EXPLOSIVE experts are in the country to assist the Royal Solomon Islands Police in disposing of World War II explosive ordinances.
Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast said the reason for bringing in experts from other countries to be involved in the “RenderSafe operation” is due to the sheer volume of explosive remnants left in the country.
“We are very unfortunate to have those experts in the country,” Mr Prendergast said.
“They will be mainly focusing on disposing explosive ordinances left over from World War II,” he added.
“While the (RSIPF) Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) is a very capable unit, there is more work than they could possibly cope with.
“This operation was designed to help with the quantity of explosive items that have been left in the country after the World War 11.”
He said the operation is similar to the one they did on Bougainville last year where they dispose of enormous amounts of explosive items during that operation.
“These forces are joining us as they have the capabilities that we don’t have, to assist us in doing this.
“It is a good thing as it will mean a safer Solomon Islands once the operation goes on and I am very grateful these countries come to assist us.”
The operation RenderSafe is a national operation looking at disposing of explosive ordinance that causes threat to the community.
Mr Prendergast it is to make the communities safer.
“It involves personnel from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom and also supported by our officers from the Maritime Unit.
“They will spread out in the country on September 12 in five groups in Russell Islands, Tulagi and Guadalcanal areas.
“I am asking the communities to support them.
“If people have relevant information about the World War II ammunition, can they please contact police on 999 if it is an emergency or 23666,” Mr Prendergast said.
He thanked the groups for their assistance.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN