RSIPF advised public to stay away of bomb blasting at Mbarana

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team will be conducting a UXO demolition (Bomb blasting) operation at the Western side of Lower Mbarana area in North West Guadalcanal Constituency.

The operation will occur on Wednesday 22 September 2021 from 8am to 2pm.

Officer In-Charge (OIC) of the EOD Team Inspector Clifford Tunuki says, “The bomb was reported to police previously by the local community. The bomb is situated at the bottom of the valley and is surrounded by hills and steep slopes. There is no access by vehicle to the bombsite due to the challenging rough terrain and steep valleys. After having dialogue with the land owners it is now subject to be destroyed in that location.”

Inspector Tunuki explains: “The task will occur on the said day and timings with certain roadblocks to be enforced within the area. I therefore urge our local farmers and hunter’s around Mbarana, Mt. Austin, Kombevatu, Jericho, 9 Ridge, Matariu and upper Tuvaruhu to keep out from the activated area while the operation is in progress.”

OIC Tunuki adds: “Evacuation of the surrounding premises of Mbarana and the upper Tuvaruhu will be conducted and an exclusion zone in place, including road blocks.

Whilst police regret any inconvenience, these necessary measures are being put in place to keep the community safe.”

RSIPF apologies to affected residents, road users and local farmers for any inconvenience caused. However, this unavoidable operation is being initiated to keep the community safe,” says Mr. Tunuki.