Premier Willie Atu calls on HCC and Central market resellers to be fair on Guadalcanal farmers

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Guadalcanal, William Atu calls on Honiara City Council (HCC) and Central market resellers to treat Guadalcanal farmers with respect.

He made the call following reports that Guadalcanal farmers face harassment and bullying when they bring their produce to Honiara central market.

New rules by the council to address the problem has also been criticised and regarded as “unfair” for Guadalcanal farmers given that they are now to use a smaller west-wing extension of the market while resellers have the larger main market hall to use.

Guadalcanal farmers are the main suppliers of fresh and healthy local crops and vegetables to the capital.

Meanwhile resellers on the other hand, are those who buy from these farmers at low prices, which they often enforce on the farmers.

After getting the produce, the resellers then sell it at inflated prices.

HCC’s health authority has admitted that this practice is one contributing factor to denying Honiara citizens access to affordable healthy local food.

Premier Atu’s call is to put in place policies to address the matter, and allow smooth flow of local food supply with conducive market environment for both farmers and vendors.

“I appeal to Honiara City Council and vendors of the Central Market to treat our Guadalcanal farmers with fairness and respect,” he said.

Atu highlighted that these farmers have continued to contribute significantly to the food security of Honiara.

He added that they also contribute to helping households in the capital have healthy local food on their tables.

“I call on HCC to work in partnership with the Guadalcanal provincial government to address these ongoing concerns about unfair treatment and ensure our farmers are supported and welcome when they bring their produce to the market.

“And I would like to reiterate this point that please respect our farmers when they come to the market,” Atu said.

He also calls on farmers both men and women from Guadalcanal coming to Central Market to contact HCC officers for assistance in such situations.

Atu reiterates his call to respect the farmers and urges HCC, as he assures the commitment of his government to work together to address the matter for the good of everyone.

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