, but Government has so far managed to remove a significant 87 percent of landmines.

Landmines were planted by the Rhodesian regime during the liberation struggle mostly along borders to prevent Zimbabweans from crossing into Mozambique and Zambia to train and join the war.

This comes as a relief to communities living along border areas where over decades they have lost life, limb and livestock to the mines.

The development signifies substantial progress in mitigating the dangers posed by these remnants of the liberation war, which Zimbabweans waged against the Ian Smith Regime from 1966 to 1979.

The demining of the affected areas benefits the affected communities quite a lot.

Firstly, the clearance of wartime landmines is vital for the safety and well-being of civilians, especially in post-conflict zones.

Landmines continue to pose a severe threat to local communities long after conflicts have ended, causing casualties, hindering agricultural activities, limiting access to essential resources, and impeding socio-economic development.

The impact of wartime landmines on civilian populations in post-conflict zones cannot be overstated.

These insidious remnants of war persist long after the guns fall silent, presenting an on-going and indiscriminate threat to the safety and well-being of communities.

One of the most distressing aspects of landmines is their indiscriminate nature.

They do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.

Innocent individuals, including children playing or adults going about their daily activities, are at risk of injury or death from these hidden hazards.

The tragic toll of casualties, often among the most vulnerable members of society, continues to mount long after the conflicts have ceased.

Beyond the human toll, the presence of landmines severely disrupts the normal functioning of communities.

These devices render large swathes of land unusable for agriculture, a critical livelihood for many in these regions.

Farmers are unable to cultivate their fields, which not only affects food production but also creates a ripple effect on the local economy, exacerbating food insecurity and poverty.

Moreover, the fear of landmines restricts access to essential resources and facilities such as water, healthcare institutions, and educational institutions.

Communities are forced to navigate longer and often hazardous routes to access these vital services, affecting the quality of their life and impeding their ability to rebuild and thrive in the aftermath of conflict.

The socio-economic development of these areas is significantly hampered by the presence of landmines. Businesses hesitate to invest in infrastructural projects thereby stunting development.

This scenario sees the potential for economic growth remaining constrained. The benefit of the removal of the devices is, therefore, not just about ensuring physical safety but also about facilitating the recovery and progress of entire communities.

The ramifications of landmines on the socio-economic fabric of affected regions are multi-faceted and profound.

The presence of these hidden threats acts as a deterrent for economic progress, dissuading both local and foreign investments essential for the revitalisation of these areas.

For businesses, the spectre of landmines poses substantial risks and operational challenges.

Entrepreneurs are reluctant to establish or expand enterprises in regions where the safety of their employees and the security of their investments cannot be guaranteed.

The uncertainty surrounding landmine-free zones hampers business confidence and impedes the emergence of vibrant local economies.

Moreover, the existence of landmines severely restricts infrastructure development efforts. The construction of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other crucial facilities becomes perilous and often prohibitively expensive.

This lack of infrastructure not only hinders immediate recovery but also curtails the long-term prospects for the communities to thrive and participate in broader economic activities.

The socio-economic growth potential of these areas remains stifled as a result.

The removal of landmines, therefore, transcends the mere restoration of physical safety.

It serves as a catalyst for unlocking the full potential of these regions.

Clearing these deadly obstacles is a prerequisite for jumpstarting economic activities, attracting investments, and fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development in the affected areas.

By creating safe and secure environments, the removal of landmines facilitates the return of displaced populations and encourages the rebuilding of livelihoods.

It paves the way for agricultural revival, allowing farmers to till their lands, which not only ensures food security, but also generates surplus produce for markets.

This resurgence in agricultural productivity revitalises local economies, generates employment opportunities, and stimulates trade and commerce.

Ultimately, the removal of landmines by Government from affected areas mentioned above is a linchpin in the broader framework of post-conflict recovery.

It is integral to empowering communities, restoring their economic agency, and creating an environment that is conducive to holistic growth and development.

Beyond safeguarding lives, it is a critical step towards re-invigorating the socio-economic landscape and catalysing sustainable progress in these once-blighted regions.

Clearing landmines from these regions is a fundamental step towards restoring normalcy, enabling communities to reclaim their land, livelihoods, and dignity.

It is a critical aspect of post-conflict reconstruction and essential for fostering sustainable peace and development.

Moreover, the removal of landmines fosters stability and enables the return of displaced populations to their homes.

It is a pivotal step toward rebuilding communities and allowing people to resume their lives without the constant fear of injury or death from these hidden dangers.

Additionally, clearing landmines is instrumental in restoring access to arable land and infrastructure, which is essential for the revival of local economies.

This, in turn, contributes to the broader process of post-war recovery and reconstruction.

However, while achieving an 87 percent removal rate is commendable progress, the remaining 13 percent of uncleared landmines still presents a significant threat.

Government must continue its efforts to address this remaining danger promptly and effectively.

Complete clearance is crucial to ensuring the safety and prosperity of affected communities.

International co-operation, adequate funding, and employing advanced technologies for detection and removal are essential components of successful demining initiatives. Clearance of landmines and commitment to comprehensive strategies that include education, victim assistance, and sustainable land use planning to prevent further casualties and foster lasting peace should be prioritised.

Government’s commitment to removing wartime landmines is pivotal for the safety, recovery, and development of post-conflict regions.

While progress is notable, sustained efforts and resources remain necessary until every landmine is cleared, ensuring the safety and prosperity of affected communities.