Relics association works to clear deadly weapons

By Aloysius Laukai

The Chairman of the Torokina War Relics Association, Albert Magoi, has thanked the United Nations Development Program for recognising what his group is doing to free Torokina from the deadly relics of World War II.

Accepting a computer system donated by UNDP, Mr Magoi said since his group started last year it has intercepted many weapons being 'mined' in Torokina that were being sold to criminals in Bougainville and other provinces.

He said his group has helped contain the situation.

The Association is now hoping to send people to the Philippines to train to defuse the bombs still lying around in Torokina.

UNDP team leader, Howard Wilson, said his organisation was happy to assist the Torokina group because it is contributing to the Bougainville weapons disposal program.

He said the World War II relics in the Torokina area are a big concern to the Autonomous Bougainville Government and its development partners.

Mr Wilson said UNDP has been monitoring developments in Torokina including sending a team to verify reports of youths retrieving wartime weapons.

UNDP is interested in peace consolidation and is concerned that the situation in Torokina has become acute in recent times.

He thanked small arms expert, Emmanuel, for assisting the Torokina War Relics Association formally register so it can share information with other partners.

He said he would like the Association to use the computer to further assist free the Torokina people caught up in this situation.

Comments

[Patrick Mallinson]

Very interesting article. I remember walking all over Bougainville in 1960's and seeing lots of WWII relics. Here in New Orleans is a magnificent WWII museum which brings in visitors from all over the world. They would probably be interested in some of the Bougainville relics. Patrick

[Anthony Rovesi]

NEW DAWN HAS BEEN PRETTY GOOD IN ALL ARTICLES THAT IT PUTS OUT ON IT'S WEB, IAM ANOTHER BOUGAINVILLEAN THAT WORK OVERSEAS,WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU PUT IN MORE ARTICLE REGARDING THE BY ELECTION THAT'S GOING ON AT THE MOMENT. ie. THE UPDATES AND ANY OTHER NEWS RELATED TO THE BY ELECTION.

NEW DAWN- KEEP IT MOVING, IT'S BEEN GOOD SINCE.
TONY ROVESI
JAKARTA-INDONESIA.