The Commissioners in the Counties of Yei and Lainya have pledged commitment and cooperation with mine clearing groups to ensure information flow from the communities on the existence of explosives left from the war.
David Lokonga Moses of Yei River County asked the international community to increase the support to national staffs in areas of capacity building and mine risk awareness in communities, Spirit FM reported.Mr. Lokonga was speaking at the Freedom Square during a function to celebrate the second International of Mine Action.
He urged the national technical staff to step up efforts in identifying affected areas and making them safe to enable the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to settle and start producing food.
The Commissioner for Lainya County, Samuel Suba Manasse, noted that the war of guns had ended years ago but mines remain active in fields, roads and schools in Greater Equatoria.
Mr. Suba said the mines which were planted mainly by the Sudanese Armed forces between 1991 and 94 still pose a big threat to the returning populations who may be victims if the devices are not removed.
He urged the police and the army to volunteer information on the explosives.