Dong Nai (VNA) – Work on the US-funded Dioxin Remediation at BienHoa Airbase Project in the southern province of Dong Nai began on December 5.

The ceremony, held by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), theVietnam Defence-Air Force Service and the National Action Centre for ToxicChemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET), was attended by Deputy PrimeMinister Truong Hoa Binh, US Deputy Chief of Mission in Vietnam Caryn R.McClelland, and representatives from competent ministries and sectors.

An area of 37 hectares of the airbase’s western portion was handed over to theUSAID to begin ground operations for the dioxin clean-up project. The objectiveis to first eliminate the risk of further dioxin migration off base, workingwith Dong Nai authorities to clean areas off base, and then to treat andcontain contaminated soils.

Earlier, the US government committed 300 million USD to restoring the airbase andsurrounding areas, which will take 10 years to complete.

Speaking at the event, Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh hailed efforts by Vietnameseand US relevant sides for their meticulous preparation for the project.

Over 3.6 million hectares of forest were destroyed while 4.8 million Vietnamesewere exposed to the Agent Orange/Dioxin, and about 3 million people became AO/Dioxinvictims, he said adding that the toxic chemical also left effect on the thirdgeneration.

He highlighted that the dioxin detoxification project at Bien Hoa Airbase is avivid illustration for the US’s strong commitment to joining hands with Vietnamin the post-war recovery efforts.

He ordered the Ministry of Defence to coordinate with relevant ministries,sectors and localities to remove bottlenecks so as to accelerate theimplementation of the project, while working to ensure safety for people andthe environment during the detoxification process.

Caryn R. McClelland said that the project is carried out at Bien Hoa airbasefollowing its success at Da Nang airport, and it is a notable example for thesound partnership between Vietnam and the US, who were ex-enemies but aretrying to overcome the past and pave the way toward a future of friendship andprosperity.

Located about 30 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City, BienHoa, is a major base for US Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine units during thewar. In 2016, USAID, in partnership with theGovernment of Vietnam, completed an assessment of dioxin contamination at theairbase. The assessment identified almost500,000 cubic metres of dioxin-contaminated soil and sediment in need ofremediation – almost four times the volume that was remediated at Da NangAirport.

On the occasion, Deputy PM Binh and the US diplomat witnessed the signing of anagreement to implement a 65 million USD programme to support persons withdisabilities in eight priority provinces in the next five years between USAIDand NACCET./.