Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, yesterday afternoon turned the sod for the construction of the new $1.398b Zeelugt Market, West Coast Demerara, Region Three.
In a press release, the ministry reported Manickchand as saying: “The development is happening, and before the end of the year, we will turn the sod for Port Mourant, East La Penitence, Lusignan, Soesdyke, Skeldon, MacKenzie and Plaisance.
“[A market] is a place of community. It’s a place that encourages economic growth. It’s a place that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship. And it’s a place of community, and that shouldn’t be underestimated”.
The market will be constructed in four lots by contractors Jettoo’s Construction, Platinum Investments Inc., B.M. Property Investment Inc., and Superior Supplies & General Construction, with GR Engineering serving as the project’s consultant. The contracts were awarded through a competitive bidding process in accordance with the Public Procurement Act.
Approximately 54 vendors currently operate along the reserve and on the streets within the Zeelugt community, the release stated. The new market will accommodate more than 90 vendors, significantly increasing available vending capacity and providing a more organised environment for vendors to conduct their businesses.
Key features of the facility will include a dedicated children’s play area; administrative offices and training facilities; parking facilities for vendors and customers, along with a designated taxi bay; vendor stalls organised into designated sections for meat and fish, fresh produce, prepared foods, beauty and personal care products and other goods and services. It will also include modern washroom facilities, an integrated waste management system, and comprehensive security measures.
Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube, also addressed the gathering, stated:
The Regional Chairman said: “Across Region Three we, as the government, can hold our heads high with the tremendous development taking place. And when we talk about development, we are not only talking about roads or markets; we are talking about our educational institutions, we are talking about health facilities, we are talking about anything that impacts positively on the lives of our people.
“This government is upgrading, and there is not an iota of doubt that this is a government for the people. Schools are being upgraded, health centres are being upgraded, roads are being upgraded. It is also important that we have a culture of upgrading because it generates revenue, and once revenue is being generated, more business will be done in the market”.
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