Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, on Saturday turned the sod for the construction of a new market at Pouderoyen, Region Three.
The new facility will replace the existing market and significantly expand the space available for vending, creating opportunities for existing vendors, roadside sellers and new entrepreneurs while providing residents with a modern facility in which to shop and conduct business.
“These are projects designed to make sure your life changes. These are projects designed to make sure your children’s life will change, that they will have a life of plenty, that they will not have the struggles you had,” the Minister told residents.
She pointed to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s wider vision for community development, which prioritises functioning roads and drainage, improved safety and lighting, recreational spaces, schools and health centres, as well as commercial spaces that can better serve residents.
“Where there is interest and love matched by investment, we see growth in that particular sector,” she said.
The Pouderoyen Market currently has 78 registered vendors, while the new facility is being designed to accommodate a significantly larger number. Minister Manickchand explained that the increased capacity will create additional room for persons currently vending along the roadway as well as new vendors seeking opportunities to conduct business.
The facility will be a two-storey structure, with its design incorporating elements reflective of the community. The Minister noted that the project is not intended to exist in isolation but should form part of the wider development and identity of Pouderoyen.
The Minister further highlighted the potential economic benefits of a modern market at Pouderoyen, particularly given the community’s location and accessibility from the East Bank of Demerara.
She said the completed facility could attract shoppers from outside Region Three, including residents crossing from the East Bank, thereby bringing additional commercial activity into Pouderoyen and surrounding communities.
“Once this is up and running, you’re going to see Region Four people from the East Bank coming right here to shop. And that is going to bring a different kind of economy and eco structure financially to your villages and to this village in particular,” Minister Manickchand said.
The Pouderoyen development forms part of a wider programme of investment in market infrastructure across Region Three. During her remarks, Minister Manickchand referenced works at several other markets within the region, including completed, ongoing and planned interventions, as the Government moves to improve commercial spaces available to vendors and consumers.
Relevant officials were also present to respond directly to questions raised by vendors, allowing the consultation process to begin immediately at the project site. Also attending the sod-turning ceremony were Regional Executive Officer Surendra Khayyam, Regional Vice Chairman Anjanie Narine, Project Manager with responsibility for Markets Anjanie Ramlall, vendors, contractors and members of the public.
Minister Manickchand also used the occasion to reinforce the Government’s expectations of contractors undertaking public projects, stressing that the companies awarded the works are expected to fulfil the obligations to which they agreed.
The contract for the project was awarded through the public tender process in accordance with the Public Procurement Act. The project is being delivered based on designs prepared by Skylines Architecture Inc. at a cost of $1,519,219,578. Construction will be undertaken by Kalitech Inc. and is expected to be completed within eighteen months.
The Minister concluded by expressing hope that the project will serve generations of vendors and consumers, while contributing to the continued growth of Pouderoyen and the wider Region Three economy.
