EOD team conducts awareness on UXO at Lengakiki in Honiara

Bombs are designed to kill and destroy is the strong message delivered during an awareness program conducted by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at Lengakiki Ministers Ridge on Saturday night.

Supervisor EOD Senior Sergeant (SSgt) Ansa Puaraua said since it (bomb) is designed to kill and destroy, “We encourage you not to attempt to remove or disturb any unexploded ordnance (UXOs) when discovered in your area.”

Puaraua said although it might look very old and rusty, the explosive inside has not expired like the goods in the shops. “It is still active and could explode at any time. When you see any UXOs, do not try to remove anything that is on top of it,” he adds.

Mr Puaraua said during the awareness that your actions could make the UXOs blow up and it may kill you and your family. Therefore, when you see any UXOs it is advisable to mark the location but not closer than 3 metres from the item. Good if you sight any UXOs report it to police.”

During the awareness, the EOD team made a slide presentation on different types of bombs that had been discovered. The bombs are from the USA and Japan.

Officer In Charge (OIC) EOD Inspector Clifford Tunuki said a similar presentation had also been conducted on 29 May 2021 at Hells Point to the staff of the Australian High Commission Office. More than 40 people were attended.

Tunuki says the presentation was aimed at the public knowing about the hazard of UXO, some safety guidelines, prevention measures and what to do when sighting a UXO or bomb.

“This is part of our community outreach program to inform our people the risks and dangers that UXO pose to lives and the surrounding environment.

The RSIPF EOD team will continue to visit communities in Guadalcanal and Honiara to conduct awareness on UXO.

The team will also extend the program to other provinces that have Explosive Ordnance in their surroundings.

Lengakiki was the scene of a deadly bomb explosion three weeks ago which resulted the dead of two people and injury to two others.

Any sighting of UXOs call police free toll on phone 999 or call EOD Team on mobile 7495215 or 7495214. Report it at any nearest police station.