As trams and taxis rattle by on one of Sarajevo s main thoroughfares, the former Sniper s Alley, experts still diligently clear the grounds of the former downtown Tito Military Barracks. Mines continue to claim as many as 10 victims each month, but this figure is down from 100 a month just a couple of years ago. Horner believes we should be able to get on top of the problem within five years by clearing the most important areas, but other experts talk about two generations for a more extensive operation. Mine clearing, Bosnia style, can be deadly dull, deadly slow and simply deadly. Eleven mine clearers were killed that year.
Experts say the work is so slow and deliberate clearers find it difficult to maintain concentration.
One slip, for just one second, could cost a life. There are many political pitfalls along the way, too. Municipal officials deliberately mislead international workers trying to promote the return of minorities by claiming villages and regions are heavily mined and not suitable for settlement. Later investigations often prove the areas are clean but at the very least return has been slowed down again. NATO troops in Bosnia have sophisticated mine clearing units, but though local commanders have been keen to help the civilian effort, sensitivities over just what troops can and cannot do have stymied any large scale assistance.