A MARKET vendor has voiced her appreciation to the Honiara City Council (HCC) and the donors who contributed toward the establishment of new market facility in White River in West Honiara.
The new market infrastructure, not only enhances the local economy, but also bolsters the livelihood of residents reliant on the market for their purchase of local food as well as the economic sustenance of vendors and their families.
Vendors expressed overwhelming gratitude and optimism for the positive changes that this market infrastructure will bring to their lives.
One of the vendors, Jacinta Hahoe told Solomon Star that the new market facility has truly transformed the vending environment compared to past years when they had to vend in the open.
“Now we are safe from sun and rain with better stalls and amenities. We now have a more conducive space to showcase our products and attend to our customers. We are thankful to the HCC and the generous donors for this remarkable initiative.
“Our product will remain safe at the market during nighttime and furthermore, we also have access to free water, unlike before when we used to collect water from our homes to the market, which was very time-consuming.
“This improved market infrastructure not only uplifts our spirits as vendors but also enhances the overall appeal of the market environment. This development signifies a good future not only for us vendors but the greater White River community and Honiara at large,” Ms Hahoe said.
Meanwhile, there were concerns about the lack of space for more vendors to use the facility to sell their produce.
Since its opening the market is now operating 24 hours.
The White River Market was officially handed over to the Honiara City Council (HCC) on 29 July.
It was funded by the Australian Government, World Bank, Ministry of Infrastructure Development and the CAUSE Project.
By JIMMY NOLAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
