Infrastructure works at Wales Truck and Auto Zone progressing
Minister of Housing, the Hon. Collin Croal, along with Minister within the Ministry, the Hon. Vanessa Benn, on Friday led a site visit to the Commercial Zone at the Wales Housing Development, West Bank Demerara, where major infrastructural works are currently underway.
The Ministers were accompanied by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Mr. Bishram Kuppen, along with engineers and other technical staff who are overseeing the development.
During the visit, the team engaged several contractors operating within the area. Currently, nine contractors are executing works valued at approximately $4.9 billion as part of the development of the commercial zone, which spans more than 400 acres.
The area is being developed to accommodate key facilities, including a truck park and an auto zone, creating a dedicated space for heavy-duty machinery and related commercial activities.
Minister Croal noted that while the project experienced some initial delays due to access challenges, the Ministry is satisfied with the overall progress being made.
Right Bishram Kuppen – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing
“We are pleased with the progress of work thus far. There were some challenges with access which delayed the start of works, but overall we are satisfied with how the project is advancing,” Minister Croal stated.
Minister Benn highlighted the importance of the commercial zone in supporting structured economic activity within the wider housing development.
“We are pleased to be here in this commercial zone. This area is important because we want to ensure that persons who own heavy-duty machinery and equipment have a coordinated space to operate. We are working to ensure that where commercial activities are taking place, there is a dedicated auto zone,” Minister Benn explained.
She added that proper zoning is critical when planning for expanding communities, noting that the Ministry is taking a strategic and focused approach to development as populations continue to grow.
The Wales Housing Development is one of the Government’s major housing initiatives aimed at creating sustainable communities with integrated residential, commercial and economic spaces.
Photos & Drone: Sydel Thomas, CH&PA PR Department
