By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Concerns have been raised over the effectiveness of border monitoring between the Far Western Shortland Islands and Bougainville in Papua New Guinea (PNG), with calls for the Government to strengthen security at entry points.
A community elder from the Shortlands said, the Government should review current policies and strategies governing the border area.
The elder who resides near Nila, said there are four main entry points frequently used between the two neighbouring areas. They are; Harapa, Lofung, Kariki and Taro.
He explained that movement between Bougainville and the Shortlands has existed for generations due to strong traditional ties and trading relationships between communities on both sides of the border.
However, he said recent activities have raised concerns about the lack of proper monitoring.
“People from Rabaul in PNG usually travel to Buka and then pass through the Shortlands before making their way to Gizo to trade and sell boats,” the elder told Solomon Star in a recent interview with the Solomon Star.
He said while cross-border trade and cultural ties remain important and legitimate, there is a need for stronger immigration and police presence at the border.
According to him, weak monitoring by authorities at entry points has allowed some individuals to move freely without proper checks.
He also pointed out that the remote geographical setting of the Shortlands requires the Government to improve services in the area, including establishing banking services, shops and other basic facilities to support communities and government operations.
He welcomed the establishment of a new patrol base at Lofung, saying it would help improve security and surveillance in the border region.
“It is the nuisance caused by people from outside the border that concerns us, and this requires continuous patrols and proper checks at entry points,” he said.
His comments come after a recent incident in Gizo where a resident was allegedly attacked with a knife by a PNG national believed to have entered the country through Bougainville.
The suspect is reportedly from Kimbe in West New Britain Province.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns among residents about the need for stricter border control in Western Province.
Reports indicate that frequent travelers from Rabaul often make long journeys of about 800 miles to Buka before crossing into the Shortlands and eventually travelling to Gizo to sell boats and outboard motors.
Residents are now calling on authorities, including the immigration division and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), to strengthen surveillance and screening at border entry points to ensure the safety and security of communities in Western Province.
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