Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. ZIMBABWE’S efforts to remove landmines planted during the country’s liberation struggle have received a major boost with the United Kingdom handing over 20 Minelab F3 mine detectors worth US$33 million.
The mine detectors handed over to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) are expected to reinforce the country’s capacity to clear landmines and ensure mine-free Zimbabwe.
In a statement, the British embassy in Harare said the donation of advanced detectors was made possible through the partnership with The HALO Trust that contributed to demining efforts in Zimbabwe.
The embassy said the equipment was deployed to Zimbabwe from Mozambique following the successful completion of activities in the neighbouring country.
“In response to a formal request from the ZDF, the HALO Trust transferred the surplus detectors and integrated them into its UK-funded demining programme in Zimbabwe,” the embassy said.
The UK embassy’s defence attaché, Alastair Kern, said his country was in full support of Zimbabwe’s efforts to achieve a mine-free future.
“The donation reflects the UK’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian mine action and our strong partnership with Zimbabwe.
“These detectors have already proven their value in saving and restoring land. We are confident this donation will go a long way in achieving a mine-free Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Minelab F3 detectors are essential front-line tools used by HALO’s demining teams to detect and safely remove various types of landmines found in Zimbabwe.
“Led by the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre and in partnership with world-leading organisations such as HALO and Mines Advisory Group, the UK’s Global Mine Action Programme has supported demining efforts in Zimbabwe since 2016,” the embassy said.
According to the British embassy, through the partnership, the programme has cleared over six million square metres of land and released more than 13,8 million square metres.
The programme also destroyed more than 250 000 anti-personnel mines, provided risk education to more than 83 000 beneficiaries and directly benefited over 20 000 people in rural border communities of Mount Darwin and Rushinga districts.
HALO programme manager Oliver Gerald-Pearse said HALO had partnered the Zimbabwe Mine Action Centre since 2013.
“The recent donation of 20 detectors to the National Mine Clearance Unit reflects ongoing collaboration between HALO, the UK and the government of Zimbabwe to eliminate the threat of landmines and support a safer future for Zimbabweans,” he said.
The handover marks another milestone on the UK’s support for Zimbabwe’s development and security, helping to restore livelihoods, improve safety and unlock economic potential in mine-affected areas.
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