The Western Border Outpost, Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in the Shortland Islands, Western Province is progressing fast in its first stage of development.
The IOC, delivered by Australia under the Defence Cooperation Program, provides whole-of-government office facilities where the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity, and other border security agencies can operate.
Delivered in December 2024, the outpost is a key infrastructure investment aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to monitor and secure its western frontier.
According to a recent statement by the Australian High Commission, the project was completed within an impressive 10-month timeline following land ownership confirmation and regulatory approvals by the Solomon Islands Government.
‘’The new whole-of-government facility provides dedicated operational space for key border security agencies including the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Customs, Immigration, Biosecurity, and other relevant authorities.
‘’These agencies will now be able to work together more efficiently to ensure coordinated responses to cross-border threats and maritime issues,’’ the statement said.
In addition to its strategic security value, the project also delivered significant social and economic benefits. Over 40 local workers were employed during the construction phase, contributing to job creation and skill development in the Shortland Islands.
‘’The facility is designed to enhance Solomon Islands’ ability to safeguard its territorial waters, protect against illegal activities, and ensure the free and secure movement of trade through its maritime domain. It also reinforces the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law across its vast and often remote borders,’’ it added.
Officials working on the site project and local workers have confirmed that construction has already begun on the next stages of the border security project, indicating ongoing investment in long-term capability development.
‘’Once complete, the broader initiative is expected to further increase inter-agency coordination, improve infrastructure resilience, and strengthen Solomon Islands’ maritime sovereignty,’’ they said.
The outpost is designed to support Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats and will house personnel from relevant border agencies.
It features environmentally sustainable elements appropriate to regional conditions and aims to enhance resilience and meet the functional needs of the Solomon Islands Government
The Western Border Outpost is part of Defence’s ongoing commitment to security and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief infrastructure in Solomon Islands, which is worth almost SBD $1 billion in total.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
