More than four years after breaking ground, the government opened the Huntums Ghut Entrepreneurial Zone Feb. 27 and invited businesses to apply for a space there.
The project includes a 70-by-20-foot building designed to accommodate as many as 20 businesses and another 60-by-20-foot building that will host up to 14 more, according to Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer.
“The project commenced on Oct. 21, 2020, with a clear mission to provide first-step and start-up businesses in a nurturing environment for development and growth, ultimately benefiting our local economy,” said Mr. Rymer, who represents Huntums Ghut from the Fifth District seat in the House of Assembly.
Blaming the years of delays on the Covid-19 pandemic and funding constraints, Mr. Rymer said the facility is now accepting applications from interested businesses.
“As we launch the First Step Programme for Entrepreneurs, let me emphasise that this initiative is about empowerment and opportunity for our people,” he said. “We are offering a space for entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses, with the understanding that they will need to submit a solid business plan for selection.”
Spending
He added that government has spent $1,202,794.06 on the project so far while engaging “up to ten” contractors.
“These structures have been designed with durability in mind, featuring a concrete block reinforced lower level and a metal frame panel for the upper level, ensuring they stand the test of time,” he said.
The work carried out through the project, he added, extends beyond the buildings.
“We have completed and completely renovated the existing bathroom facilities, we have constructed new roadway access and parking for vendors and customers, and we have revitalised the basketball court with a new bleacher and new surfaces,” he said.
Years of delays
When the project broke ground in 2020, officials initially planned to construct three one-storey buildings that would house six businesses each.
Following a tender process, Cabinet decided in October 2021 to award a nearly $550,000 contract to Accurate Construction to erect the buildings, the Cabinet Office announced at the time.
But delays followed, and government announced in March 2023 that the plans had been altered to include two two-storey buildings instead of three one-storey buildings.
Mr. Rymer said later that year that initial cost estimates for the project stood at $1,377,500, and government had spent $788,717 so far.
Contractors
During his speech last Thursday, the minister thanked Accurate Construction for erecting the buildings and said other contractors built the roads and K and M is now “completing the entire project.”
He encouraged entrepreneurs to come on board with the initiative.
“Now, I know while foreign investment is essential, we must also uplift our local families by investing in someone’s idea, creating pathways to turn those thoughts into reality and eventually foster financial security,” Mr. Rymer said.