BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Japan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands Keiichi Higuchi has reassured that Japan’s commitment to assist in monitoring and clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Solomon Islands is ongoing.
He explained that Japan responds to the Solomons’ requests based on local needs.
“When it comes to economic assistance, including how to handle UXO, it’s not our style to impose something on the recipient country, but we first listen to what’s really necessary or what’s needed for whatever purpose of the economic assistance. And that same thing goes for the UXO,” he said.
Under the UXO effort, Japan provided a Landing Craft to the Ministry of Police, costing 120 million Japanese Yen (around SBD6.6million), after it was signed by then-foreign affairs minister Jeremiah Manele and the former Japanese Ambassador, HE Miwa Yoshiaki on May 17, 2023 in Honiara.
Japan also allocated SBD6,239,500 for Unexploded Ordnance Disposal in Central and Western Solomon Islands under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.
In terms of collaborating with international organisations under the Programme in the fiscal year 2024, UNDP, expiring on March 31, 2026, Japan will enhance the National Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Programme in the Solomon Islands.
Under this programme, Japan also conducted an environmental assessment for the establishment of a coordination office for the disposal of UXOs costing 79,107,000JPY (around SBD4.4million).
Five staff members of the Ministry of Defence of Japan conducted training for the staff of the EOD Team of RSIPF for capacity building and raised awareness among the public from January 23-31, 2024.
From February 3-14, 2025 under the programme, six staff members of Japan’s Ministry of Defence conducted training to the staff of the EOD Team on the knowledge on UXOs produced by the military forces of Japan and Allied nations, and training of public awareness for the staff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Among the assistance Japan has provided for effective work relating to UXOs;
– 1 Pneumatic shovel (CAT) costing SBD$2,630,000
– 2 all-terrain cart (KAWASAKI) SBD$298,000
– 1 station wagon (Land Cruiser- Toyota) SBD$358,000
– 2 Pickup truck, single cabin (Toyota) costing SBD$746,000
– 2 Boat (Y-SATO MARINE) costing SBD$418,000
– 2 Storage boxes for explosives (Port shipping containers) costing SBD$47,700
– 1 Fire extinguisher (Busfire store) costing SBD$29,800
The list of items that are yet to be provided includes various attachments for pneumatic shovels (CAT) costing SBD$364,000, storage containers for explosive materials (Port shipping containers) SBD$239,000 and storage for explosive materials costing SBD$567,000.
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