THE Government has commenced work on a $1.3 billion modern market at Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara, Region Three, which is expected to improve access to essential goods and services while creating space for about 90 vendors.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development recently turned the sod for the 14-month project, which will provide farmers, vendors and other small businesses with a modern facility to sell their products.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, said the development is intended to serve the growing population of Zeelugt and neighbouring communities, while providing an organised environment for commerce and entrepreneurship.
She said the market will include dedicated areas for vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, clothing, crafts, jewellery, prepared foods, beauty and personal-care products and other goods and services.
The facility will also feature administrative offices, training facilities, parking for vendors and customers, a designated taxi bay, modern washrooms, security measures, an integrated waste-management system and a dedicated children’s play area.
“There is going to be a dedicated children’s play area, administrative offices and training facilities, parking facilities and the stalls organised in a way where you have your beauty products one place, jewellery one place, so it’s an organised space; and, of course, a modern washroom facility and integrated waste management system,” Manickchand said.
The minister described the project as part of a wider programme to upgrade and expand market facilities across the country.
She announced that sod-turning ceremonies are expected before the end of the year for new markets at Tuschen, Port Mourant, La Penitence, Lusignan, Soesdyke, Skeldon, McKenzie and Plaisance.
Meanwhile, plans are being prepared for a new facility at Anna Regina, while the Charity Market is being extended. The Suddie Market is nearing completion, while the Rosignol Market is in its final stages, among other market-related developments.
Manickchand said markets serve a broader purpose than simply providing locations for vendors to sell their goods.
“Markets across the country are bigger than a place where people sell. It’s a place of community, it’s a place that encourages economic growth, it’s a place that encourages—for us—creativity and entrepreneurship, and it’s a place of community and that shouldn’t be underestimated,” she said.
Regional Chairman of Region Three, Sheik Ayube, said the Zeelugt development is taking place against the backdrop of rapid growth in the region, including the construction of new housing schemes to meet demand.
He said development must extend beyond roads and markets to include investments in education, healthcare and other areas that directly affect residents’ quality of life.
Ayube also highlighted the importance of strengthening agriculture to support economic activity within communities.
“It is important that the agriculture sector is upgraded also because it generates revenue and once revenue has been generated, more business is being done in the market,” he said.
He said the expansion of housing developments in the region is also expected to generate additional economic activity, as new residents purchase goods and services and businesses benefit from increased spending.
“All the housing schemes that are being built now will impact positively on the market because once houses are being built, money flows, people come and purchase. So we have a whole collaboration of efforts that will be beneficial to the people,” Ayube said.
The Zeelugt market is therefore expected to serve both as a commercial facility and a community space, while providing farmers and other vendors with improved opportunities to bring their products to consumers.
