Almost two years later… Rehab work on Kitty Market still incomplete

Oct 26, 2017 News

Almost two years after works commenced, the completion of the rehabilitation of the Kitty Market is yet to be determined.
The Council embarked on a $250M restoration exercise, on February 12, 2016, of the 19th century structure which had suffered massive deterioration over the years.
The M&CC had been adamant that preserving the architectural design of the market, as well as ensuring that the original vendors are not displaced was a chief concern to the municipality.
It was stated that the newly rehabilitated Kitty Market would feature a traditional health centre, offices for payment of rates and taxes, and a space for community councillors.
The issue was raised by M&CC Councillor, Khami Sharma, at the recent statutory meeting at held at City Hall on Monday.
During the meeting, Sharma told the Council that he has a vested interest in the welfare of the Kitty Market and as such inquired about the deadline of the completion.
Sharma reminded the council that a November deadline was mentioned to vendors, who have been anxiously awaiting the completion of the market.
“I want to know whether it is this November or next year, because the work has been going on for quite some time now,” the councillor inquired.
Sharma explained that the issue is quite close to my heart, since I grew up in Kitty.
“That Market is an icon and from the inception, the Council appeared to have very good plans to rehabilitate it, but for some strange reason the work has been stalled.”
The concerns of the PPP councillor were noted by Mayor Patricia Chase-Green.
She nonetheless reminded councillor Sharma that the reconstruction of the Kitty is being financed mainly by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) and that works to the market will continue as funds become available. She explained that the work is being done by the City Engineer’s Department.
Additionally, City Engineer Colvern Venture had said that a date cannot be given when works will be completed, since it will depend on the income generated by the council.
Venture disclosed that 75% of the work to the market is complete, with some assistance from the Ministry of Communities. He noted that the works on the Kitty Market have suffered from setbacks due to a lack of financial resources.
When the market came under reconstruction in February 2016, the Council had noted intent to seek assistance from the Government and other interested persons for the rehabilitation of structure.
At the final statutory meeting held by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) in December last year, the Mayor Chase-Green had said that while the Council would have achieved a number of their goals, they still have not been able to complete one major goal, which is the re-opening of the Kitty Market.
Up until December last, only 30 percent of rehabilitation work was completed.
This was also the same stage at which the market was in April 2016.
The work was reportedly stymied by the inability to procure materials and also because the Council had owed contractors.

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