— new facility to accommodate 145 vendors, boost economic activities across Region Three
DEVELOPMENT in Region Three continues to gather pace, with the sod now turned for a new $1.5 billion market at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, alongside vendors and community members, turned the sod for the new state-of-the-art facility during a ceremony on Saturday.
The market, which will accommodate up to 145 vendors, is expected to provide a modern trading space while creating jobs and stimulating economic activities in Pouderoyen and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Manickchand disclosed that 78 vendors are currently registered at the existing market.
She said a 45-car parking area will be constructed first and used as a temporary vending area while the new market is being built, ensuring that vendors can continue earning during construction.
The new Pouderoyen Market forms part of a wider programme to develop and upgrade markets across Region Three.
Manickchand pointed to the recently developed Parika and Leonora markets, while noting that works are being undertaken at the Hydronie Market. The Tuschen Market is in the procurement process, while a sod-turning ceremony is also expected for the Zeelugt Market.
“We have a market going up that will cost $1.5 billion. That is an investment in your region and your community. It will be done in four lots, by four different contractors, all supervised, both externally and internally,” she said.
The minister said the investment is expected to attract shoppers from surrounding communities and generate greater economic activities.
“Once this is up and running, you are going to see people from right across the East Bank coming here to shop, and that is going to bring a different kind of economic activity to your villages, and to this village in particular,” she said.
PART OF WIDER DEVELOPMENT
The project also ties into the Government’s Model Village Initiative, through which 23 communities have been identified in the initial phase, including four in Region Three.
Manickchand recalled that President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali had visited communities across the region and outlined plans to improve roads, drainage, lighting, recreational spaces, schools, health facilities and commercial areas.
“President Irfaan Ali came into Region Three himself and showed you, community by community, what our villages will look like, beginning with 23 model villages, four of them here in Region Three; villages where your roads work, where drainage is fixed and operational, where lights and safety are a priority, where recreational spaces, schools, and health centres actually function, and where you have shopping areas like this one, giving you a stronger sense of community and letting you meet your daily needs,” she said.
“These are no accidents. These are projects designed to change your life and your children’s lives, so they have a life of plenty, and do not face the struggles you did. This community, and everyone who uses this market, will be part of the developing, thriving Guyana we are building,” Manickchand added.
The project will be executed in four lots by four contractors, with construction expected to begin in the coming weeks and an 18-month timeline set for completion.
The works will be supervised internally and externally by a consultant. Manickchand said the contractors were selected through an open, competitive bidding process and will be expected to adhere to their contractual timelines.
She also encouraged the contractors to employ persons from Pouderoyen and surrounding communities wherever possible.
Once completed, the market is expected to provide improved facilities for vendors and shoppers, while supporting the government’s wider efforts to strengthen economic activities and community development across Region Three.
