Communities in Tambul Nebilyer District celebrated the opening of the new Mila Green Market, delivered through the PNG–Australia Partnership and the Western Highlands Provincial Government to improve local trading conditions and access to clean water.
Located along the busy Hagen–Enga corridor, Mila Green Market is an important roadside trading point for surrounding communities, vendors and travelers. The new facility provides a covered market space, concrete seating and four 9000 litre rainwater tanks, creating a safer and more practical place to trade.
The market is one of 14 water security structures delivered across Western Highlands Province through joint investment from the Australian Government and the Western Highlands Provincial Government. The 14 facilities include 56 water tanks with around 504,000 litres of rainwater storage capacity.
Delivered under the PNG–Australia Partnership, the Water Security Project supports Papua New Guinea’s goal of improving basic market infrastructure, strengthening access to safe water and supporting local economic activity at community level.
The Mila Green Market site was selected through the Western Highlands Provincial Working Group, which brings together provincial agencies, district administrations, civil society and the Disability Association to identify local priorities and facilitate coordinated planning.
Improved shelter and access to clean water are especially important for women vendors, who rely on market income to support their families, pay school fees and meet household needs. The new market will help vendors trade in better conditions, wash produce, access drinking water and keep the market area cleaner.
ENDS
An Australian High Commission representative meets with market vendors during the official opening of the new Mila Green Market on 19 August.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100