COMMUNITIES in Minimb and Baisu Gate in Western Highlands Province celebrated the opening of new market facilities to support local economic growth and improve essential services.
These markets are important trading hubs for surrounding communities, supporting vibrant small business activity and serving as key centres for the local economy. The new facilities will provide safer, more reliable spaces for vendors and customers, strengthening local trade and livelihoods.
The Australian Government worked alongside the Western Highlands Provincial Government and local communities to deliver the new infrastructure.
The new facilities include a sheltered space for vendors and shoppers, and four 9,000-litre tanks at each market. Improved access to clean water, safe shelter and better facilities is especially important for women traders, who make up the majority of vendors in local markets.
Joylene Roberts, a trader at Pit Market, said, “The market is much better than in the past. Now we are seated properly, and can display our produce, and clean water is within arm’s reach. It saves time for me to no longer have to fetch water and I can concentrate on my sales.”
Fourteen new market structures have now been constructed across Western Highlands Province under the partnership which has been locally led, locally driven and locally delivered.
Western Highlands Province contributed PGK1 million to the project which supports the province’s planning priorities including market development, improving supply chains for fresh produce, developing commercial agriculture and livestock, and helping grow small businesses.
Delivered under the PNG-Australia Partnership, the project aligns with the Government of PNG’s goals of improving basic market infrastructure, strengthening access to safe water, and supporting essential local economic activity at community level.