Solomon Islands officially open AUD$101.6m Western Border Outpost at Lofung to Strengthen National Security
Honiara, 18 August 2026 – The Solomon Islands Government officially opened and received the new Western Border Outpost and Patrol Boat Base in Lofung, Shortland Islands on Monday, 17th August 2026, marking a major boost to national border security and maritime surveillance.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Francis Sade, who presided over the ceremony alongside Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, said the facility is “more than the opening of a new building. It is a statement of national purpose” to protect sovereignty, strengthen border management, and contribute to a safer and more prosperous Solomon Islands.
The AUD$101.6 million facility, approximately SBD $576.1 million, was funded by the Government of Australia and delivered in partnership with the Australian Defence Force.
The outpost features a long-piled wharf and jetty capable of accommodating Guardian-class patrol boats, a barge ramp, customs landing beach, and modern navigational aids. It also includes a Multi-Agency Operations Centre, water storage, fuel facilities, boat shelters, and accommodation for 30 personnel with surge capacity for 60.
DPM Sade said the facility will house a multi-agency team from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Immigration, Customs and Biosecurity to enable better information sharing, surveillance and response.
“This is what modern and capable border management requires,” he said. “A secure border is not a border that separates people; it is a border that protects people, enables legitimate movement, supports lawful trade and strengthens confidence between neighbouring communities.”
On behalf of Government, DPM Sade thanked the Government and people of Australia for their “steadfast support, technical expertise and partnership” and the traditional landowners, 13 Chiefs and people of the Shortland Islands for their hospitality and cooperation.
He noted the project delivered significant benefits during construction: 498 people employed, including 368 Solomon Islanders and 69 women, and over 1,000 local contracts awarded to support businesses. Workers also received training in safety, first aid, engineering and plant operation.
DPM Sade said the outpost strengthens the Solomon Islands’ ability to address transnational crime, illegal fishing, people smuggling, and health and environmental threats.
“Solomon Islands is a proud member of the Blue Pacific continent. Our ocean does not divide us; it connects us,” he said. “This outpost represents not only our responsibility to protect our borders, but also Solomon Islands’ commitment to contributing to the collective security and stability of our region.”
He called on personnel who will serve at Lofung to act with “integrity, discipline, vigilance and respect,” and urged national government, provincial government, law enforcement, traditional leaders and communities to take “collective ownership” of the facility.
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is built on security, justice, opportunity and hope,” DPM Sade concluded. “The Western Border Outpost contributes to each of these foundations.”
The official opening was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and an Australian delegation, members of Cabinet, Western Provincial Government, RSIPF, development partners and community leaders.
DPM Marles and DPM Sade congratulates each other at the opening of the Border and Partol Boat Outpost on Monday
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