Over $2.7B approved for upgrades to Bourda, other markets
…$800M allocated to build culture market in Palmyra, Berbice
The Government will be spending billions of dollars towards the upgrade and rehabilitation of a number of markets throughout the country, including works that will be done on the Bourda, Stabroek, La Penitence and Mon Repos markets.
According to the budget estimates, a total of $41.9 billion has been allocated for the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, of which $38.7 billion has been allocated this year for the Ministry’s capital projects. Volume Two of the estimates reveals that there are a total of 53 new infrastructures to be developed and 20 existing infrastructures that will be improved this year.
During the consideration of the estimates and expenditure on Tuesday, Local Government Minister Sonia Parag was asked by Opposition Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul to list the markets that are being upgraded.
Local Government Minister, Sonia Parag
“We have the rehabilitation of the Stabroek Market, as well as the East Ruimveldt (Market)… we have the Bourda Green, the Bourda Market and we have a few more on board,” the Minister explained.
“We have the Bourda Green; we have the Bourda Market and it’s under the Georgetown Enhancement Programme. And we also have the East La Penitence Market and drainage and Albouystown, so, it’s actually in excess of.”
The Minister went on to explain that they have both a consultant and a contractor working on enhancing the Bourda Green area. According to Parag, it was decided following a consultation with the vendors that they will look to maximise the space. For instance, they will be constructing a two-story building to accommodate the vendors at Bourda Green.
It was explained that over $2.7 billion was approved for the market upgrades, including $2 billion for work on the drainage network, $260 Million for phase one of the Bourda Green project and $40 million to go towards the design and consultancy for the Bourda Green project.
A sum of $800 million has been allocated towards the Culture Market in Palmyra, that was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali last year, while attending the 186th Emancipation Day Celebration in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
Bourda Market, one of the markets that will be upgraded
“We have what we want to be able to, for the first time, and I know the residents of Region Six and those who have responsibility for Region six, will be happy to know that we will for the first time create what is called a culture market at Palmyra,” Parag announced.
Last year, the president had explained that this Culture Market would preserve the region’s cultural heritage and help boost tourism. President Ali had noted that this market would be the first of its kind in the entire region.
The head of state had further explained that the intention is to build the market in Palmyra, Berbice, where the Government is also building a stadium and several hotels and other major investments are being made.
Meanwhile, the budgetary allocations for rehabilitation include $50 million for the East Ruimveldt market, $100 million for the La Penitence market and $200 million for the Stabroek market. Additionally, she revealed that the Municipality of Linden has been asked to relook at its work programme, with a view of rehabilitating its own market.
“We want to be able to construct Port Kaituma market. Western section of Mon Repos market. Rehabilitation of the market at Unity, Mahaica. Rehabilitation of the Rose Hall market. Construction of the Bath market. Construction of Rosignol railway line market.”
“Design and construction of Anna Regina market. Rehabilitation of Port Mourant market, Rehabilitation of Number 79 and Lethem Municipal markets,” Parag went on to say. (G3)