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The overall impact of this project is to contribute to increasing economic growth and reducing poverty in Afghanistan. The project will enable increased legal livelihoods opportunities for the poorest and most vulnerable communities, including returnees in Herat, and reduces the number of civilian casualties through clearing mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).
The programme continues to have a tangible impact on people’s lives in Herat. Mine clearance is significantly reducing the risk of death and severe injury; providing safe land to live and work on; and enabling the rehabilitation of roads, water courses and the construction of schools and clinics.
Overall, the programme is ahead of schedule, exceeding its March 2016 milestones and already achieving its March 2018 target of clearing 24.6m2 of land and at nearly half of the projected cost. Since 2008, 13 districts out of the 16 districts in Herat were completely cleared and handed over to the Afghan Government as mine-free districts. Four districts were handed over to the Government in October 2015 in a formal ceremony.
Over the last year, civilian casualty rate significantly decreased in Herat; compared to March 2016 milestone, more people benefited from this programme; more land has been cleared; and more jobs were created. Taking on board last year’s annual review recommendations, HALO has increased its liaison with partners and put in extensive effort to liaise with the community, the government, and development agencies to ensure the cleared land is used.
Three districts yet to be cleared during the next two years in order to make Herat province mine-free and security remains the biggest challenge. Of the remaining three districts, operations are continuing in one district (Kohsan) but HALO is concerned for the safety of its staff in the two last remaining districts (Gulran and Shindand). Recently, armed opposition groups are actively present in these areas. HALO is liaising and coordinating the issue with the Department of Mine Action Coordination (DMAC), the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and local authorities, though the outcome is not yet certain.
DFID and HALO should build flexibility into this programme including widening the geographical area for demining to ensure programme continues clearing high priority lands. Despite the programme has achieved its clearance target of March 2018 by the end of 2015, Herat province may not become mine-free as originally envisaged if the security situation in the remaining two districts fails to improve. |
