HCC divides Central market into zones – west wing for Guadalcanal farmers, main market hall for resellers, carpark to be cleared
BY CHRIS ALEX
Honiara City Council (HCC) has set new rules for Honiara Central market to ensure fairness for Guadalcanal farmers and resellers.
These new rules hope to address the problem of overcrowding and tensions that usually flare up between farmers and urban resellers.
One of the rules is that the west-wing extension of the market will be allocated for farmers from East and West Guadalcanal.
Secondly, resellers who make up 90 percent of vendors will be restricted to the main market hall.
As for the parking area, at the eastern section of the market, HCC aims to keep it clear so that market traffic flows and it is spacious for vehicles to park.
The long queues in the market contributes to the traffic congestion at the main highway, thus HCC will discourage selling local produce at the carpark area.
The move comes in response to growing concerns from North Guadalcanal farmers, many of whom have been discouraged from bringing their produce to the city due to the dominance of resellers and limited space.
HCC’s Market Management team has now unveiled a strategy that aims to improve market operations and restore confidence among rural vendors.
Speaking to Island Sun, Market Master Stanley Araha said recent meetings between the Honiara City Council Standing Committee and Central Market management have resulted in a number of key reforms.
To address space constraints and vendor conflict, the western extension of Central Market previously opened to all sellers will now be reserved exclusively for farmers from East and West Guadalcanal.
“We’re not removing resellers they are a key part of the market economy but we are making sure that farmers have dedicated space and are not harassed or pressured,” Araha explained.
As an interim measure, the currently unused fish market area, closed for maintenance, will be temporarily repurposed as a bulk selling zone for farmers. Formal notices on the change are expected to be issued later this week.
Araha said the adjustments are intended to create a fair, more efficient market environment for all.
“We want to make it easier for farmers to return to the market and ensure fair prices for the public.
“This new arrangement should benefit everyone, resellers, and most importantly, the farmers,” he said.
Araha also calls on all vendors to respect the new rules and work in cooperation with market authorities.
“Respect each other and the decisions made. These changes are for the greater good of our market community,” he said.
The reforms come amidst rising calls from rural vendors for intervention, warning that without immediate action, the city risks losing access to fresh and affordable local produce.
The Central Market, Honiara’s largest produce hub, plays a crucial role in the local food system, connecting rural farmers with urban consumers.
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