Cambodia News: Cambodia's Kampong Speu Province Opens New Administrative Building, Declares Itself 13th Landmine-Free Province

Kampong Speu Province in Cambodia celebrated a significant milestone with the official inauguration of its new administrative building. Additionally, the province proudly announced its achievement as the 13th landmine-free province in the country. The accomplishment was made possible through the collaborative efforts of five demining organizations and the generous support from partner countries, private sector development partners, and philanthropists.

Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of various entities, the Senior Minister expressed gratitude to the Cambodian Mine Action Fund and the Samdech Techo Project for Mine Action, among others. Their dedicated efforts and financial support played a vital role in enabling the successful clearance of landmines in Kampong Speu Province.

Looking ahead, Cambodia is committed to further demining initiatives. The nation aims to clear an extensive area of 538 square kilometers by 2025. Beyond this date, an additional 1,279 square kilometers of land contaminated with explosive ordnance will be addressed. The Mine Authority will continue to spearhead and coordinate demining activities to ensure progress well into the future.

Reflecting on the journey leading up to its status as a landmine-free province, His Excellency Senior Minister Ly Thuch, First Deputy Chairman of the Mine Authority, remarked that Kampong Speu Province had previously endured the ravages of war. As a prominent battleground during a turbulent era, it was crucial to secure control over the province before the fall of Phnom Penh into the hands of a genocidal regime. Consequently, Kampong Speu inherited remnants of explosives from those tumultuous times.

The successful clearance of landmines in Kampong Speu Province can be attributed to the steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia. Furthermore, the province received generous financial contributions from various sources, including partner countries, private sector development partners, and philanthropic organizations such as the Cambodian Mine Action Fund, the 2025 Samdech Techo Project for Mine Action, the United Kingdom, the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, and the local inhabitants of Kampong Speu Province.