BY LYNNISSHA RUNA – SUNDAY ISLES FREELANCER
AS the Solomon Islands prepares to host the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, there is one important task being carried out by the experts from the Solomon Islands Battle Area Clearance, and it’s the removal of WWII battle remains ahead of the Games.
Likewise, as construction work on Games facilities continues to make positive progress on the ground, World War II remnants must also be removed to guarantee the safety of all construction works in the Games host city, Honiara.
Mr. Reinhard Alalo, Managing Director for Battle Area Clarence (BAC), told SUNDAY ISLES his team is tasked to examine, find, clear, and ensure the safe removal of the WWII battle remains (remnants) from the ground ahead of the Pacific Games in November.
He said his team has started survey and clearance work on the grounds from last week and through the weekend at the Art Gallery.
“From Tuesday to Sunday [last week], the Art Gallery was closed to the public.
“The Art Gallery is a hub for both public and visiting tourists. It offers a wide range of services from the arts and crafts market to cafeteria-style restaurants like Palm Sugar.
“We make sure the place is safe from World War II bits and pieces.
“We just want to be 100% sure that this particular area is safe for its appropriate progression and service.
“Honiara residents had previously witnessed a series of tragic deaths involving the explosion of WWII bombs buried underground and we want to make sure such similar incidents don’t reoccur again,” Mr. Reinhard added.
SUNDAY ISLES understands that the country’s Government is hoping the massive infrastructure work from the Games will give the local economy a much-needed boost.
Mr. Reinhard said they had completed the sporting areas in east Honiara, including the main stadium and other sporting grounds two years ago and last year.
“Our job, what we are doing is very vital, we make sure we remove all remnants and likely ordnances if so before any further progressing activity or further developments.
“We are the host country, and we must priorities and ensure a safe environment for the visiting athletes and our citizens, hence there are few more sites for BAC to work on before November,” Mr. Reinhard said.
