Auki Market And Jetty Construction Set To Begin

Auki Market And Jetty Construction Set To Begin

The long-awaited Auki Market and Jetty Project is set to begin following a successful groundbreaking ceremony in Auki Tuesday this week.

The SB$80 million worth project is funded by the Government of Japan with the aim of improving trade and commercial activities for the people of Malaita.

The new jetty when completed will alleviate the congestion and at the same time increase the capacity for loading and unloading passengers and cargo between Honiara and Auki.

The Honiara-Auki route has experienced increased traffic and value for money for the traveling public brought about by competition which started in early 2010.

Similarly, the new market when completed with its improved facilities will allow more participation by women and men to sell their products in a safe and sound environment.

The market will consist of a main market hall, administration blocks, lockup shops, butchery and other support facilities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga said the event marks a crucial milestone for Malaita Province and Solomon Islands as a whole.

“The ceremony reflects the culmination of many consultations, studies, surveys, design and procurement work that originated from the National Government priorities and it is my believe that people in Auki and Malaita Province will create more opportunities to generate cash income and improve their standard of living as a result of economic activities generate by this project,” Hon. Maelanga said.

Japanese Charge’d Affairs to Solomon Islands; Akira Iwanade who led a Japanese delegation to participate in the groundbreaking said his government and people are pleased to help improve the livelihood of Solomon Islanders.

Japan is one of Solomon Islands traditional development partners that have contributed a lot in infrastructure development in the country.

A minute of silence has also been observed during the groundbreaking ceremony in respect of the victims of the recent quake and subsequent tsunami that killed thousands of people in Japan.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga, Minister for Infrastructure Development, Jackson Fiulaua, Minister for Provincial Governments, Walter Folotalu, Japanese Charge’d Affairs Akira Iwanade, senior government officials, representatives from Japan, the Premier of Malaita and Executive members, representatives of landowning tribes and members of the Auki public.

ENDS

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