The refurbishment of Tulagi’s main market is complete ahead of schedule, providing Central Islands Province with a better, more accessible marketplace for local economic activity.
The SBD$1.4 million project is part of Australia’s Provincial Markets Redevelopment Program, which is redeveloping or improving markets across six provinces and Honiara.
Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton, visited the market during the construction and said the project had two major outcomes for the community.
“Firstly, the market’s usability is greatly improved as the new roofing and water tanks will provide more reliable water for market users, plus the market is also now fully accessible for people using wheelchairs,”Hilton said.
Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton briefed on the works by local builder Rodney Kavamauri, Motawa Enterprise| Credits: AHC Comms
“Secondly, the actual works have created 22 local jobs by using local builder Motawa Enterprises,” he added.
“Working with local companies is a key focus for all Australian projects. It creates jobs, and it helps improve the skills and experience of the great companies we’re working with.”
The Provincial Secretary for Central Islands Province said he was delighted with the speed and quality of the works, which have now been delivered ahead of schedule.
To Hilton, this project is a great example of how strong partnership with local builders and provincial government is, and of Australia’s approach that prioritises locally-led projects that don’t cut corners on quality.
The Australian High Commission will officially handover the new market in the coming weeks.
Refurbished Tulagi Market with new roofing, water storage and fencing| Credits: AHC Comms
Australia’s Provincial Markets Redevelopment Program is supporting the development or improvement of markets across six provinces including Malaita, Guadalcanal, Central, Isabel, Makira and Western provinces, and Honiara.
Markets are a priority social and economic development activity under the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership because they help keep communities connected and strong, and are a key avenue to empower women’s economic activity and earn vital income for families.
The project is being delivered through the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, which is a joint 10-year partnership with the Solomon Islands Government to create local economic opportunities through a large pipeline of social and economic infrastructure projects.
