-works to be completed in four months
The government is moving ahead with a $528.37 million rehabilitation of the East Ruimveldt Market, a major upgrade aimed at modernising one of Georgetown’s longstanding markets, expanding vending facilities and improving the overall aesthetics of the community.
The market, which is accessed from Cemetery Road, Georgetown, will undergo extensive rehabilitation over a four-month period at a total cost of $528,370,300, under the supervision of Innovative Engineering Consulting Services.
Speaking at the project launch yesterday at the site, Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand said the works will be divided into five lots, allowing five contractors to work simultaneously in an effort to meet the completion deadline.
“The culture by contractors to ask for extensions has to stop,” the minister said, stressing that the four-month timeline must be adhered to.
As part of infrastructure improvements in the area, Manickchand disclosed that all drains in East Ruimveldt are currently being cleaned and desilted to improve drainage and reduce flooding.
Originally established by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council in 1978, the East Ruimveldt Market was built with 200 stalls and a constabulary office.
While the market has benefited from periodic improvements over the years, including the rehabilitation of its access road after more than three decades and the installation of paved internal roads in 2019, authorities say a comprehensive upgrade is now needed to restore the facility and enhance its aesthetics.
Upon completion, the rehabilitated market will accommodate 237 stalls, an increase from its original capacity.
According to Manickchand, of the existing stalls, only 55 are actively operating, while 47 remain closed, 10 have been repossessed, and several others are being used as storage spaces or bonds instead of for commercial activity.
The upgraded facility will feature a dedicated block for salons, food vendors and tailoring services, along with a parking area capable of accommodating more than 50 vehicles.
The minister also said the government intends to integrate roadside vendors into the formal market by creating space for them within the rehabilitated complex.
She noted that every stall in the new design will be larger than the existing ones and raised above ground level, providing better protection from flooding and improving operating conditions for vendors.
Meanwhile, authorities are still finalising arrangements for the temporary relocation of vendors while construction is underway.
Known for its friendly atmosphere and close-knit community, the East Ruimveldt Market operates every day, including public holidays, with a half-day schedule on Wednesdays, and closes at 5 p.m. daily.
Discussion