Construction of the new Malu’u Market in North Malaita is underway, marking a major step forward for locally delivered, high-quality infrastructure.
The market—100 percent locally built and supported by Australia—will accommodate up to 140 vendors and include facilities for men, women and people with disabilities. It is expected to boost economic activity in North Malaita once completed.
Director of contractor Exodus Trade Development, Jeremiah Fono’ota, said his team of 30 workers had the equipment and expertise to deliver a project that Malaitans can be proud of.
“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 timeframe.”
He said the team looked forward to working closely with communities and stakeholders to ensure a smooth project that will benefit local vendors and the broader economy.
Designed in consultation with communities and the provincial government, the new market includes 43,000-litre water storage, solar lighting, and improved waste management and sanitation. Australia is also supporting coastal protection by working with local communities to plant coastal trees and more than 3,000 mangroves along the foreshore.
Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton said the project demonstrates Australia’s commitment to rural economic development, climate resilience and Solomon Islands-built infrastructure.
“Markets are the central place in any community, bringing people together to story, and buy and sell fresh produce,” Mr Hilton said. “This is the fifth market to be built or redeveloped in the last two years by Solomon Islanders with Australian funding. These markets have created skilled work for hundreds of workers and economic opportunities for thousands of sellers.”
– AHC
