Mozambique Diary
March 17 - 23, 2002
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On operations:
Despite the climatic conditions of heavy rain and lightning, characterised by several demining interruptions (since when raining it becomes impossible to carry on with clearance) our work continues. Team 10 that at the present moment is clearing several portions of land previously affected by landmines in the northern region of Mozambique (Nairoto - Montepuez). Work is hard though as we are using the manual excavation technique due to the large amounts of metal signals in the earth.
The nature of the minefield under clearance is still showing a certain wideness and the way that the mines were laid is complex, which will extend the normal clearance time from the average. The problem is that the mines were laid in no pattern whatsoever and therefore it is very difficult for our supervisor to predict where the next landmine will be. The area is very large also, thus we sometimes clear for days without finding anything.
The existing co-operation with the local population and authorities in the areas of operations is very good so far, so there are no reasons for frights or alarms. Good collaboration with the community leaders has been characterised by continuous supply of information on existence of landmines or other explosive ordnance.
The life in general
I am Kassia Pedro Francisco, 27 years old, born in 1975 in the Mozambican central province of Tete. I am married, father of one son, and of the Catholic religion. I am orphan of a father who died in 1997 after having divorced my mother in 1982. After my father's death, I started living with my mother in Pemba City, where I lived unemployed for a couple of yeras. Later on in May 6, 2001, I joined The HALO Trust where I was integrated into Team 10 that is being funded by TBS. At the moment, I realise that my life has become comfortable and enjoyable; I have TBS to thank for this.
I am also sympathetic of the party in the power (Frelimo). I decided this because I think Frelimo is the best party for Mozambique. While in power Frelimo says good things and whenever there are elections Frelimo is the one that wins more votes; Renamo cannot be trusted. However iff one day, Renamo comes into power, there will be a good comparison to find out who of the two (Frelimo or Renamo) is the best in the leadership. I know it will be Frelimo.
When I was unemployed, the life was totally difficult for me; however, with the demining course that I attended, I do get my own money which I use to buy valuable goods, such as shoes, plates and a radio. Now the life is going well.
Before joining the HALO Trust, to hear about landmines was a great shock for me, but now I am a full professional on landmine knowledge. At the moment I am based in Pemba with my mother and my plan is to save money to buy my own house. With HALO and TBS this will be possible.
Last weekend (Saturday), I went fishing together with a friend of mine in a stream located about 1500 meters from the campsite, due to the fact that in the closest and bigger rivers, there are threats of crocodiles; big crocodiles that can eat a man. I know of a man who was bitten by a crocodile and died of the sickness that came. Furthermore in the periphery there are threats of leopards. On Sunday I went to walk around the neighbouring village. I am very proud of working for HALO.
Kassia Pedro Francisco
(Deminer)
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