BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Susan Paeni and Rose Sila, local farmers from the GIPPOL area in Guadalcanal, reside in the mountains and have been selling their produce at the Honiara Central Market to provide for their families.
They, like other vendors, used to suffer the sun and rain while selling their products before the new Honiara Central Market extension building was built.
The inauguration of the new Honiara Central Market extension this week brought immense relief to Paeni, aged 48, and Sila, aged 42, who are both hardworking mothers. Before the construction of this extension, they encountered numerous difficulties.
“We used to display our goods on cement and seek shelter under umbrellas. In our efforts to provide for our families, we endured the scorching sun and heavy rain. This was a familiar struggle for us,’’ Mrs. Paeni recalled.
Mrs. Paeni expressed her gratitude for the extension of the selling area, as it has eased the challenges of not being able to sell products or selling them late due to limited space.
“With the new space, I can now comfortably sell my vegetables, fruits, and root crops in a more favorable environment without having to stand or sit under umbrellas from the sun for long hours,’’ she said.
Mrs. Sila, a 45-year-old mother of six, travels back home every day after finishing her sales. She lives in the mountains and has two children who are currently in school. She expressed her happiness about completing the extension project.
“It was a relief for all local rural women farmers in Guadalcanal,’’ 45-year-old Sila told Island Sun in an exclusive interview.
Mrs. Sila, who usually sells bananas, cucumbers, and pawpaw, resides at Gold Ridge and has to wake up early in the morning to prepare her produce before heading to the Honiara Central Market.
While traveling downtown in the truck, Mrs. Sila pondered whether they would arrive on time for her to set up her products for the day’s sale. She also wondered where she would be able to sell her products.
“These questions often cross my mind, especially when we are required to sell outside due to limited space,’’ she said.
Mrs. Sila, a 45-year-old mother supporting her five children who are currently attending school, must ensure that all her products for the day are sold out.
The mother of five expressed the difficulty of enduring the scorching sun and spending long hours under an umbrella during rainy days.
“We have often had to endure both the rain and the sun due to our struggle to meet our children’s school fees. Despite the numerous challenges, I continue to make sacrifices to provide for my family and ensure my children receive the necessary support for their education.
“I have to accept the situation. When it rains, we must find shelter, and even under the hot sun, we have to locate shade, possibly in the nearby stores. The announcement of the market extension plans generated excitement, especially among us, the farmers. Many of us, particularly the farmers, are thankful to those responsible for this development. In gratitude, I would like to say thank you,” Mrs. Sila echoed.
