Ministry of Police UXO Unit Consults Makira Ulawa Premier on Landmark UXO Legislation

Honiara – The Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Unit of the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services (MPNS&CS) conducted a courtesy visit with the Premier of Makira Ulawa Province on Monday, March 16, 2026. The meeting sought valuable views and inputs from provincial stakeholders on the UXO Consultation Paper, advancing national efforts to address UXO risks.

This consultation builds on similar engagements held in other provinces last year. Inputs gathered will directly inform the development of a comprehensive Legislative Policy Paper, laying the foundation for a dedicated UXO Bill. A draft bill is targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2026.

“The creation of a strong legislative framework will establish national oversight for UXO operations, ensuring a safe and clear environment for development and the well-being of all Solomon Islanders,” said Director Kasutaba. The consultations also raised awareness about UXO dangers, including injuries, fatalities, environmental contamination, and disruptions to economic activities like infrastructure projects.

The UXO Consultation Paper outlines three key areas:

• Legal and Institutional Framework: Solomon Islands lacks specific UXO legislation, with existing laws silent on the issue. International conventions impose relevant obligations. Institutionally, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit leads disposals, supported by the HALO Trust for non-technical surveys and commercial firms for clearance. No national oversight authority currently exists.
• Key Thematic Issues: UXO threatens human safety (e.g., recent fatalities from negligence or unawareness), the environment (e.g., chemical contamination of water sources, exacerbated by climate change like sea-level rise and erosion; a recent UNDP-supported Environmental Impact Assessment highlighted these risks), and development (e.g., disruptions to schools, wharfs, and hospitals, such as the incident at St. Nicholas College).
• Proposed Provisions for the Bill: Key elements include definitions, institutional roles and powers, financial mechanisms, penalties, victim assistance, transitional arrangements, and miscellaneous provisions. Stakeholders provided inputs on these to refine the draft.

These efforts underscore the MPNS&CS commitment to mitigating UXO legacies from past conflicts, protecting communities, and fostering sustainable development.

-MPNSCS Press