The vending and shopping experience at the newly constructed Leonora Market, West Coast Demerara (WCD), will be significantly enhanced as Government moves to implement a series of additional measures aimed at creating a safe and convenient environment.
Vendors who previously operated along the Leonora public road were recently relocated to the new market facility. On Friday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali met with the vendors and announced a series of new measures that will be rolled out.
“We want this to be a safe environment for all of you who are shopping here… and as we work together in developing this facility, you will see that on Friday nights, we will have shopping out here. You will see the shopping hours and market hours will enhance naturally,” he told the vendors.
Among the additional measures that are aimed at improving the new market is the establishment of a police outpost and the installation of security cameras around the facility.
“The [Regional Police] Commander, by next week Saturday, he has to ensure that we have a security system right around the market. We’re going to put cameras in the market so that we’ll have full electronic monitoring of everything in the market so you’ll have a safer environment,” the president stated.
The Head of State also outlined several infrastructural works that will enhance access to the new Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) market as well as the market facilities.
“[We have to] extend the market facility itself… Now that all the people on the road will move in here, we now have the opportunity to pull down the front and rehabilitate the front of the market… On Monday, we’ll commence work on the new road coming in. It will be a 16 feet road with concrete drains on both sides. We will put a brand-new bridge in front there.”
“We are already talking about the front of the market to make some parking there for the elderly people so when they come, they don’t have to carry their bags all the way out. They will have a drop off point… Right around the market, we want put a parking ring – we already have the ring in place. And when we finish the road, along the drains, we will put some parking spots there also. We’ll also have some sections that we will leave for taxi services and all of these things,” he noted.
In addition to new washroom facilities, President Ali has instructed Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, who had overseen the construction of the new Leonora Market, to identify an area to build an overnight facility that will not only cater to vendors working longer shifts but farmers who are travelling long distances to supply produce.
“So, when you come overnight, you can have hammocks, you can have five, six showers, and you can go and shower. All of those things we’re going to put in place now for those farmers who are coming. We want you to have higher quality. We want you to have better quality,” the Head of State added.
According to the President, it will take some time for both the vendors to settle in and for shoppers to get accustomed to the new market.
Previously, vendors operated along the West Coast public road, which posed significant traffic hazards and caused congestion in the area. But now, the vendors will be plying their trade in a safer and more convenient environment.
“We give some tables out already and we’re doing some benches. Wherever there is help that you need to build back [your stalls/stands] we will help you to build back it… If there is need for more stand pipes around, we will put more stand pipes. So, as we move and we see there is need for more things, we will put those things in. This is a work in progress this… But just appreciate the fact that we want better for you. We don’t want to disrupt anybody’s life. We want better for you. We want better conditions for you,” the Guyanese Leader posited.
Meanwhile, during his engagement with the vendors on Friday evening, President Ali also addressed issues relating to slot allocation, sanitation and maintenance of the new Leonora Market.
Back in 2022, the Head of State had visited the old market facility and observed a hosting of challenges. He subsequently initiated a plan to construct the new tarmac and upgrade the access road. Consequently, a $149 million contract was signed in December 2022 for the 8,000-square metre tarmac.
In light of the additional measures announced for Leonora Market, similar interventions are planned for other markets across Region Three including the ones at Parika and Hydronie.
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