By Aloysius Laukai
The problems of unexploded bombs in the Torokina area could
be solved once and for all with the engagement of a quick response team by the
US State Department.
The quick response force (QRF) will be deployed to Torokina this
week, where it will asses the potential impact of unexploded ordnance in the
area, which was the scene of a protracted land battle between Allied and
Japanese forces during World War II.
The US State Department says abandoned and unexploded munitions
have had a significant lingering effect, including limiting people’s ability to
pursue subsistence farming.
It also says that abandoned weapons, ammunition and
explosives from Torokina have been used by militant groups and criminals over
the years.
The QRF will partner with local people to find and
prioritise areas for clearance so land can be returned to productive use.
The team will also gather data for future explosive ordnance
clearance operations in cooperation with the ABG and the PNG National
Government.
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