Government and HALO Trust renew partnership to continue addressing UXO threat
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The government, through the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services (MPNSCS), has renewed a vital Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The HALO Trust to continue nationwide efforts to address the legacy threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from World War II.
The renewed agreement, signed on Tuesday, extends collaboration through June 2026, reinforcing commitments to public safety, national security, and sustainable community development, a statement by MPNSCS yesterday said.
MPNSCS said this MoU renewal builds on the original partnership established in June 2023, which facilitated a comprehensive Non-Technical Survey (NTS) identifying contaminated areas and established a national UXO coordination mechanism.
The ongoing collaboration enables further surveying, enhanced capacity building for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, and strengthened national oversight with transparency and respect for Solomon Islands laws and cultural protocols.
MPNSCS Permanent Secretary Karen Galokale expressed deep appreciation for The HALO Trust’s professionalism and technical expertise, and the generous financial backing from the United States Government, supporting HALO’s work with a USD 3.6 million grant.
“This renewed MoU is not just about clearing remnants of conflict but about protecting lives and enabling national progress,” Galokale said.
Emily Davis, Programme Manager of The HALO Trust Solomon Islands, voiced enthusiasm for continuing the partnership.
“We are proud to support Solomon Islands communities through non-technical surveys and risk education to reduce the threat of unexploded ordnance.
“We thank the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services for their ongoing collaboration,” Davies said.
The MPNSCS statement said UXO contamination remains a serious hazard to life and development, particularly in former World War II operational zones.
The statement said that the partnership supports the National Security Strategy 2025–2028, prioritizing the safety and security of all Solomon Islanders and enabling safer land use for agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, and economic investment.
The MPNSCS said that the Solomon Islands Government and its partners reaffirm their shared commitment toward a UXO-free Solomon Islands, fostering safer communities and a resilient future for generations to come.
Photo: Supplied
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
