AUSTRALIA’S High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr Ewen McDonald AM, has joined East New Britain Governor Michael Marum and Member for Kokopo Hon Ereman ToBaining Jr for a walkthrough of Kokopo Market, which will benefit from a PGK3 million package of Australian support.
Kokopo Market is an important economic and community hub, supporting vendors, local businesses and economic activity across East New Britain. The walkthrough provided an opportunity for leaders to hear directly from vendors and market management about priorities for improving the market and the services it provides.
Australia will support practical improvements to the market including new solar security lighting, refurbishment of market ablution facilities, repairs to wash stations, improved waste management infrastructure and technical assistance to strengthen the East New Britain Market Authority’s governance and financial management systems.Ā
āāKokopo Market is an important part of community life in East New Britain, creating opportunities for people to earn an income, support their families and grow local businesses. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and chat with the people of Kokopo and see firsthand the hard work of so many women, including the fresh produce and handicraft vendorsā, said High Commissioner McDonald.
āThese improvements are focused on practical things that matter to vendors and customers, including better lighting, cleaner facilities and a market environment that works better for everyone who uses it.ā
The package funded through the PNG-Australia Partnership is designed to deliver immediate benefits for vendors and customers while strengthening the capacity of the Kokopo Market Authority to manage future growth and investment.
The Kokopo Market visit formed part of the High Commissioner’s visit to East New Britain, which also included the opening of a new library and early childhood education centre at Sonoma Adventist College funded through Australia’s Incentive Fund.