Developers eying January sod turning for Maraiko Bay project
The developers of the planned Maraiko Bay luxury housing development project at Mahaica are eyeing the sod turning for January next year.
Director of Operations Sudama Ramalingum, a principal of Construction and Investment Management Group (CIMGRO), recently told Stabroek News that they have secured the requisite permits and are putting the necessary systems in place to get construction off the ground. And while he mentioned the possibility of a sod turning within two months’ time, he said they are gauging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and instead are looking at a date in January.
Currently, he said, they are still engaged in developing the drainage infrastructure and road network in preparation for construction.
“Maraiko Bay is going to provide a housing community with the amenities that can out match anything in Guyana and suit the western lifestyle. We have to ensure we give people a home where they feel safe, an environment that is healthy and the freedom of movement of their family and themselves with a lifestyle they are proud of,” he underscored as he said that they are working assiduously to get the project off the ground.
With plans for the development to include a marina, Ramalingum said that it is one of the areas they are seeking an investor for.
“Our concept is not that Maraiko Bay developers will build everything. We are not in that position… but we are creating a model that we can have a company come in and say they will finance build and operate the marina… we put the land in and retain an equity position,” the Director of Operations explained.
When construction starts, he explained, they will begin with phase one of the project, which includes the construction of 515 houses, a hotel, a hospital, an international school, a nine-hole PGA-level golf course, and a recreational facility.
He added that one of the components that was stalled due to the limitations on travel due to the global pandemic was recently completed. This was the soil testing for over a 1000-acres of land.
The project is aimed at construction of 2,200 single homes and 800 condominium-style homes.
Ragindra Persaud, a principal in the project, had previously said they are prepared to work with Guyanese in the construction sector to realise their vision of the community. The venture is pegged at US$1.4 billion.
The housing development is located along two miles of beach on the Atlantic Ocean and bordered by the Mahaica River.
It was noted that a golf course will be designed under the hands of golf course designer David Hemstock, a member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects and will offer vistas of waterways, canals, and challenging Atlantic Ocean finishing holes.
“The luxurious estate homes of Maraiko Bay Golf and Country Club will be set amidst the backdrop of a spectacular Hemstock Signature golf course and is designed to be an up-scale community of tree lined streets, fine homes and modern amenities, just a short drive from the heart of the historic capital city of Georgetown via the newly renovated highway or using the conveniently located on-site heliport,” the developers said upon the announcement of the project last year.
Additionally, ex-Ryder Cup Captain Mark James is scheduled to establish his National Golf Academy there.
The developers had said that sea defence and environmental protection will be overseen by Earth and Marine Environmental Consultants.
Persaud had stated too that a Memorandum of Understanding had already been signed with the Petroleum Club, headed by John Moore, Chairman of Agraria Inc. for a 75-unit luxury housing complex including a clubhouse, restaurant and leisure facilities. In addition, Phase 1 would encompass 150 condos, 200 luxury homes and 50 executive homes, a commercial centre and other amenities all set for completion within 14 months.