Stallholders at the East Ruimveldt Municipal Market on Tuesday complained bitterly about what one called the “sickening” conditions under which they are forced to ply their trade.
Vendors told Stabroek News that they are concerned about the inadequate lighting and security, water shortage, deplorable roads and bridge and unsanitary conditions of the lavatory.
One vendor said her stall had been vandalised on more than one occasion and she believes that some of the security guards on duty are involved in the robberies. “I think dem same guards does be involved in de robberies cause when yuh come next morning an trying fuh find out wah really happen, none a dem can’t give yuh a proper explanation and besides, nuff time when dey supposed to deh guarding, deh does deh sleeping an all kinda things,” she said.
This stallholder also pointed out that since some sections of the compound had no fence it was easy for bandits to gain access to the compound. “De front gate is another problem, duh bruk-up thing aint mek no sense deh wah dey call a gate cause people could easily jump over duh an come in de market if deh want.”
Another vendor said her stall had been broken into many times and she was fed up, adding that “De place does be dark in de nights cause it aint get no proper lights and all de guards does be together at de back a de market.”
She said the fact that the guards assemble at the back should be investigated as they would then be unaware of criminal activities being conducted at the front of the market.
Pointing to a number of lampposts in the market, stallholders said only two from about 10 work. They said the lights were only there as decoration.
The sellers also complained that they were losing sales due to the dilapidated state of the access road. They said customers preferred to drive into the market through the front gate “but with duh big hell of a hole wah deh by de front gate vehicles can’t get fuh come in…suh wah yuh find is that nuff a we customers don’t even come hay no more.” On the other hand, customers who drive through the market’s back entrance may be putting themselves in danger due to the weakened state of the bridge. “Deh gun hustle fuh do something with duh bridge when it just give way a day when some body driving over it, but by then it might be too late,” one seller said.
Vendors also lamented the frequent water shortages which force them to rely on the kindness of residents for water.
Though they acknowledge that they know water supply is scheduled there are times when the entire day passes and they get no water. They also noted that the lack of tap water makes it difficult to keep the lavatory hygienic.
All efforts to solicit comments on the issues from the Mayor and City Council’s Public Relations Officer Royston King proved futile.
