Concerns over old bombs

 THE National Museum has warned of potential risks posed by unexploded World War II bombs.

Museum deputy president Andrew Abel said the risks were greater when the National Museum was denied access to the historic sites.

He said that following the destruction of settlement dwellings at Paga Hill in Port Moresby on Tuesday, which included WWII bunkers and relics. 

Abel said the denial of access to the sites  set a bad precedence because of the potential risks, especially war relics such as unexploded bombs.

“Possibly, it could be activated and pose a severe threat to human lives and properties,” he said.

Abel said the actions of the National Capital District Commission (NDCD) Enforcement Unit on Tuesday implied that they did not appreciate and respect the status of the National Museum and Art Gallery.

“By legislation we are entrusted to govern war surplus materials, which remained after World War II,” he said.

“It is evident that in pursuit of commercial interest the parties involved are causing inconveniences for the (National Museum) board of trustees and management to engage in an amicable understanding.”

National Museum deputy director Herman Mandui said they were concerned about restoring, maintaining and preserving historic remains such as the World War II bunkers on Paga Hill for the national interests.

“We are not stopping development occurring there,” Mandui said.