Plan to repair Stabroek Market wharf on stream - Royston King

Plan to repair Stabroek Market wharf on stream – Royston King

Jul 23, 2015 News

Town Clerk, Royston King

The badly dilapidated sections of Stabroek Market wharf will soon receive some much needed attention from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC).

This is according to newly installed Town Clerk, Royston King.

At a recent press conference held at City Hall, King disclosed that an area has already been identified for the relocation of vendors operating in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market wharf.

The Town Clerk noted that the wharf has been in dire need of repairs for some time now, but the rehabilitation has been stalled by a number of factors.

The condition of the wharf has been a source of concern for vendors and members of the public alike.

On two occasions, heavy winds caused extensive damage to the already deteriorated roof of the wharf, resulting in its collapse.

Vendors, who operate in the area, have continually expressed concern that a section of the dock could come crashing down at any time.

During the press conference, the Town Clerk noted that a team from the Environment, the Public Health and Market Committee of the Council visited the wharf, and identified an area close to the vicinity for relocation of vendors, which would not pose any particular inconvenience to them.

King said however, the area identified is under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

He said the Council is in the process of finalising a meeting with the Minister of Public Infrastructure. That committee can move forward with the plans to relocate those affected and get on with the repairs.

“We are a responsible Council and we cannot have citizens and our legal tenants occupying and operating in such an unsafe manner,” the Town Clerk added.

He noted that the City Engineer has since been asked to submit to the Council an estimate for the repairs.

“As soon as that is submitted the Council will move on to have talks with the Minister of Public Infrastructure, “King said.

Questioned how City Hall plans to shoulder the expense, King said that the Council does not have the wherewithal to fix the facility, but is optimistic that the new administration will play a part.

The Town Clerk further explained that for this reason, the council will be working with the Public Infrastructure Ministry and other government agencies to execute the project.

He noted that the Stabroek Market wharf is a vital facility to the Council that “has earned us revenue over the years and we would like to continue business with citizens via the facility.”

Given his conversations with the Mayor and Councillors, King further stated that we have faith that the present administration will assist the Council on making Georgetown compatible with other cities in the Caribbean and around the world.

Judging from what he has seen so far, the Town Clerk said that he is also optimistic that the Council and the government can work together, that change could abound to the good of all citizens and the improvement of the city.

The Council, he said, is looking forward to honouring its obligations to citizens and to working with them to make Georgetown a better place.