Manickchand reviews proposed designs for Bourda Market 

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, Project Manager with responsibility for Markets Anjanie Ramlall, and Deputy Permanent Secretary Godfrey Monroe today met with Eliel da Fonseca Vieira of Contracta Construction UK to review initial designs for the redevelopment of the Bourda Market.

The engagement focused on ensuring that the proposed facility is not only modern and functional, but designed around the way Guyanese vendors operate and consumers traditionally shop at local markets.

During the review, Minister Manickchand raised concerns with aspects of the initial multi-storey concept.

She noted that the final design must account for local shopping habits, including the preference for easily accessible fresh produce and other everyday goods.

Following the discussions, the design team agreed to revisit the concept, including exploring a two-storey development utilising both available sections of the market area. The revised approach would also consider how the spaces could be connected while maintaining accessibility and functionality for shoppers and vendors.

Attention was also given to natural ventilation and lighting, accessibility, drainage and flood mitigation, traffic congestion, loading and unloading facilities, and the movement of vendors during the different phases of construction.

The Minister stressed that the redevelopment must minimise disruption to vendors and protect their ability to earn throughout construction. Further consultations with vendors will also inform the revised designs, recognising that international market concepts must be adapted to the particular needs and culture of Guyanese shoppers and traders.

The revised concept will be presented for further consideration as planning for the transformation of Bourda Market continues.