Over 100 US 105mm high explosive bombs that remained after the Second World War were recently unearthed and removed from Gilbert Camp, East Honiara.
The newly discovered UXOs were similar to the one that claimed the lives of two young Solomon Islanders during a tragic and deadly bomb blast at Lengakiki in Honiara more than a week ago.
Solomon Island’s Opposition leader. Hon. Matthew Wale has called on the government to “step up” protection levels against the remaining risks posed throughout the country by unexploded WWII ordinance
Mr. Wale is reported to have said, “It is incumbent on the government to raise the concern with Japan and governments of the allied forces to develop a comprehensive plan to remove all unexploded bombs from all affected areas in the country,”
“Our own bomb disposal experts need to be properly equipped and resourced, and a thorough mapping exercise should now be carried out to pin point hot spot areas, while at the same time, to talk about how best the threats can be minimised,” he added.
Comment.
I agree with Mr. Wale’s call for the RSIPF’s bomb disposal team members to be fully equipped and resourced to deal with the serious issues of unexploded ordinance. I also believe all should be very much appreciative of the danger they are always exposed to when, like last week, removing uncovered unexploded bombs. Perhaps timely, too, that the UXO team be accorded an official government citation or awarded with some decoration for their consistent bravery on duty.
The loss of lives by the two Solomon Islanders in the bomb incident should also not go forgotten and maybe one or more High Commissions or diplomatic embassies might consider a Fellowship Scheme to honour their memory as practicing Christians involved in youth affairs at the time of their unfortunate passing.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
