A new 24/7 marketplace has officially opened at Henderson in East Honiara over the weekend, offering a major boost to local entrepreneurship and community livelihoods.
The facility, constructed by Mango Information Service Company Limited, features 53 lock-up rooms for tenants to sell food, arts and crafts, clothing, betel nut, and fresh crops.
The building also houses a malaria laboratory, adding an important health service to the area.
Tenants have each paid a $3,000 bond and $2,000 monthly rental to secure their rooms.
Business Consultant Vanessa Hiele during the opening on Saturday praised the company for its vision, saying the initiative reflects a commitment not only to commerce but to national development.
“Their commitment goes beyond business—it reflects a belief that enterprises can be partners in nation building. By investing in community spaces like this, they remind us that development is strongest when public spirit and private initiative work hand in hand,” she said.
A Community Hub
Hiele emphasised that the opening marked more than the launch of a new building.
“We celebrate the creation of a community hub—a place where livelihoods will be sustained, where families will find opportunity, and where Henderson’s spirit of resilience and cooperation will shine,” she said.
She described markets as “the beating heart of communities,” providing spaces where people meet, trade, share stories, and strengthen social bonds.
The new market is expected to give farmers, artisans, and local vendors a reliable platform to showcase their produce and handcrafted goods, while offering families access to affordable, quality items.
Supporting Low-Income Families
The establishment is particularly significant for low-income households for whom entrepreneurship is often a lifeline. The market provides:
- Direct access to customers, reducing reliance on middlemen.
- Dignity and independence, enabling families to earn their own income.
- Skills development in financial literacy and customer service.
- Pathways out of poverty, with even small profits contributing to school fees, food security, and healthcare.
Hiele noted that entrepreneurship helps families turn “creativity, hard work, and local resources into sustainable livelihoods,” framing the market as both an economic engine and a form of social support.
Community Responsibility
She also reminded both vendors and customers of their shared responsibility to maintain the market’s standards.
Vendors must operate with honesty, fairness, and consistent service, while customers are encouraged to support local businesses.
“Together, we must ensure the market remains clean, safe, and welcoming for all,” she said.
Strengthening Local Resilience
The Henderson Local Main Market also represents a step toward greater local resilience. By trading locally, communities can reduce dependence on imports, support food security, and preserve cultural identity.
Hiele highlighted the market’s potential as a breeding ground for innovation, where small vendors can gradually expand into larger enterprises.
Call to Action
Hiele urged vendors to embrace the opportunity and to serve with excellence, and encouraged the public to support the new marketplace.
“When you shop here, you are not only buying goods—you are investing in Henderson’s future,” she said.
