Zim Ministry of Defence receives de-mining and medical equipment

THE Zimbabwe Ministry of Defence has received de-mining and medical equipment worth more than US$200 000 from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The ICRC handed over the equipment at Defence House in Harare yesterday.
Officiating at the hand-over ceremony, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa said the equipment would help in the de-mining activities along the Sango Border Post and at the Crook's Corner minefield.
"The donation is going to change the pace and the whole de-mining outlook in Zimbabwe. 
"De-miners were facing a number of challenges due to old and antiquated equipment which proved to be difficult and dangerous.
"The equipment is going to be used by de-miners in the quest to rid the country, particularly along borders, of deadly and lethal weapons.
"The equipment will quicken the pace of de-mining, morale and confidence of de-miners during their work," Minister Mnangagwa said.
He said it was critically important for a de-miner to embark on duties when fully cognisant of protection and equipment that will save his or her life.
"The history of landmines in Zimbabwe dates back to the liberation war when they were planted by the brutal Smith regime along the borders of Zimbabwe. 
"The aim was to prevent freedom fighters from gaining access into the country from training bases.
"Landmines continue to kill, injure and maim innocent civilians, livestock and wildlife 32 years after the hostilities ended," he said.
Head of the ICRC regional delegation Mr Pascal Cuttat said the partnership with Government was meant to enhance efforts of clearing and destroying all anti-personnel mines in Zimbabwe.
"Collaboration with the Zimbabwe Mine Association Centre (ZIMAC) aims at improving existing skills, capacity and equipment to enhance security of communities. The equipment will assist in the transition of an anti-personnel mine free country," he said.
The equipment included mine detectors, visors, flake jackets, GPS tracking devices and kneepads, among other equipment.