Sod turned for $388M Buxton market

Jul 16, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand on Wednesday turned the sod for the construction for the new $388 million Buxton Market on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The project follows a visit conducted by the minister back in September 2025, when she recognised the urgent need for intervention and committed to transforming the facility for vendors and residents.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand

According to information provided by the ministry, the contract for the project was awarded through the public tender process in accordance with the Public Procurement Act. The project is being delivered based on designs prepared by Skylines Architecture Inc. and construction will be done by R&P Engineering & General Construction at a cost of $388,147,745. The project is expected to be completed within eight months.

This publication understands that the new market has been designed to create a safe, modern and functional environment that supports economic activity while preserving Buxton’s cultural and commercial significance.

Upon completion, the facility will accommodate 136 stalls, a significant increase from the current level of activity, providing space for existing vendors, roadside vendors and future applicants.

It will include dedicated areas for fresh produce, general food items, retail shops, salons, barber services and other small businesses, as well as a dedicated meat and fish section designed to improve hygiene, food safety and operational efficiency.

Additionally, the new market will have modern sanitary facilities, CCTV security, an integrated waste management system, organised vendor allocation, and an elevated market site with a comprehensive perimeter drainage system to reduce flooding and improve resilience.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand (center) joined by officials of the Regional Administration, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council and vendors at the sod turning ceremony on Wednesday.

In her remarks at the sod turning ceremony, Minister Manickchand said the new market forms part of the government’s broader vision of building stronger, more resilient communities across Guyana. The market development is only one component of a wider programme of investment in infrastructure and public spaces that will benefit all Guyanese.

During her address, Manikchand assured vendors and residents that the ministry will closely monitor the progress of the works to ensure the project is delivered within the agreed upon timeframe.

Speaking also was Regional Chairman, Clemsford Belgrave who said the project represents an important step in advancing the economic development of Buxton, noting that the Regional Democratic Council will continue working closely with all stakeholders to ensure its successful delivery.

Chairman of the Buxton/Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Walston Martins said the council remains committed to working collaboratively with all partners to ensure the project is completed successfully, fairly and transparently. He expressed hope that the new market will become a thriving business hub for generations to come, the ministry reported.

With$18 billion budgeted in this year’s national budget to upgrade markets, the ministry noted that it is committed to investing in modern infrastructure that strengthens local economies, creates opportunities for vendors, and improves the quality of life for communities across the country.

Last Saturday, the minister and her team turned the sod for the rehabilitation of the East Ruimveldt Market in Georgetown.

The redesigning of that market will feature 237 stalls, an increase of 24 stalls over the current layout, allowing for greater accommodation of vendors, and improving the organisation of the market. Works there will be executed at a cost of $528,370,300.

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Buxton Market, Priya Manickchand, Public Procurement Act, tender

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