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Editor’s note: Images are available via Hightail

The AFP and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officially opened a new police traffic centre in Kukum, Honiara, yesterday (11 September), which provides officers with expanded capabilities to keep communities safe.

The AFP committed to rebuild the facility through the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), after the old Kukum Traffic Centre was severely damaged during the Honiara riots in November 2021 and had to be demolished.

The new AUD$1.5 million (SBD$8.1 million) purpose-built Kukum Traffic Centre will provide up to 70 RSIPF traffic officers with a modern work environment and is fully equipped with new IT equipment.

The Centre will enable RSIPF to deliver high-quality police operations and services to the Solomon Islands’ community and manage future traffic operations for all of Honiara, including during the upcoming Pacific Games.

The processes of developing architectural designs, meeting planning requirements, clearing of the site and contract tendering were all completed before the official ground-breaking ceremony in October 2022.

The AFP has been working with the Solomon Islands Government and RSIPF since then to construct the two-storey facility, which includes interview, meeting and training rooms, operational spaces and general amenities.

The entrance to the building was designed to enable easy access to the front desk, including for people with mobility or special needs. Security measures have also been enhanced to prevent unauthorised access. 

Solomon Islands Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Hon. Anthony Veke, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau and AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan, attended the official ceremony and explored the facilities. Also invited to the official ceremony was Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Commissioner, David Manning, who is visiting Commissioner Mangau for high-level discussions for the upcoming Pacific Games.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said the AFP and RSIPF shared a long and enduring friendship and the AFP was proud to support the RSIPF in rebuilding such an important facility.

“The Kukum Traffic Centre is a vital facility for the RSIPF to manage traffic operations and deliver high-quality police services to Solomon Islands’ communities,” Assistant Commissioner Ryan said.

“With the Solomon Islands hosting this year’s Pacific Games in November, ensuring that the RSIPF had the necessary infrastructure to operate from and manage the increase in traffic was a priority for the RAPPP.”

Commissioner Mangau thanked the AFP for the support and the ongoing partnership through RAPPP.

“This modern building is one of RSIPF’s first and is of a standard, in which will be set as benchmark,” Commissioner Mangau said.

“This gift is timely as RSIPF gears up for the 2023 Pacific Games and will greatly support RSIPF Traffic operations and management thereafter.”

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