Public in Honiara urged to stay clear of bomb disposal operation in Point Cruz area
THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has strongly advised the general public, vehicle drivers and business owners and road users in Honiara that road blocks will be enforced from the main market underpass to South Pacific Oil Refilling Station road junction and also from the Provincial Press road to the Rock Haven upper road from 2pm until 3pm, today.
This is to allow the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team of the RSIPF to conduct a Render Safe Procedure on an unexploded bomb discovered at Point Cruz behind the Advanced Technology Building.
The EOD Team isolated and secured the unexploded explosive shell on September 11, 2018 after receiving a report from a construction group working there.
This type of World War II shell is uncommon and has not been found in the Honiara central business district (CBD) before.
Because of the type of explosive, it cannot be moved before it is rendered safe by the highly trained professionals of EOD.
This major police operation will involve RSIPF EOD, Traffic, and Central Police Station conducting high visibility patrols and cordoning of the exclusion zone.
The Operational Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, says, “The EOD team will be conducting a Render Safe Procedure (RSP) task behind the Advanced Technology office building, Point Cruz.
“The Render Safe Procedure operation will commence between 8am and 3pm on Thursday, September 13, 2018, which will require an evacuation of surrounding premises 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.
“The general public and those living within the area of the road block points to the coastal side along with the areas of Advanced Technology, ITA Hardware, Rock Haven Inn, United Church Rest House, and the line of shops on the western end of ITA hardware are kindly warned to keep out while the operation is in progress.”
A staged evacuation of affected buildings, including commercial premises, will be coordinated by police.
This will commence with notification of affected buildings, including commercial premises from 8am, closure of commercial premises by 12pm.
The operation will be completed by 3pm.
Roads will be re-opened and the exclusion zone lifted once the operation is complete and the area safe.
Members of the community that do not need to be in the CBD are encouraged to avoid the area.
RSIPF apologies to affected residents, road users and business owners for any inconvenience caused.
However, this unavoidable operation is being initiated to keep the community safe.
–POLICE MEDIA
