MPNSCS team poses for a photo with the Western Provincial Executives
Courtesy Visit Strengthens Partnership for Safer Communities in Western Province
The Director of the Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Unit within the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), Mr Benzily Kasutaba, and the Deputy Secretary of Planning and Policy, George Bogese, together with the MPNSCS UXO team, paid a courtesy visit to the Premier of Western Province, the Honourable Billy Veo, at the Western Provincial Headquarters on Monday last week.
During the meeting, Director Kasutaba and the Premier discussed key priorities to accelerate explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations and enhance community safety across Western Province. The discussions focused on three main areas:
- A formal land request to support expanded EOD operations in Western Province;
- A proposal to establish a Provincial UXO Committee to coordinate clearance activities, risk education, and community engagement at the provincial level; and
- The launching of a pilot project in partnership with The HALO Trust to strengthen local capacity for safe identification, reporting, and disposal of unexploded ordnance.
Premier Veo welcomed the MPNSCS UXO team and expressed the Western Provincial Government’s strong support for UXO clearance efforts.
He affirmed his willingness to work closely with MPNSCS and development partners to ensure the safe and timely implementation of EOD activities throughout the province.
“The safety of our people is our highest priority,” Premier Veo said. “We are committed to supporting the UXO Unit’s work to clear dangerous remnants of conflict and to ensure our communities can live, farm, and travel without fear.”
Director Kasutaba thanked Premier Veo for his warm reception and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to reducing the threat posed by unexploded ordnance.
“With the Premier’s support and the establishment of a Provincial UXO Committee, we can better coordinate our efforts, respond faster to reports, and keep communities safe,” he said.
The proposed Provincial UXO Committee will bring together provincial authorities, traditional leaders, community representatives, and technical partners to guide UXO risk education, reporting mechanisms, and clearance prioritisation.
The HALO Trust pilot project is expected to commence in the coming weeks, subject to final approvals and logistical arrangements.
MPNSCS remains dedicated to working with provincial governments, development partners, and communities to eliminate the threat of unexploded ordnance and build a safer Solomon Islands for all.
Premier of Western Province, Honourable Billy Veo, at the Western Provincial Headquarters.
-MPNSCS Press