The new Vendors Mall on Water Street is set to officially open next week and organizers have promised a “bang” as the long-in-the-making facility prepares to offer more choices for the upcoming Christmas season and beyond.
Clerk of Markets, Schulder Griffith said that he is satisfied with the rate at which works, still to be completed, are proceeding. The long-in-the-making mall has faced several issues in the past relating to construction of stalls, the provision of electricity and water, among others but Griffith said that most of the problems have been tackled.
At a meeting with vendors and members of the media yesterday, he said that the new toilet facilities are ready, some stalls have been hooked up to the electricity grid with the power company pledging to speed up the process and there is water moving through the pipes.
Griffith disclosed that there will be a formal opening of the Mall on October 3. The city official promised a sizzling event with vendors offering discounts and giveaways and entertainment all day long.
The Management Committee and the Organising Committee are fine-tuning their preparations and expressed optimism about business in the new facility. “Business already booming,” said one vendor. Another added that they will be offering a quality price and service. The new look facility boasts new stalls, a red and silver metal fence and billboards advertising a range of goods and services from cellular phones to soap powder which lends the Water Street entrance to the Arcade a more businesslike aura and a welcoming façade.
Griffith recalled that there had been some hiccups in the past with some vendors not completing their stalls but, following a meeting, deadlines were set and there is now a hive of activity. He said that he is satisfied with the current rate of progress and said they will “start with a bang.”
Questioned about the unregulated roadside vendors that spring up at Christmastime, he stated that the City Constabulary has started a campaign to clear the pavements.
He acknowledged that in the last few days to Christmas, law enforcement officials have been lenient to such vendors but stated that no person should be given to permission to sell in front of the markets, as they did not pay taxes.
Several vendors expressed their satisfaction with the facility pointing out that it had been a cooperative effort and “that will make us proud.”
