by Charley Piringi
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced a major boost to the country’s unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance efforts, after securing an additional USD$6 million (SBD$50M) in funding from the United States.
He made the announcement following his return from high-level engagements in Washington and Tokyo last week.
To ensure the funds translate immediately into action on the ground, the Prime Minister confirmed that the government has signed a release to bypass existing regulatory bottlenecks, paving the way for a rapid expansion of clearance operations.
“The US has given an additional USD 6 million towards support for the UXO,” Prime Minister Wale stated.
“That SBD$50 million, we have signed a release not to be constrained by the current regulatory constraints so that more people can be engaged with the UXO clearance work.”
The removal of these constraints is designed to dramatically increase the number of personnel and local contractors engaged in clearing the deadly World War II legacy munitions that continue to threaten communities, particularly across Guadalcanal.
Wale said that the responsibility now lies with the Solomon Islands to maximize the impact of this new financial support, framing it as a critical test for future international assistance.
“It is critical,” the Prime Minister warned. “If that fund is well utilized, they will continue to support us with UXO clearance.”
The funding package was finalized during Prime Minister Wale’s bilateral meetings with U.S. officials, including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, in Washington D.C.
The eight-day overseas diplomatic tour also included a visit to Japan for talks with Japanese leadership aimed at strengthening independent, bilateral partnerships.
Solomon Islands remains one of the most heavily contaminated nations in the Pacific from World War II-era munitions.
Supported by new U.S. funds and reduced regulatory hurdles, the accelerated clearance program is expected to expand operations, protect local communities, and free up land for infrastructure and agriculture.
You must be logged in to post a comment.