New Tarmac at Leonora Market Completed: Vendors Set for Relocation

Exciting developments are underway at Leonora Market on the West Coast of Demerara, promising a brighter future for vendors and shoppers alike. Thanks to a freshly completed tarmac, vendors will soon enjoy a more spacious and convenient business space. This upgrade, totaling 8000 square meters, comes with improved sanitation facilities, better drainage, and a dedicated parking area, aiming to enhance the overall experience for vendors and customers.

This initiative traces back to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s visit in 2022, during which he identified the market’s challenges, including congestion due to an influx of vendors. Responding to these concerns, the President kickstarted plans for the new tarmac and upgrades to the access road. Now, with a $149 million contract signed in December 2022, the groundwork is laid for positive change.

The completion of the tarmac marks the beginning of a vendor relocation process, paving the way for further enhancements to the access road. President Ali reaffirmed his commitment to replicating these improvements nationwide during a recent visit to the market. Meanwhile, Minister Deodat Indar, from the Ministry of Public Works, will lead efforts to engage vendors and manage the relocation process, collaborating closely with the local government ministry.

Similar transformations are on the horizon for Hydronie Market on the East Bank of Essequibo, with plans for upgrades and vendor relocation in the pipeline. Amidst these changes, President Ali conducted a market price assessment, noting stable prices for various commodities like plantains, eddoes, and potatoes.

Accompanied by key officials including Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud, President Ali’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to uplifting marketplaces and fostering economic growth across the country.