Kukum Market to Open as of Next Week

BY ALEX DADAMU

THE newly refurbished Kukum Market will open for business next week Monday, December 5.

Speaking at the opening ceremony amidst the invited guests including the Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga, HCC Councillors, ward representatives and the public, Honiara City Lord Mayor, Eddie Siapu confirmed that HCC will close all illegal markets within the Honiara City Boundary. Therefore he encourages all market vendors who are currently using the illegal markets to come and use the Kukum Market to sell their market products as of this coming Monday 5^th December 2022.

Mayor Siapu said that the sale of illegal drugs (kwaso &Maruana), pickpocketing (Beligas), selling of betel nuts, prostitution and other unwanted behaviours which usually transpire at the Market Place will not be entertained at kukum market.

“I am calling on all citizens and residents especially our youths within the Kukum and Naha Ward to take responsibility and ownership of this infrastructure. Please look after this infrastructure, look after our vendors and its cleanliness,” City Mayor Siapu urged.

He further highlighted that one of HCC’s development goals is to build two more satellite markets within the Honiara City Boundary.

“The Council’s long-term development goal is to create a space for Honiara residents, especially women and youths to involve in economic activities to become self-reliant.

“One of the objectives is to build two more satellite markets within the Honiara City Boundary, one in the East Honiara at Naha and at Whiteriver in the West as of 2023.

“We are hopeful that these additional market infrastructures are ready before the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

“These two markets will be built with the support of the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Project (SIIP) and CAUSE Project respectively,” Siapu confirmed.

The Kukum Market Facilities consist of;

• Two Market Buildings – Vendors can access 60 new market tables and it is anticipated that 200 market Vendors will use the tables at the maximum.
• The Market Ablution Block consists of fully tiled 6 toilet rooms (3 for Females and 3 for Males) and one (1) Shower Room each for Males and females
• The Kukum Market will be equipped with new office equipment and facilities to enhance the effective and efficient operation of the Market.