Communities in Minimb and Baisu Gate in Western Highlands Province have received new market facilities aimed at improving trading conditions, supporting small businesses, and boosting local economic activity.
The facilities, delivered through a partnership between the Australian Government, the Western Highlands Provincial Government, and local communities, provide safer and more reliable spaces for vendors and customers.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/new-market-facilities-opened-in-minimb-and-baisu-gate-in-western-highlands/
The markets serve as key trading centres for surrounding communities and play an important role in the local economy.
The new infrastructure includes sheltered market areas and four 9,000-litre water tanks at each site, improving access to clean water and basic services for traders, particularly women who make up the majority of market vendors.
Joylene Roberts, a trader at Pit Market, said the upgraded facility had significantly improved working conditions.
“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,” she said in a statement.
Fourteen (14) 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 K1 million towards the project, which supports provincial priorities including market development, improved supply chains for fresh produce, commercial agriculture and livestock development, and the growth of small businesses.
Delivered under the PNG–Australia Partnership, the project aligns with the Papua New Guinea Government’s objectives of improving market infrastructure, increasing access to safe water, and supporting economic activity at the community level.