Four US-funded projects resume operations after temporary halt

Following a period of suspension, four projects funded by the US government in Quang Tri Province are set to resume operations, according to the provincial Department of Foreign Affairs.

These projects have been granted permission to move forward after the temporary executive order from the US President was lifted.

Photo: TTXVN/VNA

The projects include the Restoring the Environment and Neutralising the Effects of War (RENEW) project, which has received over US$9.7 million from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA).

Another project, the Survey and Clearance of Unexploded Ordnance, supported by PeaceTrees Vietnam (PTVN) with over $14.5 million for 2021-2025, aims to reduce hazards and promote socio-economic development in Quang Tri Province.

There is also capacity building for the Quang Tri Mine Action Centre, funded by NPA with a budget of $1.4 million for 2022-2025.

A project aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in areas heavily affected by Agent Orange is once again in operation. Funded by non-refundable ODA from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), this initiative will run from 2021 to 2026. It is being implemented across eight provinces in Vietnam, including Quang Tri, with a budget exceeding $5.6 million.

Regarding the Community Communication and Mine Clearance Project in the province, Phase VII (2021-2025), funded by the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), the Department of Foreign Affairs has received unofficial information about the lifting of the US government’s operational suspension.

MAG is proposing to donors to continue funding for mine clearance collaboration in Quang Tristarting March 2025, expressing hope for a swift resumption of activities in the province.

The US government previously mandated that foreign non-governmental organizations receiving funding from agencies like the US Department of State and USAID suspend activities for 90 days starting January 25, 2025, for evaluation and review.

This decision impacted key projects focused on surveying and clearing unexploded ordnance in the region, funded by the US Department of State through organizations such as the Mines Advisory Group, NPA, and PTVN.

These initiatives are vital for post-war recovery efforts in the province, addressing landmine contamination, facilitating land clearance for livelihood development, and ensuring community safety.

Minh Long – Khanh Khanh