Jayapura – Fresh food vendors at Honiara Central Market say the construction of the western market expansion has changed their lives. It has contributed to the improvement of their business and livelihoods in their daily lives.
The SBD10 million Australian-supported new market expansion construction project was completed last year by local company Tropic Group Builders in partnership with Honiara City Council. The expansion provides covered space for 100 vendors, protecting them and their wares from adverse weather conditions.
Mama Monica Justus of the Honiara Central Market Vendors Association expressed her gratitude to Australia for the expansion work.
“This development provides more convenience and boosts sales for market vendors,” Mama Justus said.
Local vendor Daniel Thogole, who has been selling vegetables at the market for more than ten years, echoed the sentiment. He says the expansion of the covered market has brought a big change for him and his family.
“Before the expansion, I used to sit in the hot sun all day, with vegetables exposed to the heat,” Thogole said. “Rainy days were even worse – and I often lost income as crops spoiled quickly,” he adds.
“This new covered area provides better health and food safety when I sell my vegetables, which attracts more buyers. Thank you, Australia, for your support,” Mr. Thogole said. Thogole.
Australian High Commissioner, the Honorable Rod Hilton said it was encouraging to see economic infrastructure development under the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership that has delivered direct positive outcomes for the community.
“Australia’s locally-led approach to providing support through local suppliers has contributed to the Solomon Islands economy with hundreds of construction jobs for men, women and people with disabilities.”
“It was great to hear directly from vendors about how this project is making a difference, every day, to their lives and future prospects,” said the Honorable Hilton.
Australia supports markets in Solomon Islands to boost economic development. Alongside the Central Market expansion project, Tulagi Market was also upgraded and reopened last year and a new market in Buala will also be completed early this year. Construction of new markets in Malu’u and Seghe will begin soon.
