Vendors at Honiara’s Central Market welcome the new extension, improving business and working conditions.
Fresh food vendors at Honiara’s Central Market have reported positive impacts on their businesses and livelihoods following the completion of the market’s western extension. The extension, a project supported by Australia and worth SBD10 million, was completed last year by local company Tropic Group Builders in collaboration with the Honiara City Council.
The extension provides undercover space for 100 vendors, offering protection from harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat and rain. Vendors have praised the development, highlighting improvements in both their work environment and business operations.
Ms. Monica Justus from the Honiara Central Market Vendors Association expressed gratitude for the extension. “This development has provided more comfort and boosted sales for market vendors,” she said.
Local vendor Mr. Daniel Thogole, who has been selling vegetables at the market for over ten years, described the change as transformational.
“Before the extension, I used to sit in the hot sun all day, with my vegetables exposed to the heat,” he explained. “Rainy days were even worse – and I’d often lose income because produce would quickly spoil.”
He emphasized the improvements the undercover extension has brought to food health and safety, helping to attract more buyers.
“The new undercover area provides better food health and safety when selling my vegetables, which attracts more buyers. Thank you, Australia, for the support,” he added.
Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton spoke about the positive impact of the project. “It’s rewarding to see economic infrastructure developments under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership delivering direct positive outcomes for communities,” he said. He also highlighted Australia’s locally-led approach, which has contributed to the Solomon Islands economy by providing construction jobs for local men, women, and people with disabilities.
“It’s great to hear directly from vendors about how this project is making a difference, every day, to their lives and future prospects,” Hilton added.
Australia’s support for market infrastructure extends beyond Honiara, with an upgraded Tulagi Market reopening last year and a new market in Buala set to open early this year. New markets in Malu’u and Seghe will also begin construction soon.
Source: Australian High Commission
