Latest update April 5th, 2026 12:10 AM
Guyana’s first drive through car wash to open soon
Several “bottom house” carwash operations have popped up around the city to cater to the increasing number of vehicles that are being purchased with newly found wealth and easy financing.
And it is no surprise that there are growing investments in the vehicle care and maintenance sector.
Ghana-born, Guyanese based Joahim Bayah has taken note of this development and has already commenced a $60M project that is bound to intrigue motor vehicle owners and lovers.
Mr. Bayah stands next to the X-stream touchless wash instruction board
It’s the country’s first state-of-the-art drive through car wash.
Clean Cars Complex is located at Lot 166 Croal Street between YMCA and the Girl Guides Association. The outlet is a 15-year-old idea still in the making.
Bayah said that for years, he and friends had discussed the idea of a hands-free carwash. According to him, “more and more “bottom house” car washes have sprung up and people continue to complain about the amount of time it takes to get their vehicles cleaned and the quality of wash they are receiving.”
That is why, Bayah explained, he has invested in a machine that gives a complete wash in about three minutes. He said that people are very busy and they don’t want to spend 30 minutes to an hour just waiting to get a wash. “They want to get in and out, a quick vacuum and off you go.”
Within that short space of time, the vehicle gets a complete bottom and body wash, with a spot free shine, using specific chemicals for automobiles.
The process begins with a turn off from the eastern end of Croal Street and a drive up the ramp to the pay booth. As the car drives slowly to the wash area, an extreme pressure hose positioned on the ground, blast the bottom of the vehicle for a complete clean which takes less than 60 seconds.
The vehicle is driven further into the wash area until a red light indicates that the driver should stop. This means the vehicle is in the right position to be washed. The machine’s wheel cleaner is then activated. This has specific targeted nozzles that spray de-greaser and other chemicals that are later blasted off. Next, the vehicle is pre-soaked by mechanical arms, performing a complete 180 degree on both sides the vehicle.
The car is then triple-foamed before the back and forth arms and over head contraption give an extreme pressure blow. A clear coat is further added and the vehicle is pressure-washed again before getting the green light to go. Customers can then move on to the vacuum station and manually spruce up their vehicle or have one of the friendly staff do it for them.
This vehicle is pre-soaked to start the wash process
Customers will also have the choice of a light snack or a drink in the small eating area furnished with benabs. In time to come, the car wash will also be complete with a truck wash, which will be located to the right of the car wash. This type of cleaning has a manual arrangement, but the bottom wash will be done automatically, Bayah said.
While cars will enter and exit the complex on Croal Street, trucks will enter from Croal Street, but exit on Brickdam.
The proprietor said he is very pleased with his investment and thanked Go-Invest for the part they played in making his idea a reality. He said he is grateful for the cooperation he received and is enthusiastic about investment in the country.
The new carwash is expected to be opened from 06:00hours to 22:00hours. Some 20 to 24 persons are expected to gain employment at the establishment. Car owners will pay $2000 per wash, while prices for larger vehicles are being finalized. A grand opening is expected this week.
Ongoing work at the Clean Cars Complex
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Great. I had. Thought of that idea since 2001. Good to see such a service in place.
Will be interesting to understand the economics of such a bidness. Considering electricity cost among other things.
I cannot see how the costs for water, electricity and solvents in a car wash bidness like this will actually generate revenue.