The Rabaul Page Park Market in East New Britain (ENB) province has received a K150,000 boost for the construction of a cool storage facility.
This funding follows a Service Level Agreement signed between the ENB Provincial Market Authority and the Rabaul District Administration, which outlines responsibilities and funding management for the project.
At the signing, the cheque was presented to the the ENB Provincial Market Authority for the construction of the facility, with Manager for ENB Provincial Market Authority Peter Lapim, who stressed the importance of cool storage facilities.
The facility aims to enhance food production while maintaining the freshness and quality of produce.
Lapim said the facility will reduce food spoilage, noting that it would help hardworking sellers maintain their produce and save costs, and safeguard consumers as well.
“We want to create a good link between our farmers and consumers through effective marketing pathway, and this is our way forward,” said Lapim.
Acting District Administrator, Freddy Lemeki praised the partnership, committing to continue supporting economic projects that improve markets and local living standards.
“With the cool storage facility, farmers will not have to worry about bringing their fresh produce to and from the market but can store it in the coolers for the next day,” Lemeki stated.
This new facility is expected to complement chillers being installed at the fish market in the coming months.