All CMAC’s field staff members always move from place to place in their job. When they finish the landmine/UXO clearance in one site, they will have to move to start clearing in other sites at different places, so their lives—and the families—are not in only one area, focusing on doing certain business and developing the economy for the family. Deminers sacrifice their lives, efforts, and time in removing threat and danger from landmines and UXOs as well as in contributing to development for Cambodia. However, looking back at themselves, their livelihood is far inferior to the people in the post-clearance community. In order to encourage, or in other word to compensate, the deminers, CMAC obtained the approval by Samdech Techo former Prime Minister Hun Sen to establish a so-called CMAC Community Development Centre (CDC).
The CMAC Community Development Centre (CDC) was established in 2014, which is situated in Koas Krala District, Battambang Province, CDC spans 1,800 hectares and aims to enhance the livelihoods of CMAC staff, in particular retirees and individuals with disabilities. CDC focuses on promoting resettlement, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism, always focusing on the most innovative and advanced approaches.
CDC contributed development not just to CMAC retired staff members but also to individuals and communities nearby. The school, market, roads, ponds, reservoirs, canals, drainages, trees and more have been beneficial to both the people residing in and near CDC.
CDC has played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for countless people, through the provision of essential infrastructure such as schools, markets, roads, ponds, reservoirs, canals, and drainage systems. With a dedicated team of 9 staff members, CDC ensures that this vital infrastructure remains in pristine condition, serving as the backbone of community development and progress.
