HALO Trust launches a UXO technical survey pilot in Munda to improve community safety and support future development
The Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services has welcomed the launch of the HALO Trust Technical Survey Pilot Project in Munda, Western Province.
HALO Trust is implementing the pilot project under a humanitarian mandate to identify and support the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from land in and around Munda, helping make communities safer and create opportunities for future development.
The project is supported by the National UXO Office and was initiated with the support of the Member of Parliament for West New Georgia and Vonavona Constituency and the Member of the Western Provincial Government for Munda Ward.
Speaking at the launch, MPNSCS Deputy Secretary of Planning and Policy George Bogese described the pilot as an important initiative for community safety, national development and the Solomon Islands Government’s broader UXO management efforts.
“The success of this pilot project will be a milestone for the Solomon Islands Government, and particularly the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services,” Mr Bogese said.
He said the project could provide a basis for expanding similar humanitarian UXO activities to other parts of the country.
Mr Bogese also highlighted the project’s alignment with the Government’s whole-of-government approach, noting that the Government is currently developing a National UXO Bill. The proposed legislation is expected to establish clear coordination mechanisms and legal guidelines for UXO-related activities, ensuring that they are carried out safely, transparently and efficiently.
The Munda pilot will also be used to trial the National UXO Standard before it is formally presented to Cabinet for consideration, approval and enforcement.
Mr Bogese urged all organisations and personnel involved in the project to comply strictly with Solomon Islands laws and regulations, stressing that safety and transparency must remain central to all activities.
He further called for regular progress reporting through the IMASMA Core system established within the MPNSCS. The system will support the tracking of surveyed and cleared land and enable the timely issue of land-release documentation to support community development and economic activities.
The National UXO Office and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit will provide monitoring, quality control and quality assurance throughout the pilot project.
Speaking on behalf of The HALO Trust, Solomon Islands Programme Manager Emily Davis said the ceremony marked an important and exciting moment for the organisation as it officially launched its technical pilot project in Munda.
Ms Davis said the launch marked The HALO Trust’s first UXO clearance activities in the Solomon Islands, following three years of non-technical assessment and community engagement.
She expressed appreciation to the national and provincial governments and to the community representatives who attended the ceremony and supported the project.
The project is being implemented with the support of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and the National UXO Office within the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services. Ms Davis said this cooperation underlined the importance of collaboration in reducing UXO risks.
Initial operations will focus on two high-priority community sites affected by the legacy of the Second World War: Terere Church School and Helena Goldie Hospital.
Ms Davis said The HALO Trust follows a humanitarian approach, prioritising land according to the greatest need and conducting its work at no cost to community members.
She thanked local communities for their support during the training and preparation phase in Munda and said The HALO Trust looked forward to delivering tangible safety and development benefits through the project.
The organisation plans to expand future technical activities to additional residential and agricultural areas in Western Province, Guadalcanal and other parts of the Solomon Islands.
A key objective of the programme is to build national capacity by training Solomon Islander staff to conduct UXO clearance safely and effectively.
The trainees recognised during the ceremony had completed two weeks of technical training. They passed the required assessments, ensuring that project activities are conducted in accordance with the International Mine Action Standards.
The ceremony also included a demonstration of new UXO risk education materials developed jointly by The HALO Trust, RSIPF EOD, the National UXO Office and commercial-sector partners.
The materials place particular emphasis on awareness and safety messaging for children. Attendees also received a demonstration of The HALO Trust’s technical equipment, providing greater understanding of the tools and methods used to safely locate and remove UXO.
Mr Bogese acknowledged HALO Trust, the National UXO Office, RSIPF EOD personnel, provincial authorities, community leaders, church leaders, health authorities, police officers, teachers and residents for their support and participation in the launch.
He expressed hope that the pilot would achieve positive results for communities in Western Province and contribute to the strengthening of Solomon Islands’ national UXO management programme.
-MPNSCS PRESS RELEASE
