Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Mr Ewen McDonald AM has joined East New Britain Governor Michael Marum and Member for Kokopo Hon Ereman ToBaining Jr for a walk through of Kokopo Market, which will receive a PGK3 million package of Australian support.
Kokopo Market is a major economic and community hub for East New Britain, supporting hundreds of vendors and local businesses. During the walkthrough, leaders heard directly from vendors and market management on priorities to improve services and facilities.
Under the PNG-Australia Partnership, Australia will fund practical upgrades including new solar security lighting, refurbished ablution facilities, repairs to wash stations, improved waste management infrastructure, and technical assistance to strengthen the East New Britain Market Authority’s governance and financial systems.
“Kokopo Market is an important part of community life in East New Britain, creating opportunities for people to earn an income, support their families and grow local businesses. I enjoyed meeting the people of Kokopo and seeing firsthand the hard work of so many women, including the fresh produce and handicraft vendors,” said High Commissioner McDonald.
“These improvements focus on practical things that matter to vendors and customers — better lighting, cleaner facilities and a market environment that works better for everyone.
” The support is designed to deliver immediate benefits while building the Market Authority’s capacity to manage future growth. The visit was part of the High Commissioner’s trip to East New Britain, which also included opening a new library and early childhood education centre at Sonoma Adventist College through Australia’s Incentive Fund.
