13 January 2015

Market opening to boost economic empowerment for Manusians

The Governor of Manus Province, Charlie Benjamin and Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Deborah Stokes, have today officially opened the redeveloped Manus Provincial Market, worth K7.2 million that will boost economic opportunities for Manusians.

Australian High Commissioner HE Ms Deborah Stokes said the market redevelopment is part of Australia’s additional assistance package to Manus Province associated with the Regional Processing Centre, amounting to over AU $37 million (K51 million).

“The market now has 740 vendor points and will provide economic empowerment, especially for women and girls, which is a high priority for the Australian Government” said Ms Stokes. “Women vendors are the backbone of PNG markets and this market provides them the opportunity to sustain their livelihood.”

The market redevelopment includes:
- a new layout including a new fish and meat area and eight boutique shops;
- a children’s playground;
- a new roof designed to provide good ventilation;
- a new female toilet block and renovated existing female and male toilets;
- security lighting;
- landscaping;
- a realigned, repainted perimeter fence; and,
- a refurbished police outpost.

Ms Stokes thanked the Manus Provincial Administration and its Provincial Technical Services Division for their partnership with Australia to successfully implement this project.

Australia’s assistance to Manus also includes road and bridge rehabilitation works, new school infrastructure, the rebuilding of the Manus police station, community development, youth and sports support, and assistance to the Lorengau hospital.

Further information on Australia’s support for Manus Province can be found in the Manus Fact Sheets available at www.png.embassy.gov.au.