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Cambodia Diary
19-25 November, 2003
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In Cambodia, winter is arriving soon but most parts of this country still have some rainfall and some parts have drizzle and cold, especially in the areas with mountain and dense forest. The weather in Ou Chambak minefield is good but a bit cold. Local people and de-mining sections are seen wearing woolen coats. All minefields are now accessible by road for Land Rovers trucks.
Along both sides of the road there are danger- mine signs telling travelers to stay on the road. In some part the road is so bad we can see the local people walking, bicycling into dangerous area despite the fact that most of them are aware of the danger.
My name is Khann Khoeun, 39 years old, and I have great pleasure to take this opportunity to give some comments on my personal life and work. I was a government soldier before I joined HALO. I joined HALO in 1993 and have been promoted as a deputy section commander since February 2003. I have been working for HALO for more than 10 years in all locations and in the last 5 months in this location, Kamrieng.
Ou Chambak minefield village is funded by AAR/TBS and has deployed 1 section; the priority for clearance is high since people have been living in the mined village. HALO has repaired the road for minefield access, conducted mine awareness for villagers and evacuated patients and casualty to the nearest hospital HALO vehicles. The average clearance speed slightly varies from month to month, but it can be assumed as 18 sqm per day. In this week I have also found mines. Working for HALO is neither easy nor difficult and as a professional deminer I will carry on, as my life is getting better than before.
I have been married for 10 years and have 3 children. My wife is at home looking after children and taking them to school. I'm happy to work for HALO, demine the ground, save lives and develop a community. Working and living at remote accommodation can be good with lots of fresh air, mountains, beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Thank you very much to The HALO Trust and the Donors for providing funds, which will continue for longer, I hope.
Best regards,
Khann Khoeun
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