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Work is underway to transform the former Wales Estate on the West Bank of Demerara into a US$60 million industrial hub featuring sugar refining, fertiliser production and port operations.
Komal Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Gaico Construction, said the site, closed since 2016, is being redeveloped to include a white sugar refinery, a fertiliser blending plant and a modern port facility.
Preparatory works, including land clearing and reclamation, are already in progress.
The estate, once a major employer in the region, had remained dormant for nearly a decade following its closure, which displaced hundreds of workers.
Singh said the refinery will process locally produced brown sugar into refined white sugar, reducing imports and adding value to domestic agricultural output.
A fertiliser blending plant will allow for the production of customised fertiliser tailored to local soil conditions, replacing the country’s current reliance on imports and improving agricultural efficiency.
The project aligns with broader government plans to expand the agriculture sector, including a proposed urea plant that will utilise natural gas resources.
The development will also feature a bagging plant and a port designed to international standards to handle increased cargo volumes and support economic activity in Region Three.
Construction is progressing, with pile driving and foundation works expected to begin in April. Part of the port is scheduled for completion by August, with full operations targeted by year-end, though equipment sourcing challenges could cause delays.
Singh said the investment is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth and increase property values in surrounding communities, as Region Three emerges as a key economic zone.
