Caution urged over bombs

PEOPLE in East New Britain have been urged to inform the provincial disaster office regarding unexploded bombs (UXBs), dating back to World War two, found in their areas.
ENB disaster office director Donald ToKunai made the call following a report of bombs being found at Vunapope International School two weeks ago.
ToKunai told The National yesterday that through the provincial government, a request was made to the PNG Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Clearance Diving
Unit in Port Moresby to remove bombs in various locations in the province.
ToKunai said that the team started last Monday at the Vunapope International School and moved to Kenabot where they removed two UXBs, with another two UXBs removed from Trade Pacific.
ToKunai said ENB was littered with the World War 2 bombs and as per the war history of the province.
He said in a previous trip last year, the team from the PNGDF removed 86 UXBs.
This time, there were 12 reported cases and they have removed 36 UXBs as of last Wednesday.
He said the removed bombs were kept in a safe and secure location, as the team advanced to Rabaul and Gazelle to remove the other UXBs that had been reported.
“Our call to the general public and the people of the province is this, if you see a bomb, report it,” he said.
“If you cannot come to the disaster office in Kokopo, you can report to your local level government office,” said ToKunai.
Meanwhile, Henry Berry, the officer in charge of the PNGDF team, adviced people who spotted the bombs, not to touch them.
But report immediately the location of the UXBs to authorities and he warned children and people to stay away from known locations.
He said the bombs found came in different sizes and could cause up to 1.25 tonnes of damage.