$1.4B Zeelugt Market project gets underway

Sep 18, 2026 News

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— new facility to accommodate more than 90 vendors

(Kaieteur News) – Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand on Wednesday turned the sod for construction of the new Zeelugt Market at Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara, Region Three, in a project valued at $1,398,771,067.

The minister was joined at the ceremony by Regional Chairman Inshan Ayube, Regional Vice Chairwoman Anjanie Narine, Regional Executive Officer Surrendra Khayyam, and Programme Manager with responsibility for Markets at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anjanie Ramlall.

According to a press release by the ministry, Manickchand said the Government plans to commence construction of several other markets before the end of the year. “The development is happening, and before the end of the year, we will turn the sod for Port Mourant, La Penitence, Lusignan, Soesdyke, Skeldon, McKenzie and Plaisance, even as we work on restoring and extending the Stabroek Market and building a brand new Bourda Market,” she said.

“A market is a place of community. It’s a place that encourages economic growth. It’s a place that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship.”

The minister said the development of the markets was evidence of the Government’s commitment to improving the lives and economic prospects of citizens. “We are a people who listen. But it’s also very easy to get distracted and believe you’re not loved, when there is visible evidence around you of that love we speak of for the people of this country,” she said.

“Every time you pass this construction, remember that it is a sign of our love for you. Every time you come in here to shop, remember that is evidence that we love you. And every time you come in here to sell, remember that we want you and your family to do better, to earn more, to have more in your pockets, to extend your house, to send your children to school, to buy a car, to thrive.”

Regional Chairman Ayube also addressed the gathering, highlighting the wider development taking place across Region Three. “Across Region Three we, as the government, can hold our heads high with the tremendous development taking place. And when we talk about development, we are not only talking about roads or markets – we are talking about our educational institutions, we are talking about health facilities, we are talking about anything that impacts positively on the lives of our people,” he said.

Ayube said the upgrading of markets and other infrastructure would contribute to increased economic activity and revenue generation. “This government is upgrading, and there is not an iota of doubt that this is a government for the people. Schools are being upgraded, health centres are being upgraded, roads are being upgraded. It is also important that we have a culture of upgrading because it generates revenue, and once revenue is being generated, more business will be done in the market,” he said.

He added that the construction of new housing schemes would also have a positive impact on the market, as increased economic activity would result from the development of surrounding communities.

“All the housing schemes that are being built now will impact positively on the market, because once houses are being built, money flows and people come up. So we have a whole collaboration of efforts that will be beneficial to the people,” Ayube said.

He applauded the minister and her team for the work leading to the start of the project, while noting President Irfaan Ali’s interest in the development of markets and other infrastructure. The market will be constructed in four lots by Jettoo’s Construction, Platinum Investments Inc., B.M. Property Investment Inc., and Superior Supplies & General Construction, with GR Engineering serving as the project consultant. The contracts were awarded through a competitive bidding process in accordance with the Public Procurement Act.

Approximately 54 vendors currently operate along the reserve and on the streets within the Zeelugt community. The new market will accommodate more than 90 vendors, significantly increasing vending capacity while providing a more organised, safe and suitable environment for businesses. The new Zeelugt Market is being developed as a modern commercial facility aimed at improving trading conditions, accessibility and the overall environment for vendors and shoppers.

Key features will include a dedicated children’s play area, administrative offices and training facilities, parking for vendors and customers, a designated taxi bay, and vendor stalls arranged in sections for meat and fish, fresh produce, prepared foods, beauty and personal care products, and other goods and services. The facility will also include modern washrooms, an integrated waste management system and comprehensive security measures to support a clean, safe and well-maintained market environment. The construction of the Zeelugt Market forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise vending infrastructure and improve economic opportunities for vendors and residents across Region Three.

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• Priya Manickchand, Zeelugt Market project

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