Eddie, chair of the Solomon Islands’ Explosive Ordnance Clearance Association (SIEOCA), ensures that development projects move forward safely. As a private contractor, he is asked to inspect land before new developments to check for unexploded ordnance (UXO), like grenades or mortars, that has been buried for over 80 years, mostly from World War II.
“We are finding more and more... it's becoming more and more of an issue now,” Eddie explains, pointing to how increasing infrastructure development and climate change adaptation practices are uncovering these hidden dangers.
Moreover, the amount of unexploded ordnance remains on land and in the sea is unknown, which not only is a threat to public health, safety, and the environment, but also hinders economic development and climate change adaptation plans. One of Eddie’s recent experiences highlights the severity of the problem: “Two months ago, I got involved with a contractor who was upgrading our international airport...I went in there and did some search, and I found a UXO, just five meters from the runway,” he recalls. The life-threatening problem of unexploded ordnance, like bombs, shells and other munitions, is becoming worse as new development projects and rising sea levels are bringing people more in contact with them.
Eddie’s work shows the need for better regulation and national mine action standards. “We need training. Because the standards require us to be certified” he adds, pointing out the lack of formal qualifications for many employees of local contractors. At the request of the Solomon Islands’ Ministry for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the GICHD has supported the development of national mine action standards, and the implementation of the information management system IMSMA Core, an important step toward improving safety and coordination.
Eddie believes that implementing and following these standards will benefit both the community and the people working to clear away UXO. “Whatever we are doing is to reduce the risk,” he says. For Eddie and many others in the Pacific, addressing explosive ordnance is not just about clearing land and sea, it is about ensuring a safer and more sustainable future across the region.
Eddie was one of 51 participants from 11 Pacific Island nations at the Regional Workshop on Explosive Ordnance Risk Reduction in Brisbane, Australia, hosted by the GICHD in September 2024. The workshop aimed to boost regional cooperation and identify the tools, training, and support needed to reduce the growing risks.
"One challenge that we face is how to deal with UXO. Having UXO- contaminated land will not help us progress with our development aspirations."
