Diamond market to become business hub along EBD corridor
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall on Monday stated that the tarmac that was constructed at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) would become the new business hub where vendors plied their trade.
He was at the time addressing members of the community. “There is no proper market along the entire East Bank corridor and so this one at the Diamond tarmac is going to be a central area of business,” Minister Dharamlall said.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall with residents of Diamond
Prior to this initiative, in 2019, the previous Government signed a $57.1 million contract with Bardon Construction Service for the construction of the tarmac on the southern side of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) compound.
After the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government took office, it was announced that the project would be executed in two phases.
It was announced that phase one would see the placement of crusher run on the surface, and would include the construction of concrete drains, bridges, box culverts, waiting areas, toilet facilities, and the installation of lights and garbage bins.
Meanwhile, phase two will see the application of asphaltic concrete and possible extension of the tarmac access road to First Avenue, Diamond.
In addition, Minister Dharamlall said other major infrastructural works would be undertaken in the community to improve the lives of residents.
“There is a lot of development slated to come here, we have already begun the road from Ogle heading to Eccles, but you know that the main bypass is from Ogle to Diamond so see this (visit) as the stepping stone for things to happen. We are going to do more infrastructural works in roads among others within Diamond in the near future,” he added.
The Local Government Minister further urged representatives of the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) to work together to push community development.
Also, during the meeting, residents raised several concerns such as clogged drains, school dropouts, assistance for the elderly, a night school, and the clearing of the community ground.
After listening to their concerns, Minister Dharamlall promised that the issues would be addressed as soon as possible.
