The new Buala Market in Isabel province has been designed in consultation with vendors and the local community to create an inclusive, accessible space for over 150 vendors.
The new market will improve economic opportunities for women, people with disabilities and the broader community.
The new market is being delivered under Australia’s Provincial Markets Redevelopment Program which is focused on strengthening Solomon Islands’ economic and social development through climate-resilient infrastructure, local jobs and opportunities, and long-term partnerships.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Maringe-Kokota, and Minister for Women, Youth and Children and Family Affairs, Hon. Cathy Nori, and Premier of Isabel, Hon. Lawrence Hayward, alongside Australian officials visited the new market, as well as vendors the temporary market, this week.
Minister Nori said, she’s impressed by the facilities for women and families at the new market in Buala – currently under construction – and that the market was a transformational project that would benefit the people.
“I’m impressed by the attention given to the needs of our many women who will use this market to increase their family income,” said Minister Nori.
“The provision of showers, toilets and changing facilities for women and their children, as well as people with disabilities, sets a new standard for high quality, inclusive and accessible infrastructure that can be used by all to earn an income and improve their livelihoods.”
“I’m proud of this world-class market and thank Australia for funding it,” said Hon. Nori.
“Most vendors are women, and they need facilities that support them, their children, and our fishermen. This will be a space for communities to earn income and build better lives. I look forward to its completion and encourage our youth to take part in maintaining it.”
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the visit was an opportunity to see the impact of multiple projects being delivered in Isabel under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership.
“Australia has supported over 30 projects in Isabel Province in the last five years – from roads and health centres to schools and solar energy projects,” Mr Hilton said.
“The Buala Market will be a great asset for Buala and surrounding communities and is another great example of our approach to local content, delivering infrastructure with 100 per cent Solomon Islands workforces.
“This doubles the economic impact of our infrastructure investments – which are ultimately aligned with the government’s priority to boost economic activity in Solomon Islands.”
The site visit was welcomed by Isabel Premier Hon. Lawrence Hayward, who highlighted the benefits of the project, and acknowledged other Australian-supported projects in Isabel Province, including the solar power system at Dudley Tuti College, the 3G tower recently installed in Kia, and community-level initiatives through the Community Partnerships Program.
Project engineer for Tropic Group Builders, Bronston Ramosea, reported positive progress on construction.
“The Buala Market work is going well,” Mr Ramosea said. “We have almost finished the floor and walls. Next is the roofing, electrical installation and finishing touches on the market stalls and railings.”
– AHC
