A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on Monday between the Governor for Oro Province, Gary Juffa, and The HALO Trust to launch a U.S.-funded unexploded ordnance (UXO) removal project in Papua New Guinea's Oro Province. The agreement sets out how The HALO Trust will use $2.25 million provided by the U.S. government to address UXO left from World War II and improve reporting and tracking systems.
While the MOA specifically covers activities in Oro Province, The HALO Trust plans to extend the funding to support similar projects in Bougainville. Key elements of the agreement include surveying and mapping areas contaminated with UXO, excavating hazardous sites to remove buried explosives, providing risk education in schools and communities, and training local personnel including members of the PNG Defence Force EOD and Royal PNG Constabulary.
“This partnership is a commitment to the people of Oro. It is about safeguarding lives, fostering well-being, and paving the way for a brighter future,” said Oro Governor Juffa. “Clearing the remnants of past conflicts liberates our communities, allowing them to rebuild, grow, and live free from fear.”
Stephen Talu, Program Manager for The HALO Trust PNG stated: “Today marks a significant step forward in addressing a long-standing legacy of World War II—the unexploded ordnance that still poses risks to the communities of Oro. UXO is a multidimensional threat intersecting with sovereignty, human security, environment and economic development. We will work together to locate, remove, and safely dispose of these hazards.” He added: “We are very grateful to the United States government for its support reflecting their shared commitment to safety, cooperation, and historical reconciliation.”
U.S. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock commented: “This marks a pivotal step in The HALO Trust’s efforts to address the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance. As the world’s largest supporter of conventional weapons destruction, the U.S. government is committed to making communities safer,” she said. “This initiative will not only enhance the capacity of local entities to respond effectively but also reduce the risks faced by Papua New Guineans due to UXO. We are proud to support these projects.”
The HALO Trust operates as both a U.S. and British charity with a mission focused on protecting those affected by conflict.