Guyana Modernisation Agenda on Track as State-of-the-Art Mon Repos and Leonora Markets Construction Progresses Rapidly

The new markets will be state-of-the-art facilities that will provide vendors and consumers with a safe, efficient and enabling environment for the conduct of business. The government's modernisation agenda is aimed at improving the country's economic prospects, and the new markets are an important part of this effort. Nigel Dharamlall, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, revealed that the Mon Repos market is currently in its third phase of construction. The previous wooden structure has been dismantled, and in its place, an 18,000-square-foot pre-fabricated multi-level building has been erected. The construction of stalls on the eastern wing is currently underway and will soon be completed. The stalls will be compartmentalized to ensure a well-organized and efficient layout. According to the minister, the construction work has progressed from the fish bay area to the meat section, and next, they will move on to the vegetable and other goods section of the market. Currently, the western wing is being built, and a part of it will have a mezzanine floor to accommodate a cafeteria. A mezzanine floor is a level between the main floor and the ceiling of a building. The minister also mentioned that an office space for the market and other services will be built using steel, which would hopefully reduce the time needed for construction as compared to using concrete. Although there have been challenges in the construction process, the government remains committed to rehabilitating the market and transforming it to provide vendors with a suitable business hub and a move away from street vending. The phase three construction of the Mon Repos market is currently underway, with a contract of over $619 million signed in November 2022. Once completed, the market will provide accommodation for approximately 490 stall holders, thereby reducing roadside vending and improving traffic flow in the area. The local government minister stated that the rehabilitation work on the Mon Repos market is expected to be completed within the next five or six months, providing the vendors on the street with a more conducive business environment. Additionally, the Leonora market tarmac, located in West Coast Demerara, will be upgraded to accommodate roadside vendors comfortably. The preparatory work for this project has been completed, with the first phase expected to be completed in a matter of weeks. The upgrades to both the Mon Repos and Leonora markets are necessary to enhance commerce in the areas, and the vision is to upgrade them to international standards, providing a safe and organized environment for vendors and shoppers.

Source(News: Department of Public Information)

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22 Mar 2023 17:45 | by anaraine