The Ministry of Public Works has removed water vendors from plying their trade at the junction of Irving and Lamaha streets as they were creating significant traffic congestion and safety risks.
In a press release, the ministry said a few vendors started off selling water and their numbers, along with their stocks rapidly increased to include sodas and snacks at this critical traffic light junction. In addition to the growing traffic hazard this practice posed, a significant amount of litter started to accumulate in the area. As such these traders were removed from the area in an exercise conducted on Thursday.
Previously, the ministry had denied occupation of this intersection by fruit vendors, fish sellers and vagrants, the latter of which had used the area for open cooking, resting, panhandling and bathing. The ministry said it will not condone practices that will lead to congestion and distraction on the roadways and at intersections, particularly at declared public roads and traffic light intersections, as such activity is illegal. It is therefore urging commuters to cooperate with its officers and to support the work of the Guyana Police Force to improve safety and efficiency on the roadways.
