Alrico Constructions Wins Early Works Contract for New Malu’u Market in North Malaita
Honiara, Solomon Islands – Alrico Constructions has been awarded the Early Works contract for the highly anticipated new Malu’u Market, a key project aimed at boosting the local economy and improving infrastructure in North Malaita. Work is set to begin in the new year, marking the first step in the creation of a modern, inclusive market that will serve the community for years to come.
The Malu’u Market, funded as part of the ongoing Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership, will provide a major upgrade to the existing market facilities. It will feature space for up to 150 vendors, with a design that includes accessible stalls, separate toilets and showers for men, women, and people with disabilities, as well as 30,000 litres of freshwater storage. These features reflect Australia’s strong commitment to ensuring local content, with a focus on supporting Solomon Islands companies to deliver projects and create local jobs.
“Congratulations to Alrico Constructions for securing the Early Works contract,” said a spokesperson for the Australian High Commission in Honiara. “This is a key step forward in our partnership with the Solomon Islands. By prioritizing local companies and local employment, we are not just building infrastructure but also helping create more opportunities for Solomon Islanders to contribute to the growth of their communities and the country.”
A Boost for North Malaita
The new market will be a significant economic driver for North Malaita, one of the Solomon Islands’ most populous regions. With the ability to accommodate more vendors and provide better amenities, the market is expected to enhance the livelihoods of local farmers, craftspeople, and traders, many of whom depend on these spaces for income.
The project’s early works will include the construction of a temporary market structure early in 2024. This temporary facility will allow vendors to continue their businesses while the existing market house is demolished and the new, permanent structure is built. Once completed, the new Malu’u Market will be a vibrant hub for trade and commerce, strengthening North Malaita’s economy and providing a much-needed space for local businesses to thrive.
Creating Local Jobs and Supporting Community Development
The focus on local content is a key feature of the Malu’u Market project, which is being undertaken with the support of both the Malaita Provincial Government and the North Malaita community. The involvement of Solomon Islands companies like Alrico Constructions is expected to generate numerous job opportunities in the region, from skilled labor in construction to administrative and support roles.
“This project is not just about building a market—it’s about building opportunities for our people,” said a representative from Alrico Constructions. “Through our work on this project, we’re committed to helping create more jobs for Solomon Islanders, particularly in the construction industry. It’s great to see that local companies are being given the chance to play such a key role in this important development.”
Strong Partnership Between Australia and the Solomon Islands
The development of the new Malu’u Market is part of the broader Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership, which continues to focus on supporting infrastructure, education, and community-driven development projects across the Solomon Islands. Australia’s commitment to local content and job creation is central to the partnership, as both nations work together to build a stronger, more resilient future for the people of the Solomon Islands.
The new Malu’u Market is expected to open its doors in the coming years, but in the meantime, the Early Works will get underway in early 2024, with demolition of the old market house scheduled to follow. The project is set to bring lasting benefits to North Malaita and is an important step toward improving the region’s infrastructure and supporting local communities.
In closing, the Australian government extended its gratitude to the Malaita Provincial Government and the North Malaita community for their ongoing support of the project. “This is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together—local, regional, and international stakeholders all collaborating to create a better future for Solomon Islanders,” the spokesperson said.
The new Malu’u Market is one step closer to becoming a reality, and its completion promises to be a major milestone in the region’s growth and development.
Key Features of the New Malu’u Market:
- Space for up to 150 vendors
- Accessible stalls for people with disabilities
- Separate toilet and shower facilities for men, women, and people with disabilities
- 30,000 litres of freshwater storage
- Early works to include the construction of a temporary market space in early 2024
- Demolition of the old market house to make way for the new structure
The Malu’u Market Project is Supported by:
- Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership
- Malaita Provincial Government
- North Malaita Community
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