HCC Health spotlights resellers at central market for inflated prices, limiting access to healthy meals for Honiara households
BY CHRIS ALEX
The Honiara City Council (HCC) Health Authority has sounded the alarm over rising prices of local food at the Central Market, blaming resellers and the black market for creating a growing health concern among city residents.
Dr Lawrence Diau, HCC health provincial director said the increase in food prices particularly for locally grown produce is having a direct impact on the lifestyles and health of ordinary citizens in Honiara who rely heavily on the market for healthy meals.
“The issue of resellers and black-market activities at the Central Market is seriously affecting our people.
“We are seeing inflated prices for local foods, and that is taking a toll on household buying power and access to healthy meals,” Mr Diau said.
He explained that the Health Division is particularly concerned about the physical health implications this trend is causing.
“More families are forced to opt for cheaper, less nutritious food options, which contributes to rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure,” he said.
Diau said the Council’s Executive Team has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and is urging relevant authorities to act swiftly to regulate market prices and monitor vendor practices.
“What’s happening now is that some resellers are putting up prices without regulation. This is affecting livelihoods in Honiara.
“People can no longer afford to eat properly. It’s not just about economics anymore it’s about public health,” he emphasised.
He also issued a call to both producers and resellers to work collaboratively with the HCC to ensure fair pricing and safeguard the health of the city’s population.
“As the health authority, we are calling on resellers and producers to cooperate with the council.
“Let us bring prices back to a reasonable level so that everyone can afford nutritious local food. This is critical for the general health of our people,” Diau said.
The HCC is expected to announce further actions in the coming weeks as part of its effort to regulate reselling and protect consumer welfare in the capital.
The issue of resellers at the Central market recently became viral on social media when video clips surfaced showing resellers bullying farmers into selling their produce at very low prices demanded by the resellers.
The resellers reportedly then re-pack these produces and sell them at absurdly high prices.
This practice has led to incidents such as a very small pack of cabbage being sold at $20, which could have otherwise been sold $5. A pile of only three bananas, potatoes, cassava or other root crops selling at $10 per heap.
Calls are being made for authorities to clamp down on this and ensure justice for our farmers – to allow them to sell their hard-earned produce at prices of their own bidding.
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