RSIPF opens new traffic centre delivered by the AFP

The new Kukum Traffic Centre was officially opened today (11 September) and handed to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The centre, which can accommodate up to 70 traffic officers, provides the RSIPF with a modern work environment and equipped with brand new IT equipment.

In addition to managing future traffic operations, the new facility will enable RSIPF to deliver high quality police operations and services to Solomon Islands communities.

The two-storey building, worth around SBD$8.3 million, replaces the old traffic centre building which was ransacked and lit on fire during the riots in Honiara in November 2021.

Following the damage to the old building, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) assessed the building and recommended the building be demolished.

In January 2022, the AFP committed to rebuilding the Centre for the RSIPF, through the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).

The processes of developing architectural designs, meeting planning requirements, clearing of the site and contract tendering were all completed prior to the official ground breaking ceremony, which occurred in October 2022.

Yesterday (11 September), Solomon Islands Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Hon. Anthony Veke, the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, the RSIPF’s Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Commissioner, David Manning and the AFP’s Assistant Commissioner, Nigel Ryan, witnessed the opening and handing over ceremony.

The centre offers a range of spaces required to undertake important police duties, including interview rooms, operational rooms, meeting and training rooms and general amenities. The entrance to the building was designed to allow everyone easy access to the front desk including people with special needs.

The modern facility, built by Bako Construction Ltd, is a secure reinforced structure, designed to meet the environmental conditions and improve the safety of the RSIPF Officers.