President Irfaan Ali yesterday helped to turn the sod for what is expected to be one of the largest malls in Guyana and which will be situated at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
The West Central Mall, estimated to cost US$5 million is slated to be completed in two years.
The project which is being spearheaded by businessman Hemraj Albert will include a gym, business centre, movie theatre, conference facility, a fine dining restaurant and bar, a supermarket, an arcade, a food court, and an adequate parking facility.
Yesterday’s ceremony saw opening remarks from Albert’s eldest daughter, Bhabita Sookraj, who spoke of the project being conceived as a result of her father and other family members wanting to contribute to Region Three. West Central Mall, she pointed out, will be in an ideal location, away from the bustle of the city and convenient for persons living along the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara as well as those residing along the East Bank of Essequibo and Region Two.
Sookraj further noted that once completed, the mall will provide approximately 325 direct and indirect jobs for persons in the semi, semi-skilled, skilled, professional, and managerial categories.
“The project will enhance the beautification of Region Three with its architectural design and provide the opportunity for Guyanese to maximise their business potential while displaying their culture and hospitality. Moreover, it will be a tourist attraction as it provides an environment that is secure, family-oriented, comfortable, luxurious, diversified, and away from the city of Georgetown. The management of West Central Mall will take pride in their social responsibility to the community, stakeholders, and the residents of Region Three”, Sookraj assured.
Developer of the project, Albert said of the mall, “This mall was one of my visions for some time now and I’m very happy to see that today is the commencement of this project.” He credited the commencement of the project to his hard work and dedication he committed to while being in business for thirty-eight years. He promised customers the highest quality of service.
President Ali during his remarks stated that Guyana is changing, as well as the investment landscape and the physical look of the country. “But, what is essential is our thinking of all of us as Guyanese to also change. We have a responsibility as Guyanese to promote the development of Guyana. I’m not asking anyone to promote a government or political party. We have a responsibility as patriots, as Guyanese, to positively position our country every opportunity we have the chance to do so… I welcome constructive criticism, I welcome ideas to move our country forward, I welcome ideas to change the environment that we operate in, to improve the system of government…” President Ali said also that the government supports the investment of the private sector and the sector becoming the leading implementer of growth and development.
The president who grew up in Leonora, enthused about the location of the intended mall being the exact spot where the Leonora Sugar Estate Senior Staff Compound used to be, further sharing that that as a boy growing up he and friends would wait outside the gates of the compound for approval to use the pool belonging to the estate. He added that those making use of the mall will not need approval as he once did, as it will be open to the public.
Region Three, President Ali noted is traditionally known as an agricultural region but that is about to change as there are expected investments from both the private and public sector within the oil & gas industry. The government, he said, is looking to create more jobs that will allow for expansion of the economy, adding that the government plans to land the gas-to-shore pipeline in Wales, West Bank Demerara. This decision is expected to create what is said to be a revolution in industrial development, manufacturing, and agro-processing, which will create jobs for thousands as well as opportunities for hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses.
“We’re already speaking with different players in the financial sector who are planning expansion of their banking and financial facilities here in Region Three. [As] a matter of fact, we’re already in advanced negotiations in having possible, suitable land identified for the construction of a new bank in Region Three… We also have interests in investments in the hotel and hospitality sector here in Region Three, all of [which are] private investments. In addition to this, one of our largest housing local developers will soon commence work on the development of a massive medium to upper-scale housing community. We’ll engage key stakeholders in developing an agro-processing industry whilst at the same time preparing ourselves for many opportunities that will come our way with the reduced cost of energy… confined to Region Three”, the president declared.
Among the region’s proposed developments, President Ali also spoke of the construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge as well as a four-lane highway spanning the West Bank Demerara to East Bank Essequibo. He went on to add that the government also intends to have available in Region Three, the same level of health and educational facilities as in the city. “Very soon we will be looking at laying in the parliament a special legislation for the Wales Development Authority that would oversee not only the investment and planning but also the management of the great opportunities that will be coming the way of Region Three,” Ali assured.
Also present at the ceremony were the CEO of Go-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop; Chairman of Region Three, Inshan Ayube; and President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Halim Khan; who offered remarks. The trio lauded Albert for contributing to employment as well as providing a recreational facility that can be enjoyed by the people of Region Three. Khan noted that while he was happy that the region will benefit from the high-end business, he appealed for quality customer service. (Joanna Dhanraj)
