Australia has appointed local contractor Hatanga Ltd to build the new SBD28.9m Seghe Market in Marovo, Western Province emphasising its commitment to delivering large infrastructure projects with local companies.
Speaking at the contract signing last week, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the contract with Hatanga recognised the growing excellence in Solomon Islands to deliver high quality infrastructure to Australia’s standard for safety and construction quality.
“The new Seghe Market is not just a building, Mr Hilton said. “It’s a demonstration of Australia’s strong commitment to supporting Solomon Islanders to earn an income and develop local, sustainable industries.”
“The construction of the new market will create jobs for Seghe, boost the expertise of Hatanga, and ultimately deliver a modern marketplace that brings people together to trade and support family.”
The new Seghe Market is the fifth to be redeveloped under Australia’s Provincial Markets Redevelopment Program (markets in Buala, Honiara Central, Malu’u, and Tulagi are others under construction or completed).
Each project has been 100 per cent delivered by local companies.
The new market was designed in close consultation with local community, with space for up to 120 vendors. Separate toilets and showers will be built for men and women, with the market house to be fully accessible for wheelchair users with ramps, disability-friendly toilets, showers and market stalls.
A significant improvement on the existing Seghe market will be 40,000 litres of onsite water storage, providing secure fresh water for market users and community alike.
Premier for Western Province, Hon. Billy Veo, thanked Australia for its ongoing support, with new markets now in Gizo, Noro, Munda and Seghe.
“Markets are a platform, especially for women, to earn cash selling their fresh produce or catch in comfort and safety.
“This has a direct impact on the economic empowerment of our people, rather than relying on handouts.”
The Minister for Infrastructure Development, Hon Manesseh Maelanga, said the project was a great start to the new year, with infrastructure around country being implemented in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government.
“Australia’s partnership continues to strengthen and develop, with this project linking to the recent upgrades to Seghe airport – also supported by Australia,” Mr Maelanga said.
Hatanga’s Managing Director Jay Bartlett thanked Australia for its generous support to developing Solomon Islands infrastructure with local companies, noting the lasting impact on Solomon Islands’ rural areas.
“Markets are the heartbeat of communities to trade, share, story and connect,” Mr Bartlett said.
“It’s a privilege for Hatanga, and we will honour our commitment to a high standard of quality, and local employment in the community.”
Mr Bartlett said Hatanga would work closely with Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program over the coming months to mobilise to the site and commence works, with the new market expected to be completed early in 2026.
Over the past five years, Australia has supported over 82 separate infrastructure projects in Western Province, each helping to drive economic and social development in rural communities, including the current Noro Port redevelopment and Seghe runway and airport terminal projects.
Member of Parliament for Marovo Hon. Chachabule Amoi also witnessed the signing.
- AHC
