By Eliza Kukutu
A market vendor with the Deputy Australian High Commissioner, Andrew Schofiel.
By Eliza Kukutu
Market vendors in and around Buala, Isabel Province, now have access to a more comfortable and accessible market space following the handover of the newly constructed Buala Market Building.
The market facility, handed over yesterday, was funded by Australia through its Provincial Markets Redevelopment Program under the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP), at a cost of more than SBD 25 million.
In consultation with the Isabel Provincial Government and market vendors, the facility was built to be climate-resilient, accessible, and capable of accommodating over 100 vendors.
Some of its features include 38,000 litres of water storage, solar lighting, accessible toilets and showers, a market administration room, and a three-metre seawall with a security fence.
Speaking to SIBC News, market vendor Jemimah Jari Bensi expressed her excitement about the new facility.
“As a vendor, I am so happy that we now have access to more space for our produce and places where we can sit. It is new and will be much more comfortable for us vendors to use.”
Meanwhile, another vendor, Florence Ella Haidu, applauded the inclusion of toilet and shower facilities.
“I live quite a distance from here, so I have to travel a lot when I come to sell my produce. Having toilets and showers here is very useful and convenient, as it will also cater for the large number of vendors who come to sell their produce.
“I am also proud that this market is accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities. I thank Australia and all those who have supported the construction of this market facility,” she said.
Member of Parliament for Maringe/Kokota Constituency, Hon. Cathy Nori, made a strong call for vendors and communities to look after the market facility and take pride in it.
“Looking ahead, our responsibility as market vendors and community members does not end here today. This market must be well managed, well maintained, and used properly.
“It must remain clean, safe, and welcoming. It must continue to serve our vendors and communities for many years to come. To our market vendors, this market is yours. Take pride in it, support each other, and continue the important role you play in sustaining both this facility and our communities.”
Training and support have also been delivered to vendors on inclusion, savings, and other areas, with the aim of increasing the social and economic impact of the market. This has been supported through the Australian-supported UN Women Markets for Change programme.
Local contractor Tropic Group Builders (TGB) carried out the construction work, ensuring the project maximized local content through the involvement of workers from Buala and surrounding communities.
Acting Australian High Commissioner , Andrew Schloeffel highlighted Australia’s support as a way of developing rural communities through the use of local content.
“We understand that development is not just something for capital cities or urban areas. We need to make sure that people living in the provinces, where the majority of the population resides, also have opportunities to grow and develop.
“I am also delighted that this project was delivered by local companies and Solomon Islanders. We want to ensure, as much as possible, that Solomon Islanders are the face of the country’s infrastructure journey, and this project is a great example of what local builders and local people can achieve,” he said.
SIBC News understands that the Buala Market is one of five markets completed or currently under construction through a joint decision of SIIP’s Joint Government Steering Committee. These include the Malu’u, Seghe, Tulagi, and Honiara Central Market Western Extension projects, while other market developments are still under scoping.
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