Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Safely Removes 202 UXOs from School Grounds Amid Ongoing Concerns Over WWII Munitions.
A discovery was made at St. Nicholas School in Honiara, where unexploded World War II bombs were found beneath the school grounds. Videos circulating on social media show the ordnance being uncovered, raising concerns within the community. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) safely removed 202 unexploded ordnance (UXOs) from the site.
The discovery occurred when the school unearthed a stockpile of US projectiles in front of a staff house while digging a hole for sewage.
Acting Director of the RSIPF EODD, Inspector Clifford Tunuki, stated that “over 200 US projectiles have been relocated to a safe location at Hell’s Point with the support of the Australian Defence Force, where they are now awaiting safe disposal.”
Inspector Tunuki added that the area is now secure for the school to resume operations and encouraged parents and guardians to send their children back to school, noting that all UXOs have been removed.
Inspector Tunuki also emphasized the importance of site inspections: “This discovery serves as a reminder for schools, residential, and commercial properties to prioritize site inspections for UXOs before starting any construction projects.”
St. Nicholas Anglican College, which was established in 1994, confirmed that the school will remain closed until the 22nd of August 2024.
The presence of UXOs in the Solomon Islands continues to be a significant concern. Many World War II munitions, including bombs and artillery shells, remain buried and can still contain live explosives. These UXOs pose serious risks due to their unpredictability and potential for accidental detonation. Despite ongoing clearance efforts, including those by the RSIPF and international partners, it is anticipated that removing all UXOs will take several more years. Public awareness and safety measures remain crucial in managing the threat posed by these remnants of war.
With RSIPF
