– two-storey facility to accommodate over 100 vendors as government pushes nation-wide, market-modernisation programme

THE sod was turned on Wednesday for the construction of a new $388 million market at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, marking the beginning of a project aimed at revitalising commerce in the village and providing modern facilities for residents there.
The new project, which it was said would cost $388,147,745, will see the demolition of the existing structure and the construction of a brand new two-storey market capable of accommodating approximately 136 vendors.
Delivering brief remarks at the ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, highlighted that the project was a complete reconstruction rather than a rehabilitation.
“This is not a rehabilitation. This clearly cannot be rehabilitated. This is a brand-new construction,” she said.
The minister explained that the decision to construct a new market followed visits to the community where she observed vendors operating along the roadside while the existing market remained largely unusable.
“There are people outside making a living, feeding their children and supporting their families, because they cannot come into this market in its present state,” she said.
According to Manickchand, the new facility is intended to provide vendors and residents with a safe, organised and hygienic space where economic activity can flourish.
She said the market has been designed following consultations with vendors and the Buxton/Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to ensure it meets the community’s needs.
The modern facility will include dedicated sections for meat, fish, vegetables and dry goods; modern sanitary facilities; CCTV surveillance; an integrated waste-management system and organised vendor allocation.

She disclosed that R&P Engineering and General Construction is the contractor that has been awarded the project with Skyline Architecture Inc. serving as the project consultants.
Manickchand noted that the contractor has committed to completing the project within eight months and warned that penalties would apply for delays or cost overruns.
“I expect the people of Buxton/Foulis to pay attention to the building of this market because it is your market. We are doing this together,” she said.
The minister said the Buxton project forms part of a broader national programme to modernise markets across Guyana.
She noted that the sod was recently turned for the reconstruction of the East Ruimveldt Market, while new or upgraded facilities are also planned for Plaisance, Mon Repos, Bath, Port Mourant and several other communities across the country.
“Our trajectory for every neighbourhood and every community is one where we’re developing, we’re working hand in hand with people, we’re listening and we are delivering,” she said.
Chairman of Region Four, Clemsford Belgrave, described the project as an important investment in the economic development of Buxton and neighbouring communities.
He said modern market facilities create opportunities for farmers, vendors and small businesses, while strengthening local economies.
“This is not just about turning the sod. It is about economic development for the local area,” he said.
He encouraged residents to take ownership of the completed facility and ensure it is properly maintained.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Buxton/Foulis NDC, Walton Martins, said the project represents a long-awaited investment in the community.
He noted that the original Buxton Market, established in the 1900s, was once among the busiest trading centres on the East Coast of Demerara before commercial activity gradually shifted elsewhere during the 1960s.
Martins too, said the new market will create opportunities for farmers, fishermen, vendors and small-business owners, while providing residents with a clean, safe and organised environment to buy and sell goods.
“For many years this community has looked forward to a modern market that will stimulate economic growth, encourage entrepreneurship and improve the quality of life for our people,” he said.
Once completed, the market is expected to become a major commercial hub serving Buxton, Foulis and surrounding East Coast communities.