Improvement eyed for Auki market

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

AUKI market in Malaita province will undergo improvement that will allow the facility to cater for people with special needs.

A security fence will also be erected to keep the facility secure.

The recommendation comes from the first formal Auki Market Infrastructure Task Force Meeting held in early February.

The meeting convened representatives from the Malaita provincial government, Auki market vendor association, UN women’s markets for change (M4C) team, and other market partners.

Malaita Premier Mr Peter Ramohia said, “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.”

He adds, the consultation allows them better understanding for the needs of vendors in the market and priorities that focus on promoting safe, hygienic and inclusive environment for all.

Markets for Change (M4C) Project Manager for Solomon Islands, Kristy Nowland, said the Task Force meeting ensures 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.

She said recommendations compiled from marketplace vendors and managers are critical to best inform the market’s priority repairs, maintenance and installation of minor works.

The joint-project for construction is co-financed by the Malaita provincial government (MPG) and UN Women’s M4C project, primarily funded by the Australian Government.

MPG leads procurement and management of works and UN Women is supporting with technical, financial and project management aspects.

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.

 

Discover more from Theislandsun

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading