$880M Charity Market Wharf to boost trade, livelihoods and flood protection

The new $880 million Charity Market Wharf project is set to significantly improve livelihoods, trade, and flood protection for residents and farmers across Region Two and the Pomeroon. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj during a recent site visit said the project forms part of the administration’s wider mandate to modernise transport networks and create safer, more efficient access to markets for riverain and coastal communities.

“This wharf is not just a structure; it is an investment in people, in farmers, in businesses and in the long-term development of Region Two,” Ramraj said. “When we improve docking facilities, protect the river bank and create space for commerce, we are directly improving incomes, encouraging trade and opening new opportunities for tourism and investment in this region.”
He added that the project reflects the government’s commitment to climate-resilient development.
“This is a modern, climate-resilient facility that will protect this community from flooding while expanding transport and economic activity. That is the kind of development this government is delivering,” the minister said.
The project entails the construction of a climate-resilient wharf designed to provide modern marine docking services for the largest community on the Essequibo Coast. It includes 160 stressed concrete foundation piles, a reinforced concrete deck and superstructure, a floating dock, provision for a future GIP crane, a covered passenger deck, an administrative building with parking, and upgraded river defences. Two additional sections of river defence, 500 feet upstream and downstream, will also be upgraded under a parallel contract.
The project is currently approximately 14 per cent complete, with major foundation works underway. Completion is targeted for the last quarter of 2026.
Project Manager for Sea and River Defence, Jermaine Braithwaite, said the facility will expand marine services and commercial activity.
“This wharf is intended to expand docking and off-loading services for agricultural produce and passengers, and to boost tourism and economic activity to a great extent,” Braithwaite said. “It is a climate-resilient structure with stressed concrete piles and a reinforced concrete deck, and it also includes upgraded river defence to provide flood protection for the facility.”
He added that the project will support long-term waterfront development.
“In the long term, we envisage this entire portion of the Charity waterfront being developed as a business hub, facilitating commercial activity and bringing tremendous benefits to the community,” he added.
Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samad, said government is keen on accelerating completion.
“Driving the 160 piles is the hardest part of the work. Once we complete this phase, the remainder of the construction will progress much easier, and we are pushing the contractor to have this project completed in 2026,” Samad said.
He noted that much of the fabrication is done off-site.
“All the concrete piles and components are being cast at the contractor’s yard and transported by barge from the Pomeroon. Because of limited storage on site, materials are delivered as required, which means the progress achieved so far is not fully visible here,” Samad noted.
Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit said the wharf will benefit farmers, traders, and riverine communities.
“We want to thank His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Minister Ramraj. Charity residents will feel more secure and confident with this important project in their community,” Oodit added.