$2.8B for a better Georgetown, major markets and green spaces to be upgraded

Georgetown’s iconic markets, historic buildings and community spaces are set for a major facelift this year, as government moves ahead with a $2.8 billion Georgetown Enhancement Programme.

The funding came under close scrutiny on Thursday in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, where Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul and Duarte Hetsberger pressed Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, for details on how the billions allocated will be spent and why some projects approved last year are still ongoing.

At the heart of the allocation is $2 billion dedicated specifically to the restoration, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Stabroek Market and the development of Bourda Green.

“This is not just a pull-down-and-build project,” Minister Manickchand explained, noting that the goal is to preserve the market’s historic character while ensuring it remains safe and functional for the hundreds of vendors and daily shoppers who rely on it.

Of that broader allocation, $74.79 million is earmarked in 2026 to continue roof repairs at Stabroek Market, a rollover project that began in 2025.

Last year, approximately $200 million was spent on the market’s rehabilitation. The current works, awarded in October 2025 to BM Properties Inc., are about 60% complete, according to the Minister. The contract is expected to conclude by March month-end.

The additional funds will address continued roof rehabilitation, an issue the Minister described as complex due to the building’s age.

“When you’re dealing with old structures, sometimes you think you’re fixing zinc and then you discover a rotten rafter… and then the pole holding it up also needs replacing,” she said, cautioning that hidden structural deterioration can increase costs.

The East Ruimveldt Market will also receive attention this year, with $45 million allocated for works.

The project did not proceed last year as initially anticipated, but the Minister confirmed it will be undertaken in 2026.

After being approved in 2025 but not executed, the La Penitence (Albouystown) Market is now scheduled for completion this year.

Though a specific 2026 figure was not detailed during the exchange, the Minister assured Parliament that the market will move forward in this year’s programme.

The long-discussed green space project at Merriman’s Mall will also proceed this year.

Previously budgeted but not completed, the redevelopment of the historic recreational area aims to create a revitalized public space for families, vendors and community events.

The $2.8 billion programme extends beyond markets to a wider vision of urban renewal.

Among other allocations highlighted:

• $30 million for restoration of poet Martin Carter’s home on Lamaha Street (subject to consultations with property owners).
• $200 million to continue enhancement of avenues, building on recent lighting works along East Street.
• $100 million for refurbishment of the Transport and Harbours “stellings” and related areas.
• $150 million for rehabilitation works in collaboration with the Mayor and City Council.
• $35 million for fabrication and installation of street-name signage.
• Continued completion of the Tiger Bay multipurpose court, a public-private partnership project providing recreational opportunities for youth.

The Minister said the broader goal is to ensure residents “live comfortably in a wholesome environment with good streets, good drainage and enhanced spaces where their children could enjoy our country.”

Opposition MPs questioned why projects previously approved  including works at markets and Bourda Green — were either delayed or required additional funding.

Mahipaul pointed to last year’s total expenditure of approximately $2.7 billion under the same programme line, arguing that several projects appeared incomplete despite allocations.

In response, Minister Manickchand indicated that shifting priorities, particularly drainage works following heavy rainfall, led to adjustments in programme execution. Funds were warranted to agencies with the capacity to address urgent drainage concerns.

She maintained that the 2026 allocations are forward-looking and focused on completing and advancing Georgetown’s enhancement.