The Seghe community and people of Marovo Lagoon are welcoming visible progress on their new Australia-funded Seghe Market, as construction continues to take shape and key structural components are now in place.
The project was made possible through the Australian Government.
Initial project updates confirm that all 12 market columns have been completed, paving the way for roofing installation early next year.
Speaking to Solomon Star, Raffy Clemente, Project Manager (Contract) with the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP), said the project is now targeting completion by mid-2026.
Clemente said delays were mainly caused by issues with construction materials, particularly roofing bolts and market columns, as well as challenges related to soft ground conditions at the site.
“There is a bit of a delay in our schedule, but we are currently on track,” he said.
“Plans are in place to import an engineer drill to Honiara to help mitigate further setbacks,” he added
Hatanga Site Manager, Edgar P. Waolo, also confirmed strong progress.
“Despite weather challenges, progress on site is very good,” Waolo said.
“We have managed to put the market columns and cutting beams in place,” he added.
He further highlighted the successful recruitment of local labour, with 17 young men working on site—three from Hatanga and the rest from surrounding Marovo communities.
The new market is expected to deliver major benefits to the people of Seghe and wider Marovo Lagoon, especially women who rely heavily on market spaces to sell fresh produce and handicraft.
“The Seghe Market will benefit people, especially women who can sell their market products and other goods,” Clemente said, emphasising SIIP’s aim to support the informal economy through safer, dedicated trading spaces.
Construction foundations for both the main market building and the amenities block have now been completed.
The amenities block—which includes separate toilets and showers for men, women, and people with disabilities—has finished blockwork, plumbing, and electrical installation.
The project is utilising a fully local workforce and remains on schedule for completion in the second half of next year.
Once complete, the new Seghe Market will accommodate up to 120 vendors, with wheelchair-accessible stalls, solar lighting, and a 56,000-litre rainwater harvesting system.
Meanwhile, work has also begun on the new Seghe Airport terminal, supported by New Zealand and Australia under the Provincial Airfields Upgrade Project in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government. The terminal is expected to be completed by August 2026.
Both major infrastructure projects are expected to boost provincial economic activity while creating local employment and supporting businesses supplying materials during construction.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star Gizo
