A  major step towards having a state-of-the-art Port Mourant Market was taken Friday when  the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank/Basic Needs Trust Fund (CDB/BNTF) signed a $97M contract for the extension and renovation of the facility at Corentyne, Berbice.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the agreement involves the extension of the market by 50 percent. There will also be improvement of water supply, storage and sanitary facilities, electrical lighting systems, waste disposal units, garbage retention depot, rehabilitation and furnishing of the market administration offices, improvement of drainage systems and other general enhancement works.

GINA reported that Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh who witnessed the signing of the agreement at his Main Street office said the infrastructure plays an important role in the economic life of the community through which the livelihoods of farmers and producers of goods are secured in the markets.

“We recognize the fact that given the level of economic activities, the market has now outgrown the current infrastructure that is there. . . ,“ Singh was quoted as saying.

He noted that government was  satisfied with the project since it goes to the core of people’s economic livelihood and comfort in  their daily activities.

The minister also urged the contractors to deliver the project in a timely and efficient manner since the administration has been channelling substantial resources to ensure the project’s implementation.

BNTF Project Manager (acting), Michael Singh said the project has been in the pipeline for some time and expressed pleasure that the contract has been awarded.  He said a skills training programme has been started to train the market committee, vendors and relevant stakeholders attached to the market so they could manage the facility effectively.              The project is expected to be implemented and completed within 30 weeks.

Meanwhile, Region Six Chairman, Zulifkar Mustapha commended the Ministry for its efforts in executing the project since the facility will not only benefit the community but the country as a whole.

The Port Mourant Market was established in 1968 at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, GINA added.