MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands de-mining contract signed

BACTEC's CEO, Guy Lucas.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has announced that Battle Area Clearance and Training Equipment Consultants (BACTEC) International Limited has been chosen to carry out the Falkland Islands de-mining project.

A spokesperson for Government House in the Falkland Islands said, “The British company was selected after a rigorous procurement process which included three other strong bidders. BACTEC has experience of working in over 40 countries and has a strong track record in safety. Their management teams are familiar with the Falkland Islands, having been deployed here previously.”

BACTEC’s team is expected to arrive in late October. Clearance of four sites at Surf Bay, Sapper Hill, Goose Green and Fox Bay (East) is likely to start in November and conclude by the end of the austral summer.

Their team of 36 Zimbabwean de-miners have all worked for BACTEC on a number of mine clearance projects, most recently in Lebanon. Project Manager, Roger Gagen, and his Operating Manager, Kevin Bryant, both of whom have served in the Falkland Islands as part of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) detachment, will run the project from offices in Stanley.

The De-mining Project Office (DPO), already established in the islands will exercise quality control over BACTEC’s de-mining activities to ensure that they meet the standards required.

Various jobs in support of the project will be advertised locally. Both BACTEC and the DPO will also rely on the support of local companies for accommodation and supplies.

The contract was signed on Friday 9 October at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

By Lisa Watson – SeAledPR – Stanley