Work starts on new Malu’u market
Media release
Construction of the new Malu’u Market is underway, setting a new benchmark for locally-delivered, high-quality infrastructure.
The 100 percent locally-built market is supported by Australia and will provide an economic boost for North Malaita, with space for up to 140 vendors, and facilities for men, women and people with disabilities.
Director of contractor Exodus Trade Development, Mr Jeremiah Fono’ota, said his team of 30 had the equipment and know-how to deliver a market to make Malaitans proud.
“These contracts elevate our status and the quality of construction we can deliver for our government and development partners,” Mr Fono’ota said.
“This is a chance for local companies like ours to step up and deliver larger, overseas-funded projects, to a high standard and within a set timeframe.”
“Our team is looking forward to working with community and other stakeholders to deliver a smooth project so that vendors can benefit from the injection to our local economy.”
The new Malu’u Market has been designed in consultation with communities and provincial government, with 43,000-litre water tank storage, solar lighting, and improved waste management and sanitation.
Australia is also working with local communities to plant coastal trees and over 3,000 mangroves to help protect the foreshore in front of the market from the impact of climate change.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the market was another demonstration of Australia delivering on economic development for rural people, creating climate change resilience, and supporting Solomon Islands infrastructure, built by Solomon Islanders.
“Markets are the central place in any community, bringing people together to story, and buy and sell fresh produce,” said High Commissioner Hilton. “This is the fifth market to be built or redeveloped in the last two years by Solomon Islanders and funded by Australia.
“These markets have created skilled work for hundreds of workers, and local economic opportunities for thousands of market sellers.”
