Sod turned for construction of new $1.3B Zeelugt Market

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, on Wednesday afternoon turned the sod for the construction of the new Zeelugt Market, located at Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara, Region Three.

The Minister was joined by; Regional Chairman, Mr Inshan Ayube; Regional Vice Chairwoman, Ms Anjanie Narine, Regional Executive Officer, Mr Surrendra Khayyam and Programme Manager with responsibility for Markets at the Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development, Ms. Anjanie Ramlall, for the ceremony marking the start of works on the $1,398,771,067 project.

The Minister said: “The development is happening, and before the end of the year, we will turn the sod for Port Mourant, La Penitence, Lusignan, Soesdyke, Skeldon, McKenzie and Plaisance, even as we work on restoring and extending the Stabroek Market and building a brand new Bourda Market. A market is a place of community. It’s a place that encourages economic growth. It’s a place that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship.

“We are a people who listen. But it’s also very easy to get distracted and believe you’re not loved, when there is visible evidence around you of that love we speak of for the people of this country. Every time you pass this construction, remember that it is a sign of our love for you. Every time you come in here to shop, remember that is evidence that we love you. And every time you come in here to sell, remember that we want you and your family to do better, to earn more, to have more in your pockets, to extend your house, to send your children to school, to buy a car, to thrive.”

Regional Chairman, Mr Inshan Ayube, also addressed the gathering, stated:

“Across Region Three we, as the government, can hold our heads high with the tremendous development taking place. And when we talk about development, we are not only talking about roads or markets – we are talking about our educational institutions, we are talking about health facilities, we are talking about anything that impacts positively on the lives of our people.

“This government is upgrading, and there is not an iota of doubt that this is a government for the people. Schools are being upgraded, health centres are being upgraded, roads are being upgraded. It is also important that we have a culture of upgrading because it generates revenue, and once revenue is being generated, more business will be done in the market.

“All the housing schemes that are being built now will impact positively on the market, because once houses are being built, money flows and people come up. So we have a whole collaboration of efforts that will be beneficial to the people. I must applaud the Minister and her team for the tremendous effort put in place so that we can be here this afternoon. Our President is very passionate about these developments, and he is the driving force behind all of this development as it relates to markets, roads and so on.”

The market will be constructed in four lots by contractors Jettoo’s Construction, Platinum Investments Inc., B.M. Property Investment Inc., and Superior Supplies & General Construction, with GR Engineering serving as the project’s consultant. The contracts were awarded through a competitive bidding process in accordance with the Public Procurement Act.

Approximately 54 vendors currently operate along the reserve and on the streets within the Zeelugt community. The new market will accommodate more than 90 vendors, significantly increasing available vending capacity and providing a more organised, safe, and suitable environment for vendors to conduct their businesses.

The new Zeelugt Market is being developed as a modern, well-planned commercial facility designed to improve trading conditions, enhance accessibility, and provide a comfortable and secure environment for vendors and shoppers alike.

Key features of the facility will include a dedicated children’s play area; administrative offices and training facilities; parking facilities for vendors and customers, along with a designated taxi bay; vendor stalls organised into designated sections for meat and fish, fresh produce, prepared foods, beauty and personal care products, and other goods and services to facilitate efficient operations and ease of access for customers; and modern washroom facilities, an integrated waste management system, and comprehensive security measures to support a clean, safe, and well-maintained market environment.

The construction of the Zeelugt Market forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise vending infrastructure and improve economic opportunities for vendors and residents across Region Three.