MORE than 200 personnel will deploy to Western Province this September for the return of Operation Render Safe to Solomon Islands. The operation will identify and destroy unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining from World War II.
Operation Render Safe is a joint Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) led activity to undertake the disposal of UXOs in Solomon Islands.
This will be the first full Operation Render Safe in Solomon Islands since before the COVID 19 pandemic and the largest land-based Render Safe activity ever conducted.
Since the last Operation Render Safe in Solomon Islands, the ADF has been working with the RSIPF Explosive Ordnance Department (EOD) Department to significantly bolster its EOD capability with new equipment and advanced training.
A reconnaissance team comprised of RSIPF and military EOD specialists travelled to Munda last week to survey the area and consult with the local community ahead of the operation in September. The team identified potential clearance areas, met with community members, and conducted planning activities.
During the three-week operation in September, the RSIPF EOD Department will be supported by military UXO specialists, including eight land and two maritime teams who will operate together each day.
Operation Render Safe will be conducted in Western Province in September 2024.
