ORS successfully disposed more than 2,700 bombs
By Andrea Ma’ahanua
Operation Render Safe (ORS) has successfully disposed more than 2,700 bombs in Western Province.
The Australia Defence Force-led international mission is composed of officers from the RSIPF’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and a team of multinational bomb experts.
National and provincial leaders, including heads and representatives of diplomatic missions visited the ORS Team in Munda yesterday.
In his speech, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton emphasized that the mission in Western Province is the largest land-based operation ever conducted.
“It has focused on removal of explosive remnants of war from over 180 sites here in Western Province,” he said.
Adding that three land and two maritime areas of operation are extended across Munda, Kolombangara, Kohinngo and Vona vona.
Mr. Hilton further explained that bomb disposal activities will reduce the likelihood of casualties, provide more access to land, improve community environment, including conditions for economic development.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton and the Supervising Minister for Police, Hon. Trevor Mahaga with officials in Munda yesterday.
Meanwhile, Supervising Minister for Police, Hon. Trevor Mahaga highlighted that the mission supports the national government’s objectives.
“Removing the explosives through such operations is important to ensure that the foundation for development is not hindered, and as you all know, one of the main risks to growth is environment,” he said.
He also acknowledged the team for their efforts in conducting the operation.
Communities around the Province have been very responsive to the operation, reporting explosives located in marine and land-based areas.
In an interview with SIBC News, Owner of the Peter Joseph WWII Museum in Munda, Barney Paulsen said, the community fully supports the operation.
“We fully support the operation in order to get rid of all dangerous remnants,” he emphasized.
Owner of the Peter Joseph WWII Museum in Munda, Barney Paulsen.
Using his knowledge and museum collection, Mr. Paulsen intends to educate community members on the risks surrounding unexploded ordnances to prevent injuries and fatalities.
SIBC News understands, the international mission, combined with the RSIPF’s operation work this year, has successfully disposed more than 5,000 bombs.
Operation Render Safe activities in Western Province concludes today.
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