$4.9B infrastructure works progressing at Wales Truck park, Auto Zone

Infrastructure works valued at $4.9 billion at the Wales Truck park, and Auto Zone are advancing steadily as the government moves to accommodate a truck park and an auto zone.

The infrastructure work will further create a dedicated space for heavy-duty machinery and related commercial activities.

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, along with Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn, on Friday led a site visit to the commercial zone at the Wales Housing Development on the West Bank of Demerara, where major infrastructural works are currently underway.

The ministers were joined by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Bishram Kuppen, as well as engineers and other technical staff overseeing the project.

During the visit, the team engaged with nine contractors who are executing works across more than 400 acres of commercial land.

Minister Croal said that despite some early challenges with site access, the ministry is satisfied with the overall progress of the work.

“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,” the minister stated.

Meanwhile, Minister Benn emphasised the significance of the commercial zone in supporting organised economic activity within the wider housing development.

“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,” she explained.

She added that proper zoning remains critical in the planning of expanding communities, noting that the ministry is taking a strategic approach to development as populations continue to grow.

The Wales Housing Development is among the government’s major housing initiatives aimed at creating sustainable communities by integrating residential, commercial and economic spaces within the development.

The government has recently invited bids for additional truck parking facilities in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six.

The facilities will be constructed at Meten-Meer-Zorg Phase Two in Region Three, Hermitage to Wales in Region Five, Hope to Enmore in Region Four. Smithson Place in East Canje, Berbice, Number 75 Village on the Corentyne in Region Six will also benefit.