ABOUT 202 bombs – Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) have been discovered at St. Nicholas School in Central Honiara this week.
As a result, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have dug up the bombs and safely removed them today, a statement from Police Media Unit said.
The school discovered the stockpile of US projectiles in front of a staff house when they dug a hole for sewage.
The school was forced to suspend classes over the past days.
Acting Director of the RSIPF EODD, Inspector Clifford Tunuki said, “a total of more than 200 US projectiles has been removed to a safe location at Hell’s Point with the support of the Australian Defense Force and now waiting for safe destruction.”
Inspector Tunuki said, “Now the vicinity is safe for school to do its business and parents and guardians are encouraged to bring their children to school now that all the UXOs safely move out from the school.”
Director Tunuki said the discovery is an eye opener for schools, domestic and commercial houses for them to think heavily about site inspection for UXOs before they start erecting buildings.
He appeals to the public that if they see anything suspicious like a bomb, its important to call EODD on phone 7495215 or call the police free toll line on phone 999.
St. Nicholas Anglican College confirmed to police that the school will continue to be closed and resume classes on Thursday 22 August 2024.
Below photos of the operation undertaken to remove the UXOs. Photos by RSIPF Media Unit.
