Construction work ongoing at Diamond. (Photo by Nathalene deFreitas)

As the Diamond housing area on East Bank Demerara is expanding rapidly, so is the business community there.

Soon three spanking new banks will be completed along with a Guy Oil gas station and there is also talk of a shopping mall to be constructed there.

In an interview with the Overseer of the Diamond/Golden Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NCD), Mr. Balraj Budwah, he outlined that the three banks will be Republic Bank, Demerara Bank and the Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI).

He also noted that plans are on stream for a market complex or a mall in the area. He said the location has already been identified, and negotiations with investors are on going.

Presently there is a market at the entrance of the community, but plans are on going to have it relocated. A state of the art community centre is also in the planning stages.

Budwah said the new investments are being established at the entrance of the community and he is of the view that after completion, Diamond will become an important community.

“The President of Guyana has already declared that government will make this area into a township, and we are seeing it right now, with all these investments. The community is now into rapid development, there is everything in here. We have a school, a police station a hospital and everyday the population is growing,” said Budwah.

The overseer also noted that government is currently planning to construct another main entrance into the area. He said there is always a build up of traffic at the entrance as it is used for both entering and leaving.

To enhance the business environment and ease the traffic build up, the car park will also be removed. These works are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Budwah also pointed out that to maintain the standards of the community, 20 manual labourers were employed to carry out everyday works. He said this is to ensure that drains are cleaned so as to prevent flooding.

He stated that the only glitch in the area is the streets leading into the different sections; these will be repaired soon with the assistance of Local Government.

Every year the Government of Guyana assists the Diamond/Golden Grove NCD with $3M and the money helps to complete road projects and other minor activities.

The overseer is encouraging all residents to pay up their rates and taxes so as to assist in enhancing their environment.