Plans to rebuild the East Ruimveldt Market at a cost of GY$528.3 million were unveiled on Saturday. Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand visited several shops at the decades-old wooden and concrete market before the sod-turning ceremony. She assured the vendors that they would not be displaced from their businesses, stating that alternative measures would be implemented to allow them to continue operations.
Minister Manickchand mentioned that options for the vendors include moving them to temporary prefabricated container spots, relocating businesses into unused stalls, or conducting construction in phases, which could extend the project timeline by eight months. The new market is set to feature 213 stalls, with an additional 24 stalls planned. Each stall will be expanded by six feet and will have increased height.
Labour Minister Keoma Griffith, who is from East Ruimveldt, described the new market and a community center as flagship projects aimed at enhancing the lives of residents. Some sections of the current market, particularly the fish and meat areas, have deteriorated, with reports of a lack of fire-fighting equipment.
In addition to the market reconstruction, Minister Manickchand announced that contracts have been awarded for cleaning drains and trenches in the area. Plans also include the installation of street lights, rehabilitation of roads, and construction of a new bridge. The contractors involved in the project include A.M.I.C. General Contracting, Khan Contracting Services, MAEC Enterprises, Terraform Solutions, and Lispen Enterprises. The market rehabilitation design features a total of 237 stalls, which aims to improve the market’s capacity to meet current and future demands.
Source: demerarawaves.com
