Seghe Market and Terminal Projects Receive Blessing from Churches and Community

The new Seghe Terminal and Market projects have officially received the blessing of churches and community leaders, marking the start of two major developments expected to boost economic opportunities in the Marovo area.

At a joint ceremony with the Western Provincial Government, the new market site was blessed by Superintendent Minister for Marovo Circuit, Rev. Gerald Rigeo, representing the United Church landowners. The Seventh Day Adventist Church and other community leaders also offered their blessings.

Provincial Secretary, Patrick Toiraena, said while the upgraded airfield was already seeing an increase in tourism to Marovo, Seghe would have a safe, and accessible market for growing their family income.

Western Provincial Government Provincial Secretary, Patrick Toiraena, thanked church and community landowners for their generosity and support.

“We also acknowledge the long and continuous support of Australia and New Zealand to the people of Solomon Islands and Western Province, including the development of infrastructure around the province for our people,” he said.

“The market project will be accessible for everyone and provide opportunities for job creation and economic participation of rural people.”

The Seghe Market will be the fifth market delivered under Australia’s Market Redevelopment Program. All markets under this program are built by local companies using 100 per cent local workforces, creating jobs and supporting the local economy.

A separate dedication ceremony for the new Seghe Terminal was led by Rev Bishop Lawren Harper, marking the start of the final stage of the SBD 268 million Provincial Airfield Upgrade Project, a partnership between Solomon Islands, New Zealand, and Australia.

PS Toiraena said the upgraded Seghe runway is already attracting more tourism interest in Marovo and boosting economic activity in the area.Both projects are being delivered by local contractor Hatanga Ltd, with guidance from community advisory groups. For the terminal, Hatanga will be supported by Downer NZ, which will provide construction supervision to maximise local content and build capacity in the Solomon Islands construction industry.

The market is designed to support women vendors, young entrepreneurs, and people living with disabilities, reflecting a community-led, inclusive, and locally delivered development approach.

Community from across Marovo celebrated the blessing of the two infrastructure projects.

Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton said infrastructure projects were an opportunity to create local jobs and deliver lasting benefits.

“Projects built by and for community support a range of economic opportunities during and after construction – and that’s what Australia is focused on as the number one supporter of Solomon Islands infrastructure,” he said.

New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr highlighted the role of aviation in connecting people and opportunities.

“The new terminal will improve travel for communities, support local tourism and services, and help grow the economic potential of Western Province,” he said.

“New Zealand is proud to walk alongside Solomon Islands and Australia in delivering infrastructure that delivers real benefits for Solomon Islanders.”

Work on the terminal is set to begin in the coming months, while ground preparations for the market are already underway. Both projects are expected to be completed by mid-2026.