-by NaAsia Bristol

A new 1.3-billion-dollar market is coming to Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand today turned the sod for the project, which will increase vending capacity in the community.

Approximately 54 vendors currently operate along the reserve and streets in the Zeelugt community.

That is expected to change with construction of the new market, which will accommodate more vendors in a more organized and secure environment.

“We’re going to build a market that is going to be able to cater for 90 vendors almost double what you currently have the market is going to be a dry market that means goods and vegetables and fruits and clothes and jewelry and craft but also a wet market for fish and meats you don’t have to leave here and go to hydroni anymore to be able to get your meats and fish and and other wet items poultry,” she said.

The new facility will also feature parking, a taxi bay, administrative and training facilities, a children’s play area and modern washrooms.

“So markets across the country are bigger than a place where people sell it’s a place of community it’s a place that encourages economic growth it’s a place that encourages for us creativity and entrepreneurship and it’s a place of community and that shouldn’t be underestimated,” the minister explained.

The project is being constructed in four lots, with the contracts awarded through a competitive bidding process.

Construction is expected to take 14 months.