-Minister Dharamlall announces

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall has disclosed that $18 million has been allocated for rehabilitation of the La Penitence and East Ruimveldt Markets.

He made the announcement during a recent meeting with the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown.
The move to start rehabilitative works on the markets is part of the ministry’s plans for sustainable development of the city of Georgetown and its environs.
Minister Dharamlall believes that this project will not just help in the beautification of the capital city, but will provide better sanitation and healthier working environments for the vendors and shoppers of both markets.

He said that the ministry is cognisant that the country has now been put on the international radar and believes that Guyana has to develop frameworks and initiatives that will enable it to improve and promote the beauty of Guyana.

Further, he disclosed that in the emergency 2020 Budget, funds were not allocated for a full rehabilitation of the markets. However, he gave the assurance that the 2021 Budget will include a larger portion of money to fund a complete rehabilitation.

Minister Dharamlall spoke of the importance of Georgetown, given its status as the country’s capital. He added that it is imperative that citizens and the government collaborate to ensure that all the goals are met.

He added that the ministry will be working to create a city that all Guyanese can be proud of, and it was with this vision in mind that the ministry allocated the funds to rehabilitate the markets, especially during this season.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk (ag) of the Georgetown City Council, Sherry Jerrick told the Guyana Chronicle that the Mayor and City Council has not been given a timeline for commencement of the works or how the ministry intends to carry out the works. She said the council is in contact with the ministry and is willing to work to get the initiative completed in a timely manner.
Mayor Ubraj Narine in comments to the media expressed his determination to work with the ministry to restructure and redevelop the city to better serve the citizens of Georgetown. He added that all citizens should have access to a better quality of living.

Mayor Narine stressed that the rehabilitation of the markets would provide comfort to workers and customers.
He said too that this rehabilitation would aid the workers, and would also help with sanitisation of the markets, which he reminded is especially important in the fight against the COVID-19 disease.

Additionally, $10 million has been allocated for rehabilitation of the Mon Repos Market. Work is expected to commence in three to four weeks and will be done in a phased manner. Phase one will see work being done on the external drainage system, washroom facilities and the fence.