For the record: Media report on Bamyan range clearance

NZDF believes that a Newshub story, Afghan de-mining organisation says NZDF is refusing to pay bill for clearing Bamyan firing ranges, broadcast on 6 March 2022, lacks important context.

The story, which addresses payments for the clearance work done in Bamyan, does not clearly distinguish between the Organisation for Mine clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation (OMAR) and the Directorate of Mine Action Coordination (DMAC).

While DMAC was the government department that oversaw the work on the $6-million project, OMAR carried out the physical clearance work on the ground in the Bamyan Ranges and was paid the full amount of the contract for the work it completed.  

Following the events of 15 August 2021, the NZDF carried out extra due diligence to ensure OMAR, the organisation which conducted the physical clearance work, received full payment.

Read more about the completion of the Bamyan clearance project here.