Much needed renovation and the extension of the Luganville Municipal Market House in Santo will now proceed after a contract was signed between the government and the construction company.
The contract was signed by Minister for Internal Affair, Andrew Napuat and representatives of Shem Construction Company.
Mr Napuat reiterated the government’s decentralisation policy to ensure ease of access and fair distribution of services for all citizens of Vanuatu.
He expressed gratitude to UN Women for continuously supporting the empowerment of the people of Vanuatu by taking services to provincial and municipal levels of governance.
Minister Napuat noted that Santo is a vast island with transportation challenges for farmers and market vendors and the renovated market house will enable famers and marketers to bring and sell all local produce using proper upgraded facilities.
UN Women country programme coordinator, Betty Toa said most aid donor partners do very little for vulnerable groupings and she is happy to see UN Women continue with their Market for Change programme, to improve marketing infrastructure and provide better work places for hard working market vendors.
The Director of the Department of Local Authorities, Leith Veremaito also acknowledged the UN Women’s massive financial contribution towards the economic sustainability of Luganville municipal council while articulating the Department of Local Authorities confidence in overseeing the project to its completion.
The contract is valued at more than 27 Million Vatu in contractor fees and employer’s contingency.
Photo supplied. Caption: Luganville Market house