Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services UXO Inter-Agency Legislative Committee Concludes Successful Consultation in Buala, Isabel Province

Honiara – The National UXO Inter-Agency Legislative Review Committee of the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services has successfully concluded its consultation in Buala, Isabel Province, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Led by Director of UXO, Benzily Kasutaba, the consultation team engaged local stakeholders to address critical UXO risks and mitigation strategies in the region. The event marked a key step in enhancing community awareness and coordination on unexploded ordnance challenges, fostering safer environments across the Solomon Islands.

The team engaged with stakeholders, including provincial government officials, community leaders, traditional chiefs, school representatives, and residents from areas around Buala and nearby villages. Discussions focused on addressing critical UXO risks—legacy hazards from World War II bombings that continue to endanger lives, with over 200 incidents reported nationwide since 2000, including fatalities and injuries from accidental detonations during farming or fishing.

The event marked a key step in enhancing community awareness and coordination on unexploded ordnance challenges, fostering safer environments across the Solomon Islands. Participants reviewed mapping data showing UXO hotspots in Isabel Province and practiced identification and reporting protocols using demonstration kits.

During the visit, the team paid a courtesy call to Isabel Premier Hon. Lawrance Hayward and his executive members, where they presented the UXO Consultation Paper. This comprehensive document outlines recommendations for ongoing UXO management, including risk reduction through community education programs, installation of warning signage at the identified sites, collaborative clearance operations with international partners, and integration of UXO awareness.

Director Kasutaba highlighted the importance of these engagements, stating, “UXO consultations like this one in Buala strengthen our partnerships and ensure that communities are equipped with the knowledge and resources to handle historical ordnance threats effectively. By working hand-in-hand with provincial leaders, we are turning awareness into action to protect lives and support sustainable development.”

The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to public safety and will continue nationwide consultations. Immediate outcomes from Buala include the establishment of a local UXO reporting hotline (via the national toll-free line: 999).

Participants attending the consultation.

Principal Legal Officer Charles Olovikabo of the Law Reform Commission.

EOD Deputy Director Peter Ririvere presenting during the consultation.

Group 2 doing their presentation.

Participants pose for a group photo after the consultation program.

-MPNSCS Press