Australia Funds Electrification of the Manus Market

Australia is pleased to have funded a project to install lighting throughout the new Manus market at a cost of PGK 416,000.

Australia also supported the development of the market itself, which was handed over to the Manus Provincial Government in March 2015.

The project included provision of power and lighting to eight shops, the fish and meat wing, main thoroughfare, market wings, ablution facilities and security fencing.

The market redevelopment project also provided on-the-job training and capacity building for vocational students, sub-contracting opportunities and the opportunity to expand local trading and enhance income generation, particularly for women.

The completion of this project marks the conclusion of the market restoration project funded by the Australian Government at a total cost of PGK8 million.

The new market is part of $AU42 million in aid that Australia is providing to Manus Province. Other projects include 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.