PNG-Australia partnership strengthens agricultural markets in Western Highlands
Fresh investment in market infrastructure is continuing to transform agricultural trade in Western Highlands, with the opening of the upgraded Holy Trinity College Market.
The opening of the new Holy Trinity market is reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the PNG and Australian Governments to improve livelihoods for local farmers, particularly women vendors.
The Australian High Commission announced that the upgraded market now provides a modern covered selling area and a reliable water supply, giving hundreds of growers and vendors a safer, cleaner and more convenient place to sell their fresh produce.
The market also serves more than 1,000 students, staff and visitors from surrounding community educational institutions like the Holy Trinity Teachers College and Holy Trinity Demonstration Primary School.
Before the upgrade, vendors had little protection from sun and rain and no dependable water source.
The project has delivered a new market shelter and four water tanks providing a combined capacity of 9,000 litres, improving hygiene, food safety and creating a better trading environment.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Ewen McDonald said the project demonstrates how locally led partnerships can deliver practical improvements for communities.
"Holy Trinity College Market is an important place for students, staff, families and local growers, especially women vendors who sell produce here each day to support their families. Through the partnership, Australia is pleased to support improvements that respond to local priorities and contribute to better services and stronger livelihoods," Mr McDonald said.
Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa welcomed Australia's continued investment, thanking the people and Government of Australia for their ongoing commitment to supporting agriculture and market infrastructure across the province.
Governor Rapa said the Holy Trinity College Market follows Australia's earlier support for the redevelopment of the Mt Hagen Main Market, further strengthening opportunities for rural farmers to earn sustainable incomes.
"On behalf of the people of Western Highlands Province, I sincerely thank the Government and people of Australia for continuing to invest in our province. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and quality market facilities give our farmers—especially our mothers and women vendors—a safe and dignified place to sell their produce.
From the redevelopment of the Mt Hagen Main Market to the Holy Trinity Satellite Market, Australia has been a trusted development partner," Governor Rapa said.
Rapa also highlighted that the Western Highlands Provincial Government contributed K1 million towards the province's community water security market program under the PNG–Australia Partnership (which is a K4.5million project), helping establish mini markets equipped with improved water facilities across the province.
"The Western Highlands Provincial Government proudly partnered with the PNG–Australia Partnership by contributing K1 million towards these community market and water security projects. Together we are creating mini markets that improve food security, boost local incomes and support economic growth in our rural communities," said the Western Highlands Governor.
The Holy Trinity Market upgrade is one of 14 water security structures completed across Western Highlands under the PNG–Australia Partnership, with the provincial government co-investing K1 million in the overall program.
Across Papua New Guinea, more than 200 water security projects have been delivered in markets and schools through the Australia Papua New Guinea Subnational Program.