Punanga Nui minister George ‘Maggie’ Angene has acknowledged Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas for confirming the construction of the farmers’ market complex.

DPM Nicholas is the minister in charge of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), which is overseeing the development of the market project, a part of the wider Te Tau Papa o Avarua project.

Minister Angene, speaking at the last Parliament sitting, said the construction of a large farmers' market complex will benefit the island’s farmers.

 “The current area where the Maroro Hut is situated, and fried fish is sold and consumed, and the public toilet, will be moved further down to the coast (side)”.

“Additionally, we will construct vendors shelters further down the coast and move the playground area to the Tupapa end near the Terevete Park.”

He said the aim is to conclude the project by the end of the year.

Angene commented that if was the minister in charge of Punanga Nui Market's budget, he would have already constructed buildings and an Olympic-sized swimming pool for children.

The CIIC said phase 1 of the Te Tau Papa o Avarua, which began at the end of June, is focused on improving the Punanga Nui Market, the Panama reserve and Avarua township.

It is to be completed in two stages at an approximate cost of $7.6 million.