TULAGI’S main market officially reopened following Australian-funded refurbishments, revitalising the Central Province capital with a more functional, accessible and climate resilient market.
The market refurbishment was officially handed over by the Minister of Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Franklyn Derek Wasi, and the Premier for Central Province, Michael Salini, together with Australia’s High Commissioner Rod Hilton.
The market has a new roof, water tanks and paving, making it accessible for wheelchair users, and more resilient to climate change.
High Commissioner Hilton congratulated local construction company Motawa Enterprise for their great work in delivering high quality works ahead of schedule.
“The Solomon Islands-Australia partnership is not only delivering critical economic and social infrastructure like markets, but is creating local jobs along the way, increasing the skills and confidence of local businesses,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“Our commitment to working with local companies and suppliers wherever possible created work for 22 people during this project, including seven from the Tulagi community. It’s a win-win for the local community and local economic development.”
The upgraded market is expected to stimulate economic activity in Tulagi.
Premier Salini thanked Australia and said the market has been restored and improved, bringing a revitalised central place for communities to buy and sell their produces.
“The refurbishment of Tulagi Market was requested by the Central Provincial Government to support the revitalisation of Tulagi, stimulate economic activities and support our families to earn income for their families.
“I, on behalf of my people, would like to thank the Government and people of Australia for the continued support to my people of Central Province. We look forward to strengthening the partnership and working together for the good of our people,” he said.
During a tour of the market, Minister Maelanga acknowledged the use of local workers in the project.
“Using local construction will continue to strengthen the Australia – Solomon Islands Partnership and the Solomon Islands Government looks forward to the engagement of more local Solomon Islanders in development projects in all our provinces.
“Australia is the number one partner for Solomon Islands, and in the infrastructure sector alone Australia has supported Solomon Islands with SBD5 billion in projects around the country since 2019.
“Having good market facilities in our provinces will also strengthen our agriculture sector around the country, as such, the Solomon Islands Government is willing to work closely with Central Provincial Government on future infrastructure and agriculture projects.”
The Tulagi market refurbishment is part of Australia’s Provincial Markets Redevelopment Program which is working to build or improve markets across Solomon Islands including in Malaita, Guadalcanal, Central, Isabel, Makira and Western Province.
After the opening, High Commissioner Hilton had the opportunity to meet vendors and try out the local speciality pana.
“It’s great to be back again in Tulagi and to see the difference Australia’s support is making to the community with people having access to a better place to earn money that supports their family’s education and other needs,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
Local vendor, Lilian Aitora was very happy with the new market.
“Thank you very much to the Government of Australia for giving us this market and to the local contractors who worked on completing this market for us.
“We will now be able to sell our produce in a good and safe space and earn a small income to support our living and that of our families. We used to brave very harsh weather conditions at our temporary market site, so that is why we are very happy with this new market,” she said.
Steven Kowali is a regular marker vendor in Tulagi, and he is satisfied with the design of the new market. “I’m happy because our market here in Tulagi has improved a lot to a standard where it supposed to be at,” he said.
(AHC/SOLSTAR)
