Latest update February 22nd, 2025 1:34 PM
Latest News
- $277.9M Mabaruma Magistrates’ Court commissioned at Mabaruma
- Min. Indar scolds contractors over unsanctioned works days after VP Jagdeo called out ministry’s shoddy management of construction sites
- White House expects Ukraine to sign critical minerals deal soon
- Simplify cash grant distribution processes
- Peacemaker chopped after intervening in argument
Work on Stabroek Market to begin shortly, vendors to be relocated – Minister Patterson
Stabroek Market may finally be getting its much needed repairs as demolition and restoration works are slated to commence on the age-old structure shortly, according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) are expected to work together in the restoration efforts. Recently, the Minister told the media that the restoration works will be done in an effort to retain the uniqueness of the capital city.
Patterson emphasised that Stabroek Market is a unique structure and though it may cost less to build a market bearing no semblance of what was there before, “we have to maintain our history and our heritage as it is handed down to us. The restoration part is what will be expensive.”
He said another structure could be erected to serve the same purpose but it “will not be as elegant or uniquely Guyanese.”
According to the Minister, the fixing of the Stabroek Market will be done in phases. “We have to be honest, right now it’s (Stabroek Market) not in its best shape,” the Minister said acknowledging that vendors and scores of shoppers are currently exposed to leaks when it rains.
On March 21 last, a stall aback the Stabroek Market wharf was smashed as a part of the market roof came crashing down. The roof had been in a dilapidated state for some years.
In the past, countless calls were made to the previous administration for the rehabilitation of the wharf which continues to fall apart. On one occasion, heavy winds had caused extensive damage to the already badly deteriorated vending area of the wharf.
The wharf on the day it collapsed (File Photo)
That incident created chaos among vendors and those who ventured into that section of the market to conduct business.
Also on June 5, 2013 a section of the wharf had collapsed, injuring a well known market handyman. The man, Charles Ferdinand, had sustained a huge gash to the head and was hospitalized for over 48 hours.
The market operators noted that persons are putting their lives at risk on a daily basis, in an effort to ply their trade by using that section of the market.
The dilapidated wharf attracts a crowd daily and on certain days, people from farming communities outside of Georgetown, come to offload their goods. Customers and retailers flock the unstable area to make cheaper purchases directly from the farmers.
The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is responsible for the upkeep of the market facility, but have for years been crying broke.
At the recent press conference, however, the recently appointed Minister spoke of a four -phase project which will result in the relocation of vendors who ply their trade in the market.
“People will have to understand and I think we keep underestimating the cooperation and the will of our people to improve their livelihood.” The Public Infrastructure Minister expressed confidence in vendors being willing to relocate for four weeks.
“I’m sure if we say to the merchants and vendors in Stabroek Market that we need your cooperation, we need to relocate you temporarily for four weeks to change the roof, I’m sure even though it may affect their livelihood temporarily, they will cooperate.”
Deputy City Mayor, Patricia Chase-Greene said that they already have the estimate for repairs and works will commence shortly. “There are arrangements in place to have vendors relocated while the work is done in phases,” she reiterated.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The clock and the cloud
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Time, as the ancients knew, is a trickster. It slips through the fingers of kings and commoners... more
CARICOM Nations Should Respond Together To new U.S. Policies
By Sir Ronald Sanders Ambassador to the US and the OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News-Two Executive Orders issued by U.S.... more
Weekend Cartoon
