Security fencing and increasing access to facilities for people with disabilities will be priorities for Auki Market’s revamp following requests from market management, vendors and others who use the marketplace.
The recommendations are from the first formal Auki Market Infrastructure Task Force Meeting, held 9 February, that brought together representatives from Auki Market Vendor Association, Malaita Provincial Government, UN Women’s Markets for Change (M4C) team, and other market partners.
“I am happy to see the level of consultation that has taken place between the Malaita Provincial Government’s Market Management and the market vendors,” said Peter Ramohia, Malaita Province Premier.
“This consultation allows us to better understand the needs of the vendors in the market and prioritise work that promotes a safe, hygienic and inclusive environment for all,” Mr. Ramohia said.
Construction works for the joint-project are being co-financed by the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) and UN Women’s M4C project, which is principally funded by the Australian Government. For the project, MPG leads procurement and management of works, while UN Women is supporting the technical, financial and project management aspects.
Markets for Change (M4C) Project Manager for Solomon Islands, Kristy Nowland, said the Task Force meeting has ensured that partners have the chance to come together and discuss and decide on what is most important during these infrastructure refurbishment works.
“Partners want to focus repair and construction efforts on installing perimeter fencing and storage for better security, repairing water and drainage for improved hygiene, increasing access for elderly people and people with a disability, and improving the fish vending area,” Ms Nowland said.
“These recommendations from marketplace vendors and managers – those who know their markets best – are critical to best inform the market’s priority repairs, maintenance and installation of minor works,” she said.
The Auki Market infrastructure works and repairs will be carried out in line with the Solomon Islands Government procurement requirements in quarters two and three of 2018.
