New market facilities opened in Western Highlands

Australian High Commission Counsellor, Mr Craig Gillies and Western Highlands Provincial

Administrator, Mr Joseph Mangbil at the official opening of the Pit Market.

Fresh produce on display at the newly opened Baisu Gate Market. The new facilities, delivered through

the PNG-Australia Partnership, provide improved spaces for vendors and customers, strengthening local

trade and livelihoods.

COMMUNITIES in Minimb and Baisu Gate in Western Highlands on June 8 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 contributed K1 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.

Story by Sam Vulum