The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Vietnam’s Air Defense Air Force Command (ADAFC), the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Action Center for Chemical and Environmental Treatment (NACCET) on December 5 celebrated the commencement of dioxin remediation operations at Bien Hoa Airbase and the signing of an agreement to implement a $65-million program to support persons with disabilities. The event featured Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, Deputy Minister of National Defense-Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Vietnam Caryn R. McClelland, U.S. Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Marie Damour, and USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Michael Greene. Speaking at the ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires McClelland stated: “Not only will we work to reduce risk and ensure the safety of surrounding communities, we will again demonstrate to the world the incredible example of the United States-Vietnam relationship, where former foes chose to partner, overcome the past, and pave the way toward a future of friendship and mutual prosperity.” The ADAFC has handed over 37 hectares of the western portion of the airbase to the USAID to begin ground operations for the Dioxin Remediation at Bien Hoa Airbase Project. The USAID-supported work crews have built roads, constructed gates and offices, and initiated land clearance and survey activities. The objective is to eliminate the risk of further dioxin migration off base, work with Dong Nai authorities to clean areas off base, and treat and contain contaminated soils. The United States government has committed $300 million to restoring the airbase and surrounding areas, which will take ten years to complete. The USAID also signed an agreement with NACCET to provide $65 million towards implementing activities that provide direct services to persons with severe disabilities in eight priority provinces over the next five years. Specifically, the USAID plans to work with the Vietnamese government to strengthen Vietnam’s rehabilitation system and community support networks. (Bao Chinh Phu, Nhan Dan, ToQuoc, Lao Dong, Thanh Nien, VnExpress, Tuoi Tre, baodongnai, news.zing, baophapluat)
