Local construction workers employed on the Australian-funded Seghe Market project are learning a range of building and safety skills.
Delivered by local construction company Hatanga using a 100 per cent Solomon Islander workforce, the project is helping build long‑term skills and capability in the local construction industry.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Jeff Roach, said he looked forward to visiting worksites around the country where Australian support is developing communities and improving economic prospects.
“When local companies lead this work, it means jobs for local people, money circulating in local economies, and skills that stay in Solomon Islands long after construction ends,” Mr Roach said.
“Australia continues to deliver our large infrastructure portfolio using local workers, who are trained to build safely and to a high standard. This is how we are supporting economic outcomes across the country.”
All Australian-supported infrastructure projects have strict requirements to ensure both community and worksite safety, ensuring projects are delivered without injury or community risk. Good safety practices are helping raise construction standards locally, ensuring workers gain skills that can support future employment opportunities.
Heavy machinery operator, Kentower George Hilly from nearby Nazareth village, says there’s a big difference working on the Seghe Market redevelopment in comparison to other sites he’s worked.
“Everything must be safe. That means working with a helmet, hand gloves and shoes,” Mr Hilly said.
“I notice a lot of safety signs, protective equipment signs, and signs about fire and electricity. When we refuel the machines, we make sure spill kits are in place for safety of the environment. So, safety is not only for workers, but also the environment and people around us.”
Construction Supervisor, Tagila Hiti said the project had a good story to tell, improving the skills and knowledge of local workers.
“It’s good to take our story to the rest of the country,” Mr Hiti said.
“We’re working with new, large machinery – like the mobile concrete batching plant, which is one of the first to be used in Solomon Islands outside Honiara. That boosts our knowledge and skills, and means we can repair and maintain infrastructure in the future.”
The new Seghe Market will provide space for up to 120 vendors, with wheelchair accessible stalls, solar lighting and 56,000 litres of rainwater storage. It also includes separate toilets and showers for men, women and people with disabilities.
The market is currently on track to finish in the second half of this year.
