Stakeholders meet for first time on new market and library for Siparia

The Siparia Regional Corporation recently hosted what was described by chairman Leo Doodnath as the first stakeholders’ meeting in its history. At the meeting, various infrastructural plans for the township of Siparia were outlined by several state agencies. Among the projects to be delivered are a new market, a state-of-the-art library, a sports complex and a  cultural centre named after parang legend Daisy Voisin.

Hundreds of Siparia folk turned up to the meeting, including members of the Siparia Chamber of Commerce, the Siparia Inter-Religious Group, the Siparia Market Vendors Association, the Siparia Festivals Committee, the Maxi Taxi and Taxi Drivers Associations, PTAs, sporting organisations and ordinary residents. Each governmental agency was well represented by high-ranking officials. The National Library of T&T (Nalis), through chairman of the board Cheryl Ann Ramsubeik, Diane Simeon, director of public libraries, Darren Black, project manager, and Joane Osborne, executive director, outlined plans for the construction of a three-storey, 12,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility.

Construction will commence in August and when completed will contain basement parking, automated services, free Internet, and cater for both children and adults, and the visually impaired as well. The Sport Company of T&T (SporTT), with responsibility for the upgrade of Irving Park to regional facility status, was represented by Darren Sirju, project manager, Michelle Moses, engineer, Willie Roopchand, quantity surveyor, Gerrad Defour, architect, Ravi Lalla and Dexter Browne, who are both consultants. Upgrade of Irving Park is due to commence immediately. An international cycling track and world-class football field are in the making, with parking for 300 vehicles.

The new Siparia Market will be delivered to the Siparia Regional Corporation by the end of March this year, the meeting was told. Project manager Palo Seco Agricultural Enterprises Limited (PSAEL) was represented by CEO Mitra Mahabir, Collin Jack, engineer and Antony Welcome, project lead. 
The ground floor will cater for 200 vendors and will provide 1,400 cubic feet of cold storage. There will be ten glass front shops on the first floor, as well as an eight-stall food court and a conference centre. 
Elevators have already been installed. Whilst the market can only accommodate parking for 20 vehicles, the Siparia Regional Corporation has already secured space next door for a parking lot to accommodate more cars.
Doodnath also outlined plans for the establishment of the Daisy Voisin Hub which has already started. Voisin, who lived all her life in Siparia, was known as the parang queen of T&T. 
The hub will consist of six vending booths, separate washroom facilities, private car parking and space for cultural events.
A statue in honour of Daisy Voisin is also being constructed.
Councillors and administrative staff of the Siparia Regional Corporation were also present at the meeting.