PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has outlined government’s plans to transform Enmore into a major growth pole on the East Coast corridor, anchored by a new industrial zone catering to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in agro processing.
Addressing hundreds at the Enmore Martyrs Day commemoration, the Head of State said a four lane road currently under construction in the community will provide direct access to the Enmore Industrial Site, where 50 acres of land are being developed for business and industrial activity.
“Look at this road upon which we stand and sit today, a brand new four lane road that will lead to the Enmore industrial site in which we’re able to develop 50 acres of land specifically for small and medium sized businesses and for agro processing so that our workers can move from one level to another level,” the President said.
Ali said the industrial site is conceived as part of a broader strategy to lift workers into higher-value employment and entrepreneurship, rather than simply offering short term cash transfers.
“Our level for the workers is not $100,000. Our level is to move them from one status to the next status, so that their children can enjoy a different level upon which they start their base,” he added.
The President further linked the industrial development to parallel investments in social and physical infrastructure in and around Enmore.
He highlighted the state of the art regional hospital, which has already begun serving tens of thousands of East Coast residents who would otherwise have had to travel to Georgetown.
Ali said the road and accompanying infrastructure will unlock thousands of new house lots and homes in the area, positioning the industrial site at the centre of a rapidly expanding residential and commercial zone.
“When the road is finished… this road will now open up thousands of new house lots and new homes here in Enmore,”
Framing the Enmore industrial zone as part of a wider PPP/C development philosophy, the President described it as a practical example of how government intends to create a “new base” for workers combining employment, enterprise opportunities, housing and access to upgraded health services in one integrated corridor.
He noted that, unlike earlier generations who struggled even to secure basic housing, today’s workers and their children should be able to start from a significantly higher platform of opportunity, supported by targeted industrial and social investments such as those at Enmore.
Last year Dr. Ali had dislclosed that the upcoming industrial park in Enmore is expected to drive development, with over US$500 million in investments already lined up. Additionally, the government has signed agreements for the construction of four new hotels in the area. President Ali also announced the development of a major surface water treatment plant at Hope.
The new treatment plant will add to the water sector’s assets, allowing surface water from the Hope Canal to be treated and reintegrated into the system instead of being dumped. President Ali also noted that the government has received proposals for a dairy plant, brewery expansion, private universities, and a modern mall along the East Coast corridor
