RSIPF calls for cooperation for Render Safe 19 in Western Province

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has appealed to chiefs and other community leaders in Western Province to cooperate with the Render Safe 19 Operation underway in some parts of that Province to clear unexploded bombs left since the Second World War.

Ten officers of the RSIPF’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and officers of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are jointly carrying out the operation which started on Thursday 24 October and will end on 9 November 2019.

Render Safe is an annual operation comprising joint activity between the RSIPF and the Australian Defence Force to undertake the disposal of unexploded ordinance (UXO). New Zealand Defence Force personnel will also be participating in the exercise this year.

Together, the three nations will establish a ‘Joint Task Force’ for the duration of the operation as a demonstration of commitment and joint effort to address the humanitarian problems caused by UXOs.

The main area of operation this year will be at Vonunu on Vella La Vella Island, Teme and Jack Harbour communities on Kolombangara, Baeroko on New Georgia Island, Boeboe and New Mala in the Vona Vona Lagoon, Noro and Munda.

The primary focus of the operation will be to safely dispose of UXO items to ensure improved safety for local communities.

A reconnaissance team from the ADF came to Solomon Islands in May this year and worked with RSIPF EOD team to carefully plan the locations and requirements for the operation.

Traditional land owners and local leaders have been consulted on the UXO disposal operations to be conducted in their areas.

“RSIPF officers from Western Province and the EOD will work closely with the ADF personnel on the ground to build awareness with local communities and safely carry out the UXO disposal tasks,” says Provincial Police Commander, Western Province, Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu.

PPC Lenialu appeals to the chiefs and leaders in the communities that the Operation will be carried out, to work together with the police.

“Police will come around to your respective communities and assist to evacuate people to the safe places when needed. Let us cooperate and show respect to members of the team when they get to our communities.”

“Let us all work together to tackle the problems of unexploded ordnance from WWII as we Solomon Islanders are still suffering the effects of these items.”

“We thank the Australian Government for their significant technical expertise, logistics support and financial assistance which make this operation possible,” says PPC Western Province, Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu.