Construction of the Australia-funded Malu’u Market has reached a key milestone, with the project’s 120-metre seawall now complete and groundworks well underway for the next stage of construction.
The project has employed 44 workers to date, including 32 from the local community, creating jobs while delivering climate resilient infrastructure.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said the project is another great example of Australia’s approach to high-quality, climate-resilient and locally-built infrastructure that was already having far reaching impact.
“It’s really positive for Solomon Islands to see Solomon Islanders leading the construction of an important community facility like the new Malu’u Market,” High Commissioner Roach said.
“Together we’re building a safe, comfortable and accessible place for social and economic activity in North Malaita for years to come.”
Site Engineer Linken Filiteku said completion of the seawall marked an important step for the project.
“Completing the seawall is a big achievement for the team, and gives us a strong foundation for the next stage of works,” Mr Filiteku said.
“We’re now focused on building the market house and facilities, and look forward to delivering something that will serve the community for many years to come.”
The seawall is one of a number of climate-proofing measures designed to increase the resilience of the market to the effects of climate change. Additional measures include an Armour Rocks Sea-breaker barrier and thousands of community-planted mangroves in front of the seawall, providing both physical and natural protection.
Exodus Project Director Jeremiah Fonoota said a feature of the project has been onsite mentoring and training to upskill the team, and an investment in strong community relations.
“Our daily ‘toolbox sessions’ are one of the most important daily activities to inspire and guide the team about their contribution to nation-building in Solomon Islands,” Mr Fonoota said.
“Our Community Liaising Officer is also engaging directly with landowners, tribal and village chiefs to ensure good community relations.”
Working with community has facilitated the projects’ use of local quarry materials, while identifying community needs which the project can support, such as the community market and playing field. The contractor has also excavated and cleared an access road to a local cemetery upon requests from local landowners.
“Exodus contributed machinery and workers for three days to help level the playing field, and supply gravel for the community market,” Mr Fonoota said.
“We’ve also used our vehicles to help transport water from the nearby river to the Malu’u Hospital during recent water shortages.”
High Commissioner Roach applauded the level of collaboration and cooperation between the community and the project.
“Australia is committed to locally-built, community-owned infrastructure, and this project demonstrates the benefit of building trust and reducing disputes around the project,” the High Commissioner said.
The Malu’u Market is designed to boost economic activity in North Malaita, with space for up to 140 vendors, and toilets and shower facilities for men, women and people with disabilities.
The new market will also include 43,000 litres of rainwater storage, solar lighting, and improved waste management and sanitation.
Source: Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands
