The sod was turned on Saturday for the $528,370,300 redevelopment of the East Ruimveldt Market, marking the start of a major project to upgrade infrastructure and expand economic opportunities for vendors and shoppers.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand said the rehabilitation followed a visit to the market on 18 February 2026, during which she met vendors and saw the challenges they faced. She said the ministry had since worked with consultants to design a market responding directly to vendors’ needs.
The redesigned market will feature 237 stalls, 24 more than the current layout, with sizes ranging from 7 feet by 8 feet to 24 feet by 14 feet and a ceiling height of 15 feet, up from about 10 feet. The upgrade will also include a block for food vendors, salons and tailoring businesses, a youth training centre, parking for more than 50 vehicles, and designated space for roadside vendors around the perimeter.
Construction will proceed in phases to limit disruption, with prefabricated container stalls and phased occupancy among options being considered to keep vendors operational. Manickchand said the ministry was targeting completion within four months.
Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs described the project as part of a wider drive to strengthen communities through quality public amenities, adding that contractors would be held accountable for timely delivery. Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith also welcomed the project’s start.
The contract, awarded through public tender in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, is split into five lots among five contractors.
Also attending were Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang, Project Manager for Markets Anjanie Ramlall, Georgetown Town Clerk Candace Nelson, former Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, vendors, contractors and members of the public.
