Latest update November 8th, 2024 1:00 AM
Latest News
$500M City clean–up…Committee commences removal of illegal roadside structures
Efforts are underway by the ‘Clean-Up My Country’ Programme committee to remove stalls and other encumbrances from along Government reserve to further assist with the citywide sanitation exercise.
Last week, the committee ordered the removal of those vending along the shoulders of the Sussex Street canal, to facilitate the cleaning of the canals.
Vendors removing their structures from along the shoulders of the Sussex Street canal
The structures, which were previously sited along the shoulders of the canal, have relocated to the opposite side of the road.
Vendors said that they were forced to place their stalls on the already crowded Sussex Street pavement since there was no other alternative.
One vendor noted that the clean-up committee provided only one week’s notice to evacuate the premises but no assistance to facilitate the move.
However, during a press conference on Friday, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker said that while significant progress has been achieved under the campaign, the removal of illegal structures is an integral part of the exercise.
“The removal of illegal structures is necessary to eradicate hindrances, which impede the movement of machinery doing the desilting work at canals in certain areas. This not only guarantees that a better quality of work is done but it ensures the safety of vendors.”
Given the urgent need to restore cleanliness in the city, the Ministry launched the massive clean-up campaign aimed at clearing the drains, main canals, parapets, alleyways, cemeteries, and rehabilitating the monuments, markets and other public spaces around Georgetown.
Minister Norman Whittaker and his team recently met with vendors of the Albouystown and Bourda markets to discuss improvements to the infrastructure and other necessary facilities.
The relocated stall, crammed along the Sussex Street canal
The team visited the market places to get a firsthand understanding of what is required to improve the environment where vendors and shoppers conduct their business on a daily basis.
The vendors who met with Minister Whittaker candidly expressed their concerns with regards to the issues causing them discomfort and inconvenience.
The vendors had highlighted proper solid waste disposal facilities and illegal roadside vending as daily challenges.
They noted, too, the poor drainage facilities which contribute to constant flooding of the markets; inadequate electrical installation, inadequate sanitary facilities and poor roofing conditions as well as the lack of proper security within the market environs which has led to the upsurge in criminal activities.
The vendors of the Albouystown market claimed that the leaky roof was another major contributor to constant flooding. The vendors also pointed to the uneven flooring of the market structures which often result in water taking longer to recede.
The stallholders said that the inadequate infrastructure has caused them millions of dollars in damaged goods, as they are faced with the reality of the markets’ condition on a daily basis.
As such, Minister Whittaker says that his team will be working closely with officia
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
A lesson from the bread lines of America
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- If the American elections of 2024 delivered any one lesson to the rest of the world, it... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
