Sod turned for East Ruimveldt Market construction: Minister assures vendors will continue working

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Honourable Priya Manickchand, on Saturday turned the sod for the rehabilitation of the East Ruimveldt Market, signalling the commencement of a major redevelopment project aimed at improving the market’s infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, and enhancing the experience of vendors and shoppers alike.

The rehabilitation forms part of the Government’s continued investment in modernising markets across Guyana while creating safer, more accessible, and economically vibrant community spaces. Addressing those gathered, Minister Manickchand said the rehabilitation is about more than upgrading physical infrastructure. She recalled visiting the market on February 18, 2026, where she met with vendors and witnessed first-hand the challenges they faced.

“From that visit, we knew something had to be done,” she said, explaining that the Ministry has since worked closely with consultants to develop a design that responds directly to the needs of vendors and the wider community.

The redesigned 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.

The upgraded facility will also include a dedicated block to house food vendors, salons and tailoring businesses, a youth training centre for tailoring, parking to accommodate more than 50 vehicles, and designated spaces for roadside vendors operating around the market’s perimeter.

Construction will be undertaken in phases to minimise disruption to business operations. Several options are being explored to ensure vendors remain operational throughout the rehabilitation, including the use of prefabricated container stalls and phased occupancy of sections of the market.

The Minister stressed that every effort will be made to ensure vendors can continue earning throughout the construction period.

“We don’t want anyone to miss even a day of work.”

The Ministry is targeting completion of the project within four months.

During the engagement, vendors raised questions relating to stall sizes and arrangements during construction. Officials explained that stall sizes will range from 7 feet by 8 feet to 24 feet by 14 feet. The stalls will also be 15 feet high, compared to approximately 10 feet under the current design.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Honourable Steven Jacobs, described the rehabilitation as part of the Government’s wider vision of building stronger communities by ensuring residents have access to quality 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,” Minister Jacobs said, while noting that contractors would be held accountable for the timely execution of the works.

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Honourable Keoma Griffith, also welcomed the commencement of the project, describing it as another investment that will benefit generations of residents while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to serving the community.

The contract for the project was awarded through the public tender process in accordance with the Public Procurement Act at a cost of $528,370,300. The project has been split into five lots among five contractors, each responsible for one lot.

Attending the sod-turning ceremony were Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Honourable Keoma Griffith, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Honourable Steven Jacobs, 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.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, remains committed to improving the lives of Guyanese.