Redevelopment of the new market commenced with signing of Service Order 67834/06 with DFAT in November 2017 and was concluded with Practical Completion of the new facility on 28 June 2019. This represents a total development programme of 19 months. The Market was officially opened by the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on 23 August 2019, with the Australian High Commissioner Rodrick Brazier in attendance. It was a well attended and a positively reported event. For the new Gizo Market has quickly become the economic hub and social centre of Gizo Township. It features over 2,500sqm of total area and includes:

- new permanent market shelters
- new kiosk
- new water and sanitation facilities
- new management facilities
- new concrete pavements and drainage
- disability access
- upgraded lighting
- improved security; and
- improved sea access

The Gizo Market Redevelopment process included extensive consultation across all three Project Activity Components, coupled with maintaining effective communication with project stakeholders significantly contributed to the project’s success. The Gizo Market Steering Committee was established with representatives from Western Provincial Government, Gizo Town Council and the Gizo Market Vendors Association and was the main stakeholder communication forum. In addition to stakeholder meetings, Reeves consulted extensively with DFAT and the UN Women Markets for Change Programme.

Detailed design involved co-ordination with the project architect, surveyor, structural and civil engineers. It was important to not only address stakeholder requirements but also the regulatory and site specific or climatic considerations. The concrete encased gabion sea wall and galvanised steel market structures means that the new market facilities will be able to withstand predicted climate change effects such as rising sea levels and more extreme weather conditions.

The Gizo Market Redevelopment provided opportunities for capacity building through on the job training for at least 45 local construction workers and four recent university graduates. This development of skills aligns with DFAT’s “Strongim Bisnis” strategy that seeks to achieve more income earning opportunities, greater resilience, better risk management, more

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