The new Rakiraki Market has been given a facelift.

Renowned artists Lambert Ho, Josaia Mateiwai, Martin Whippy, Sanju Rattan and Daniel Raj have mixed their colours with their paintbrushes to make this happen.

The community outreach project was organised by Wonder Woman for Change (WWFC) in a bid to boost morale and brighten the eyes and hearts of the Rakiraki residents.

From the start, there has been so much interest from the locals to get involved and help the artists.

The paintings on the Rakiraki market walls apart from adding value to the facility is now attracting locals and international visitors.

These artists were contacted through the Barter for Better Fiji Facebook page and all have been doing this as a community project.

This is one of the first in Fiji and there has been word that other councils want the same.

WWFC was able to reach out to a few sponsors for the project to eventuate.

While the Rakiraki Town Council volunteered to sponsor paint and equipment, the Beehive Resort hosted and provided meals for the group while Watika Farm owners Jean and Anil Tikaram provided a delicious spread of lunch.

Mr Ho said he was blessed to have been part of the project.

“We have had so many people come to us and thank us for our work and that makes us want to do it better,” Mr Ho said.

“Thank you so much to Mark and Susana Hirst-Tuilau for organising the project, you have brought smiles to many faces.”

The group agreed that the project is only the start of many more to come.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

Feedback:  susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj