Chinese businessman happy to hand over market to HCC
By Lachlan Eddie
A Chinese businessman, Mr. Zhong Ming Ma, is extremely happy to hand over a market house to Honiara City Council (HCC) to use free of charge.
The handover ceremony took place today at White River in West Honiara.
“My family and I are happy to hand over this market house to HCC,” he said in his brief speech.
The market house will provide more space for market vendors and serve residents in Honiara.
In response to Ma’s speech, the HCC Lord Mayor, Councilor Eddie Siapu, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Ma and his company for the decision to hand over the completed building to HCC.
“This is a goodwill gift from Mr. Ma to the council and the residents in Honiara, especially the White River and surrounding communities who will benefit from it.
“Thank you Mr. Ma,” Cr. Siapu said.
Mr. Zhong Ming Ma and HCC Lord Mayor Cr Eddie Siapu cut the ribbon to officially hand over the market house.
Cr. Siapu said Mr. Ma’s decision to donate the market house to HCC was made in 2023, following the completion of the facility’s construction.
HCC looked thoroughly at Ma’s decision to freely allow his property to be used by HCC as the market house until both parties signed the agreement on June 27, 2025, making today’s handover ceremony the official conclusion of this generous community contribution.
Cr. Siapu added that this market house will improve and increase access to markets, giving Honiara’s residents the opportunity to buy fresh root crops, vegetables, fruits and fish for a healthy and balanced diet.
“This will lead to healthy living and a healthy population,” he said.
The HCC Executive has agreed for the market to allow the sale of fish, vegetables, fruits and root crops only.
“We do not want to see the sale of other non-food items. This market will provide a space for local fishermen and farmers to sell their produce. It will foster local economic growth, create jobs and strengthen our sense of community,” he further added.
Honiara City Lord Mayor, Cr Eddie Siapu, appeals to residents in Honiara to look after and take ownership of the new market house.
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