Speaking at the event, Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan Toshio Odagiri said the equipment would enhance the authority’s ability to reach more communities affected by explosive hazards. “Today, on behalf of the Government of Japan, we are officially handing over vehicles, motorcycles, mine detectors and a range of other operational equipment to the National Mine Action Authority,” Odagiri said. “These assets will directly support NMAA’s survey and explosive ordnance risk education teams, enabling them to reach more communities more safely and more effectively across South Sudan.” Odagiri said Japan has contributed more than US$16 million to mine action in South Sudan since the country’s independence in 2011, supporting institutional capacity, equipment and community protection. Our work is not yet finished, and assistance should continue until South Sudan becomes a mine-cleared country,” he said.