The redeveloped Kimbe Market in West New Britain has now been completed providing increased opportunities for economic security for market vendors, their families and communities and a safer, more comfortable, and accessible market infrastructure for all market users.
It will also support ongoing social and economic development as well prosperity in the province.
The redevelopment is a joint initiative from the West New Britain, Australian and New Zealand Governments to provide accessible, reliable, and secure market facilities for local people.
This will see visitors, patrons, vendors, and their families who will also benefit from the market’s new amenities including bathrooms, washing areas, fresh water, storage facilities, improved lighting and safety features, essential sanitary waste management facilities, and better access for people and vehicles.
The market will also comprise of environmental features such as solar power and rainwater harvesting.
Minister for Finance and Implementation, Rainbo Paita, Governor for West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel, Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp and New Zealand High Commissioner, Peter Zwart came together to officially open the new look market.
Governor Muthuvel said that the Kimbe Market is a fundamental part of the economic and cultural fabric of West New Britain bringing together people from across the province and is essential to their future prosperity.
He expressed throughout the journey how proud and delighted he is to have witnessed the hard work and contribution of the Kimbe community and the people of West New Britain.
Also speaking at the opening at the opening was Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp who said that Kimbe Market redevelopment is an exciting example of the PNG-Australia Partnership delivering community impact for the long term.
High quality, critical infrastructure like the Kimbe Market is about prioritizing local solutions, local voices, and local participation to drive sustainable development outcomes.
Meanwhile, New Zealand High Commissioner to PNG, Peter Zwart also highlighted in his remarks that the world class market facility is the result of a strong partnership between West New Britain Provincial Government and the Governments Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand that will endure into the future.
“The New Zealand Government is proud to have supported the aspirations of the Provincial Government and the people of West New Britain for the development of a bigger, better, safer and more secure Kimbe market.”
“We are confident this vital development will serve as a hub for smallholder farmers and market vendors, particularly women, to grow economic opportunity and improve and sustain their livelihoods.”
The Kimbe Market Redevelopment creates opportunities for local businesses, and jobs and training for local workers, including 23 women and five people with a disability.
In addition, local groups and stakeholders were engaged in consultation and decision making from the outset of the project.
Furthermore, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are proud to partner with local communities to invest in redeveloping markets.
Markets are important economic hubs that support the livelihoods and wellbeing of women, people with disability and entire communities.