Sod turned for $528M East Ruimveldt Market upgrade

The East Ruimveldt Market is set to undergo a major rehabilitation following the turning of the sod by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand on Saturday.
The project is part of the Government’s ongoing investment in modernising markets across Guyana, with the aim of creating safer, more accessible and economically active public spaces.
Addressing vendors and residents gathered at the site, Minister Manickchand said the rehabilitation was not only about upgrading the physical structure of the market but also about responding to the concerns and challenges faced by those who depend on it for their livelihoods.

She recalled visiting the market on February 18, where she met with vendors and observed the conditions under which they operated.
“From that visit, we knew something had to be done,” the Manickchand said, explaining that the Ministry subsequently worked with consultants to develop a design based on the needs of vendors and the wider community.
Under the new design, the market will feature 237 stalls, an increase of 24 stalls compared with the current layout. The expansion is expected to allow more vendors to be accommodated while improving the organisation of the facility.
The upgraded market will also include a dedicated block for food vendors, salons and tailoring businesses. Additionally, a youth training centre for tailoring will be established, along with parking facilities capable of accommodating more than 50 vehicles.
Designated spaces will also be provided for roadside vendors who currently operate around the perimeter of the market.
Manickchand said construction will be carried out in phases to reduce disruption to business operations. She explained that several options are being considered to allow vendors to continue operating during the rehabilitation, including the use of prefabricated container stalls and phased occupancy of completed sections of the market.
“We don’t want anyone to miss even a day of work,” she said, while stressing that efforts would be made to ensure vendors continue earning throughout the construction period.
The Ministry is targeting completion of the rehabilitation project within four months.
During the engagement, vendors raised questions regarding stall sizes and arrangements during the construction period. Officials explained that the new stalls will range in size from seven feet by eight feet to 24 feet by 14 feet, with a height of 15 feet compared to approximately 10 feet under the current design.
Minister within the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, Steven Jacobs, said the project is part of the Government’s plan to strengthen communities through improved public amenities.
“This is the first of many to come… What we will continue to do is build stronger communities. We want to make sure every community has the amenities to be strong… We will continue to answer the call,” Jacobs said.
He added that contractors would be held accountable for ensuring the timely completion of the works.
Meanwhile, Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith also welcomed the commencement of the project, describing it as an investment that would benefit generations of residents while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to serving the community.
The rehabilitation contract was awarded through the public tender process in keeping with the Public Procurement Act at a cost of $528,370,300.
The project has been divided into five lots, with five contractors assigned responsibility for the completion of each lot.
Earlier this year, the Government had pledged to standardise markets nationwide, ensuring that all facilities comply with modern standards of safety, sanitation and infrastructure.
Markets slated for works this year include East Ruimveldt, Albouystown, Rose Hall, Number 79, New Amsterdam, Mahdia, Lethem, Mackenzie, Port Kaituma, Suddie, Leonora, Zeelugt, Vreed-en-Hoop, Tuschen, Mon Repos, Rosignol, Palmyra, Port Mourant, Bath, and Soesdyke.
Also attending the sod-turning ceremony on Saturday were Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang; project manager with responsibility for markets Anjanie Ramlall; Georgetown Town Clerk Candace Nelson; former Mayor Patricia Chase-Green; vendors; contractors; and members of the public.