Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand yesterday turned the sod for the construction of a new $1.5b market at Pouderoyen, Region Three.
The new facility will replace the existing market and significantly expand the space available for vending, a release from the ministry said.
The project is being done based on designs prepared by Skylines Architecture Inc. at a cost of $1,519,219,578. Construction will be undertaken by Kalitech Inc. and is expected to be completed within eighteen months.
“These are projects designed to make sure your life changes. These are projects designed to make sure your children’s life will change, that they will have a life of plenty, that they will not have the struggles you had,” the Minister told residents.
She pointed to President Irfaan Ali’s wider vision for community development, which prioritises functioning roads and drainage, improved safety and lighting, recreational spaces, schools and health centres, as well as commercial spaces that can better serve residents.
“Where there is interest and love matched by investment, we see growth in that particular sector,” she said.
According to the press release, the Pouderoyen Market currently has 78 registered vendors, while the new facility is being designed to accommodate a significantly larger number. Manickchand said that the increased capacity will create additional room for persons currently vending along the roadway as well as new vendors seeking opportunities to conduct business.
The facility will be a two-storey structure, with its design incorporating elements reflective of the community.
The Minister highlighted the potential economic benefits of a modern market at Pouderoyen, particularly given the community’s accessibility from the East Bank of Demerara.
She said the completed facility could attract shoppers from outside Region Three, including residents crossing from the East Bank, thereby bringing additional commercial activity into Pouderoyen and surrounding communities.
“Once this is up and running, you’re going to see Region Four people from the East Bank coming right here to shop. And that is going to bring a different kind of economy and eco structure financially to your villages and to this village in particular,” Manickchand said, according to the press release.
Also attending the sod-turning ceremony were Regional Executive Officer Surendra Khayyam, Regional Vice Chairman Anjanie Narine, Project Manager with responsibility for Markets Anjanie Ramlall, vendors, contractors and members of the public.
Manickchand also used the occasion to underline the Government’s expectations of contractors undertaking public projects, stressing that the companies awarded the works are expected to fulfil the obligations to which they agreed.
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