BY ALEX DADAMU
THE total cost of the kukum market infrastructure project is approximately $5.2 Million.
This was revealed by Honiara City Council Lord Mayor, Eddie Siapu when speaking during the opening of the newly refurbished Kukum Market infrastructure on Friday.
Mayor Siapu said the Kukum Market Project initial estimated cost was $4.85Million and HCC submitted this costing to the SIG Livelihood Sector Committee. However only $1.2m was approved by the SIG Livelihood Sector Committee.
“The SIG funding component of $1.2m for the kukum market project was accessed by HCC around July of 2020. SIG through the Ministry of Finance paid directly to Hardware Suppliers the Materials for Project.
“Solomon Sheet Steel the Hardware Suppliers received from MoF $950,000.00.
“HCC also received from MoF $250,000.00 for the Labour Component for the Kukum Market Project.
“The Labour Component of the project was administered by the HCC through Community Approach Participation where community members within Kukum Ward were taken in as casuals to assist HCC technical team to complete the project.
“The World Bank through CAUSE projected also supported this project with $750,000.00 for work on the car park and floor slabbing work,” City Mayor Siapu said.
Further to that, he said HCC picked up the remaining costs of around $3.2m towards its completion from its normal budget and because of cashflow problems experienced by the Council, it took HCC more than 2 years to complete the project.
The Kukum Market Facilities consist of; Two Market Buildings – Vendors can access 60 new market tables and 200 market Vendors are anticipated to use the tables at the maximum.
The Market Ablution Block – Which consists of fully tiled 6 toilet rooms (3 for Females and 3 for Males) and one (1) shower room each for males and females.
According to City Lord Major Siapu, the Kukum Market will be equipped with new office equipment and facilities to enhance the effective and efficient operation of the Market.
