Construction of a new $388.1 million market at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, is expected to begin following the turning of the sod yesterday by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand.
According to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the market is expected to be completed within eight months.
The contract was awarded to R&P Engineering and General Construction through the public tender process, based on designs prepared by Skylines Architecture Inc.
The ministry said the new market will accommodate 136 stalls and is intended to provide space for existing vendors, roadside traders and future applicants.
It will include sections for fresh produce, groceries, retail shops, salons, barber services and other small businesses, as well as a dedicated meat and fish section aimed at improving hygiene and food safety.
Other features are to include sanitary facilities, CCTV surveillance, an integrated waste management system, organised vendor allocation, and an elevated site with perimeter drainage intended to reduce flooding.
Addressing the sod-turning ceremony, Manickchand said the project forms part of the government’s programme to modernise market infrastructure and strengthen local economies.
She said the ministry would closely monitor construction to ensure the project is completed within the contractual timeframe.
According to the ministry, Manickchand had visited the existing market in September last year, when she committed to improving the facility following concerns about its condition.
Regional Chairman Clemsford Belgrave said the project would support the economic development of Buxton and pledged the Regional Democratic Council’s continued support during implementation.
The Chairman of the Buxton/Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council also committed the council’s support for the project and expressed the hope that the new facility would become a major commercial hub for the community.
Among those attending the ceremony were Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang, Regional Executive Officer Juan Edghill Jr., Regional Vice-Chairman Deoraj Nauth, Project Manager with responsibility for Markets Anjanie Ramlall, vendors, contractors and residents.
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