Asbestos continues to pose a significant health risk in government residential properties across Honiara and provincial centres, underscoring the need for more public health awareness.
Philip Baura, director of the Architect and Building Management Services Division (ABMSD) at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), issued the warning about the dangers associated with this hazardous material yesterday.
“We summed up from fieldwork that older government homes, especially those built during the British colonial era, contain asbestos,” Mr Baura said.
“The presence of this substance in building materials presents a serious threat to the health and safety of current inhabitants who are public servants.”
Historically, asbestos was widely utilised in construction from the late 1800s until the 1980s, valued for its fire-resistant properties. However, it has long been known to cause severe health issues, including lung diseases and various forms of cancer.
In the Solomon Islands, asbestos is reportedly present in about 80 percent of residences and non-residences constructed prior to the 1980s.
In response, Baura said “We will no longer endorse the use of building materials containing asbestos in future architecture projects, as outlined in the upcoming National Building Standard Bill.
“Furthermore, our team is actively engaged in the demolition of outdated structures constructed with this hazardous material.”
The destruction of Chinatown during the recent riots and the 2016 Gizo Hospital fire incident serve as stark reminders of the public health risks associated with asbestos exposure in older buildings, which can house toxic materials.
“We actively collaborate with licensed abatement contractors to ensure the safe removal of asbestos from government buildings in Honiara and provincial stations, thereby safeguarding both occupants and public health.”
