The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development says it has instructed a contractor to undertake corrective works on the recently repaired roof at the Stabroek Market after heavy rainfall yesterday morning saw water pouring in on vendors.
A short video posted on the Facebook page of Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed showed water gushing through the roof as vendors expressed frustration over the conditions under which they were being forced to operate.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the ministry said the leaking roof and guttering system, which was recently installed at the market, had been brought to its attention by vendors.
The ministry said contractor BM Property Investment Inc had been advised that incorrectly sized guttering and piping had been installed, contrary to the bills of quantities (BOQs) provided and the terms of the contract.
“The contractor has been instructed to correct same immediately. The contractor has committed to sending his workers who are currently on site to do same,” the statement said.
The ministry added that the rehabilitation, restoration and expansion of the entire Stabroek Market remain under active consideration and are being pursued in keeping with designs and consultations involving the Government of Guyana, the UK’s King’s Foundation, vendors, shoppers and other stakeholders.
In the 2026 budget, some $2 billion was allocated for rehabilitation works at the Stabroek Market and the future redevelopment of Bourda Green.
During the consideration of the 2026 budget estimates in the Committee of Supply, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand disclosed that approximately $200 million had been spent in 2025 on works at the market, while an additional $74.791 million was budgeted this year to continue repairs to the structure’s roof.
She had said that the contract was awarded in October 2025 and that works commenced the following month. The project was expected to be completed by the end of March and was being executed under a measured works arrangement, under which payments are made based on the progress achieved on site.
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