GCS proved once again how experience in providing demining solutions across the globe guaranteed our machines’ on time arrival in Ukraine, ready for training and immediate deployment. Our specialist team ensured the first of four demining platforms, each capable of clearing a football-pitch area of land each day, can go into service to eliminate explosive threats and save lives, not only in the agricultural and economic sector, but protecting and restoring infrastructure and rebuilding civilian lives.
First of four state-of-the-art mechanical demining platforms, GCS-200, ready for dispatch
The head of the demining department of NIBULON, Maksym Sovetkin, thanked the company’s partners for their support: “We are sincerely grateful to the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ), the German State Development Bank (KFW DEG) for financing the project, and Global Clearance Solutions for providing and putting into operation a modern GCS-200 demining machine. This is another step in the direction of demining Ukrainian lands, and our team will do everything possible to make Ukrainian fields safe.”
The project is one of several whereby GCS equip local organisations across their spectrum of need, from technology to training and all important service and maintenance to ensure longevity of investment.
Daniel Alex, Senior Investment Manager at DEG Impulse elaborates: “We are proud to support the demining effort in Ukraine through the develoPPP program which is financed by BMZ, and especially with a partner of Nibulon’s scale. Working with the country’s number one grain exporter and agricultural specialist of more than 20 years’ standing ensures the mechanical demining platforms can work efficiently and maximise the benefit to Nibulon employees and their compatriots, restoring not only economic activity, but also infrastructure and safety.”
GCS’ Deputy Head of Operations Ashley Williams, agrees: “Every one of our customers receives a customised, bespoke solution to best match their needs; in this case we are able to support Nibulon to quickly upskill their employees for the safe and sustainable operation of our own mechanical demining platforms. Our in-country presence means that we are available where and when we are needed. This project shows our integrated, full-service offering working across our specialist team.”
At the same time, another important element of support for our clients is underway: first class training from GCS’s experienced specialists for local deminers in safe, sustainable clearance of explosive threats. GCS Operations Technical Advisor Lourie Venter has worked in Somalia, Iraq and the Middle East for over a decade: "Training deminers is indispensable for the safe operation and longevity of the machines’ service in the field. Hazard awareness saves lives, reduces injury and ensures machines can be deployed to their maximum potential. The more accredited deminers we have, the more quickly we can restore land to civilians.”
Adrian Ritson, Operations Technical Advisor, whose experience encompasses over 35 years of explosive handling and training across the globe, agrees: “As a team, we invest our experience in training to International Mine Action Standards: only then can we be sure that contaminated land can be used for farming and other civilian needs. This is extremely careful, painstaking work which demands focus and excellent teamwork.”