Govt. seeking contractors for La Penitence, Plaisance & Tuschen Market projects

Aug 02, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is preparing to construct new market facilities at La Penitence in Georgetown, Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara, and Tuschen on the East Bank of Essequibo, Region Three, part of a broader push to modernise public markets across the country.

The ministry, which received $41.9 billion in this year’s budget, is now seeking contractors to execute the projects. According to a recently issued invitation for bids, tenders will open on August 18, 2026, at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office.

The upcoming construction follows a series of site visits by Minister Priya Manickchand since her appointment last year, during which she and her team assessed conditions at markets nationwide and engaged directly with vendors about the challenges they face.

Govt. seeking contractors for La Penitence, Plaisance & Tuschen Market projects

The La Penitence Market.

At Plaisance Market in November 2025, vendors raised concerns that Manickchand pledged would be met with concrete action. The ministry said at the time that public markets must remain “vibrant economic and social spaces that support livelihoods and community well-being,” adding that every vendor and consumer deserves “a safe, clean, and dignified marketplace experience.”

A visit to La Penitence Market in February surfaced more pressing issues. Vendors told the minister the facility suffered from persistent flooding during heavy rainfall, deteriorating roof structures, and a general physical decline that has driven shoppers away. Inadequate parking was also flagged as a deterrent to customers.

Manickchand acknowledged that these conditions affect more than just day-to-day operations. “Public markets must be clean, secure and structurally sound in order to serve their purpose as vital community and economic hubs,” she said, stressing that poor conditions ultimately hurt vendors’ livelihoods and the wider vibrancy of the market.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand visiting the Plaisance Market back in November 2025.

With approximately 30 public markets across Guyana, the ministry has been working to implement a standardized model for market infrastructure and management. Priority areas include cleanliness and sanitation, clear walkways, effective waste management, reliable roofing, lighting, water access, and washroom facilities. The model also calls for stronger security and fire safety measures, timely repairs, improved vendor-council relations, support for small businesses, and a more welcoming environment for the community.

Markets slated for upgrades under this initiative include those in Buxton, Plaisance, Zeelugt, Tuschen, New Amsterdam, Skeldon, and Soesdyke Junction.

Work is already advancing on one of these projects: a $388 million market in Buxton, for which the sod was turned in July. Once completed, the facility will accommodate 136 stalls, a substantial increase from current capacity creating space for existing vendors, roadside sellers, and future applicants.

The Buxton market will feature dedicated sections for fresh produce, general food items, retail shops, salons, and barber services, along with a separate meat and fish section built to improve hygiene and food safety. Additional upgrades will include CCTV security, an integrated waste management system, organized vendor allocation, an elevated site design, and a comprehensive perimeter drainage system to reduce flooding.

With bidding for the La Penitence, Plaisance, and Tuschen projects set to open later this month, the ministry’s market modernisation drive is poised to expand further in the coming months.

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La Penitence Market, Market projects, Plaisance, Tuschen Market

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