Kuwait has granted Egypt an aid package of 300,000 Kuwaiti dinars ($985,600) for the removal of World War II-era landmines from Egypt's north coast area, Ahram Online reported Monday (May 8th).
The aid falls within the investment strategy for the North Coast Development Project, running from Alexandria to the border with Libya.
Egypt has been stepping up efforts to clear the north coast of millions of WWII landmines with the aim of developing the area economically. Plans for the area include expanded mineral extraction and tourism development projects.
The north coast of Egypt is littered with landmines laid during WWII. Each year, landmines and other unexploded ordnance cause death and injury to civilians.
Egypt’s Defence and National Security Council approved the Kuwaiti aid, which is being granted through the Arab Fund. The money will be used for the project’s second phase.
According to Maj. Gen. Mahrous al-Kilany, head of the mines committee at the Ministry of International Co-operation, Egypt has cleared landmines from 1,450 square kilometres during the project’s first phase.
