More than 20 women from the Luganville Women’s Handicraft Association are calling on authorities to provide a permanent handicraft house to display and sell their products.

The need became urgent after COVID-19, when many members began to sell their handicrafts on roadside stalls, in markets, or at temporary locations, making it difficult for tourists and locals to find them.

“We thought we would find a big room so that all of us can go in it, but until now we have not found a place. We don’t have a space,” said Charity Abel, treasurer of the association.

Market vendors, including Gina Bong, also point out that shortages of tables make it hard to sell during large events such as Independence Day, Christmas, and New Year.

“During big events, the market gets overcrowded and there aren’t enough tables. We are asked to leave and have no safe spot to sell. We use market tables that aren’t ours,” Bong explained.

Mary Andrew, Sanma Industry Officer, said the handicraft activities fall under the Department of Industry and noted that the women have permits to add value to their products. She added there is potential for support through government or donor funding if a space can be secured.

“We are waiting on the Municipal Council. If they can provide a space, we can work together to seek funding to support our mothers in their long-time call for a dedicated place to market their products,” Andrew said.

From the municipal planning side, Martin Aruporou confirmed that spaces have been allocated, but a formal plan for a permanent handicraft house has yet to be finalized.

“The Planning Division has allocated spaces for mothers to sell, but there is no clear plan yet for a dedicated handicraft house. We need proper planning to move forward,” Aruporou said.

Charity Abel stressed the importance of a dedicated space, saying handicrafts are the main source of income sustaining the livelihoods of many women in Luganville.