BY ALICE T CAMPBELL
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) will conduct a Render Safe Procedure (RSP) on a live unexploded bomb recently identified at Vatukulau in the Aruligo area, North West Guadalcanal today.
According to a RSIPF statement released yesterday, Director of the RSIPF EODD, Inspector Clifford Tunuki, said the operation will be carried out between 10:00am and 4:00pm today.
“The operation will take place within the Vatukulau area inland of Aruligo.
“During this period, communities and members of the public living in and around Vatukulau and Aruligo are strongly advised to stay clear of the designated operational area while EOD procedures are underway,” he said.
Inspector Tunuki said temporary evacuations, movement restrictions, and roadblocks will be enforced within affected areas to ensure safety of communities and to allow EOD personnel to safely carry out the operation.
He said this operation is necessary to safely neutralise the sensitive explosive components and protect nearby communities.
“We therefore seek the full cooperation and understanding of residents, landowners, and the general public while the operation is in progress,” Tunuki said.
He emphasised that the operation will only be conducted today, during the specified operational hours and normal access will resume once the area has been declared safe by the EOD team on the ground.
RSIPF said the RSIPF EOD Department continues to urge members of the public to immediately report any sightings or discoveries of suspected unexploded ordnance (UXO), including bombs, grenades, artillery shells, mortars, or ammunition remnants from World War II.
Tunuki said unexploded ordnance remains extremely dangerous and should never be touched, moved, or disturbed under any circumstances.
“Members of the public are strongly encouraged to report any suspicious items immediately,” he said.
RSIPF said reports can be made through the RSIPF toll-free emergency line at 999, the RSIPF EOD mobile number 7495215, or to any nearest police stations.
Photo credit: RSIPF
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