Germany-based Solidarity Service International (SODI) on October 15 started its landmine clearance initiative in a resettlement area for flood victims in Hai Lang district, central Quang Tri province.

Under the initiative, around 40.8ha of land will be cleared to build houses, schools, clinics and farms for the locals.

The organisation plans to clear mines and unexploded ordnances on around 160 ha of cultivated land in the resettlement area by early 2008 with the aim of reducing the number of injuries and deaths incurred by farmers when clearing land for agricultural production.