$880M Charity Market Wharf Project Underway

Work has begun on the $880 million Charity Market Wharf project, aimed at improving river transport, trade, and flood protection for residents and farmers across Region Two and the Pomeroon. The project was highlighted during a site visit by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj.

“This wharf is not just a structure; it is an investment in people, in farmers, in businesses and in the long-term development of Region Two,” Minister Ramraj said. “When we improve docking facilities, protect the river bank and create space for commerce, we are directly improving incomes, encouraging trade and opening new opportunities for tourism and investment in this region.”

The project involves the construction of a modern, climate-resilient wharf with the following key features:

• 160 stressed concrete foundation piles, each approximately 130 feet long

• Reinforced concrete wharf deck and superstructure

• Floating dock for vessels of varying sizes

• Provision for a future GIP crane for cargo handling

• Covered passenger deck and waiting area

• Administrative building and parking facilities

• Upgraded river defence works to protect against flooding

Two additional sections of river defence, 500 feet upstream and downstream, will also be upgraded under a parallel contract.

Project Manager Jermaine Braithwaite said the facility will expand docking and off-loading services for agricultural produce and passengers, while boosting tourism and economic activity. “It is a climate-resilient structure with stressed concrete piles and a reinforced concrete deck, and it also includes upgraded river defence to provide flood protection for the facility,” Braithwaite said.

Chief Sea and River Defence Officer Kevin Samad noted that the contractor is completing much of the fabrication off-site, with piles and components transported by barge. “Driving the 160 piles is the hardest part of the work. Once we complete this phase, the remainder of the construction will progress much easier, and we are pushing the contractor to have this project completed in 2026,” Samad said.

Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit emphasized the benefits for farmers, traders, and riverain communities. “With increased production and trade, the new wharf will create more opportunities, more markets and encourage people to invest more in farming and business,” he said.

The project is currently 14% complete, with full completion expected by the last quarter of 2026.