Works progressing on sugar refinery, fertiliser plant in Reg. 3

Work is progressing steadily on two major private investment projects in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara): a white sugar refinery and a fertiliser blending plant.

Both projects are being developed by local businessman Komal Singh through joint ventures with regional and international partners.

The fertiliser blending plant is being developed by Singh’s company GAICO in collaboration with FERSAN of the Dominican Republic to the tune of US$12 million, under the joint venture brand ‘Guyfer’. Located on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), the plant will produce fertilisers for local and regional farms.

Providing an update on this initiative during a recent episode of The Guyana Dialogue programme, Singh noted that the plant is already in the country and a sod-turning ceremony to mark the commencement of civil works on the project should take place this month. The project is likely to be completed and operational by the first quarter of next year, he added.

Singh’s company has also partnered with the United States (US)-based Sucro Limited to build the country’s first white sugar refinery at Wales, WBD, Region Three. The project will be developed at the old sugar estate at a cost of approximately US$20 million.

The project, officially known as Demerara Sugar Refinery Inc, will transform raw sugar into value-added refined sugar. Expected to process 100,000 tonnes annually, the facility aims to replace imported white sugar and supply the wider Caribbean market. According to Singh, work is also progressing well on this project.

“We’re currently in the process of decommissioning the old sugar estate that was closed down. That plant is currently being torn down and we’re going to replace it right in that same position with a brand-new white sugar refinery… so the groundwork is currently in process,” he outlined, adding that the initiative will likely be completed by the first half of next year.

The businessman, who currently serves as head of the Guyana Shipping Association and previously served as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), noted that both projects will significantly contribute to the development of the local agriculture sector.

“When both projects are completed, they will significantly help the agriculture sector in Guyana,” he remarked.