The newly constructed main market at the Isabel provincial capital of Buala is taking shape with the foundations done and the main scaffolding work now underway.
The project comes under the Australia’s provincial markets redevelopment program.
Local contractor Tropic Group Builders has employed 45 local workers to date on the project, including 15 from Isabel Province.
And this is part of Australia’s approach that all ground work has been delivered by a 100 per cent Solomon Islander workforce.
Australia’s Acting High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel said, it is vital that the economic development of Solomon Islands is led by locals.
“Wherever possible, Australian-supported infrastructure – from markets, to roads, schools and health centres – is employing Solomon Islanders with the skills and know-how to build and then maintain vital infrastructure assets once handed over the government.
“Australia’s locally-led infrastructure focus delivers more jobs for Solomon Islands during design and construction,” Mr Schloeffel said.
The new market will be resilient to cyclones, earthquakes and sea level rise – with a 3-metre sea wall now 80 per cent complete.
The market will have space for up to 150 vendors, including wheelchair accessible stalls, and includes separate toilets and showers for men, women and people with disabilities.
“This market has been designed and built for the people who will use it, including those with disabilities and those who travel from nearby communities to sell their produce,” Mr Schloeffel said.
“We’re really excited by the economic potential that these new developments will have for the people of Isabel.”
Australia, through the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, is also supporting the redevelopment of Buala wharf, with geological investigations of the site and seabed to take place in the coming weeks.
- AHC
