SEVERAL rural markets will soon have improved physical conditions under which they operate as contracts for the construction of tarmacs at these locations were inked yesterday at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

From left, Local Government Minister Mr. Kellawan Lall, Permanent Secretary Mr. Seewchand, and the three contractors.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Kellawan Lall signed three contracts for the construction of tarmacs at Enmore on the East Coast Demerara and at Best/Pouderoyen and De Willem on the West Demerara.

The signing ceremony was done at his Ministry, Fort Street, Kingston, in the presence of Permanent Secretary Mr. Seewchand and the contractors.

The construction of the Enmore Market Tarmac was awarded to K.B and B Contractors, De Hoop Mahaica, East Coast Demerara at a cost of $29,130,688.

The size of the tarmac is 77 metres x 62 metres and the contract’s duration is three months.

The scope of work on this tarmac entails the placing of white sand, cement stabilised sand clay and asphaltic concrete with perimeter drains.

The construction of the De Willem Market Tarmac was awarded to Eagle Transportation and General Construction Limited.

It was granted at a cost of $7,984,735 and the duration period is two months.

The third contract, the construction of the Best/Pouderoyen Market Tarmac was given to Annirud Ramcharitar at a cost of $29,983,250.

The contract’s duration is three months and the scope of work entails the placing of white sand, asphaltic concrete and installation of a culvert and perimeter drains.

Underscoring the need for the tarmacs, Lall said the various markets are “overflowing” hence the need was seen to establish comfortable venues for buying and selling.

He pointed out that people are not just being moved off the streets but that facilities are being provided for them to do their business.

Lall said he visited the Charity market along with Minister of Transport and Hydraulics. Mr. Robeson Benn and found that it is in a deplorable state.

He said contracts for this and other markets tarmacs will also be awarded shortly.

The Minister said the tarmacs are useful also because the open space will facilitate community activities.

He said they will be organised in such a way to fall under the market rules and will also help to provide people with quality foods.

The minister urged contractors to make use of the favourable weather available presently so that they can complete the works in the allotted time.