The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exempted a proposed US$20 million shopping, office and residential development at Providence, East Bank Demerara, from an Environmental Impact Assessment, determining that its anticipated environmental effects can be mitigated.
The project, called ‘The Arcade’, is being proposed by Peak Development Inc. for Parcel 4874, Block 3, Providence.
In a public notice uploaded to its website on October 19, the EPA said the development would include a shopping mall, offices, 62 residential units, fuel storage, solar power and a wastewater-treatment plant.
The agency emphasised that the exemption did not constitute approval of the project. Persons who may be affected can appeal the decision to the Environmental Assessment Board within 30 days of publication of the notice.
According to the developer’s project summary, the complex would occupy a 5.5-acre site and include 23 mall spaces, 35 office spaces, 49 condominium units and 13 duplex units. The proposal also provides for 250 parking spaces.
Construction is estimated to take between 24 and 30 months, with a workforce peaking at approximately 150 persons.
The developer proposes an internal drainage network linked to existing drains leading to the Demerara River, alongside on-site sewage treatment and measures to control sediment and oil in runoff.
The summary contains a construction schedule beginning in January 2026 and ending in December 2027. Those dates are projections in the document and do not establish whether construction has commenced.
In explaining its exemption, the EPA said dust and gaseous emissions would be negligible, short-term and manageable through measures including water spraying, covered transportation of materials and equipment maintenance.
Noise controls would include restricted working hours, mufflers, acoustic insulation and compliance with Guyana National Bureau of Standards limits.
The agency said water-quality effects could be addressed through drainage, sediment traps, oil-water separators and sewage treatment. It classified waste-related effects as moderate but mitigable, with hazardous waste to be handled by licensed operators and fuel stored under approved containment arrangements.
The proposal comes amid other residential and commercial developments in Providence. Kiskadee Watch reported in June that the separate Providence City Condos project comprised 120 condominium units, with planned amenities including a swimming pool, gym and commercial complex accommodating supermarkets, restaurants and offices.
The EPA notice invites appeals against its decision not to require an EIA. Appeals should be addressed to the Chairman of the Environmental Assessment Board at [email protected].
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