Japan grants Iraq USD4.5mln

(MENAFN) Japan has donated USD4.5 million to support Iraq emergency response related to humanitarian and stabilization efforts in areas liberated from the Islamic State (IS) still littered with explosives, according to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS.)

"Schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, electrical power stations and water treatment plants are still contaminated by explosive hazards in liberated areas," said the statement, by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Wednesday, Kurdistan 24 reported.

Retreating IS fighters routinely hid hundreds of mines and explosive traps under roads, in houses, buildings, farmland, yards, and even among children's toys.

"Removing explosive hazards is the first step to commence rehabilitation and reconstruction activities with the Government of Iraq and UN partners, bringing the people of Iraq back to normal life and restoring economy," the statement continued.

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