Vendors still selling under the dilapidated shed of the Stabroek Market Wharf are awaiting word on their relocation from the Mayor and City Council, which will be moving to begin rehabilitation works soon.
Sections of the roof of the wharf had collapsed in September, 2014, and March, 2015, but vendors continue to ply their trade despite the danger posed by the deteriorating structure.
Town Clerk Royston King yesterday told Stabroek News that the city is going to have a final meeting with vendors on Thursday on the way forward. The meeting is scheduled for 10am in the council chambers at City Hall.
King told Stabroek News that in December they met with the vendors to discuss their relocation. During that meeting, vendors, he said, asked that they be allowed to vend until after the Christmas season. Both parties had agreement on the request, although the vendors were told that they would have to comply when the time arrived for them to be relocated.
King stated that the city has already identified an area for the vendors’ relocation. The 335 vendors would be placed within the confines of the Stabroek car park.
He also stated that the city has requested assistance from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to help with the resurfacing the car park.
King added that they would not allow anymore distractions to further delay the demolition of the wharf and begin the modernisation phase. “We cannot compromise the rehabilitation any further. They [vendors] know of the dangers and it [would] be better for them,” he said. Works are expected to begin “almost immediately,” King pointed out.
During a visit to the wharf yesterday, Stabroek News observed the area was abuzz with commercial activity despite the danger overhead.
Vendors said they are willing to move but they are concerned about the proposed site for their relocation and the amount of time that would be given to them to make preparations to relocate.
“We don’t have a say. I would have liked for it to be done in parts because where I am is safe and it would have been better that way,” a vendor said. The grocery vendor explained that to relocate to a temporary area would be costly as they would have to cover all the expenses themselves. He also spoke on the uncertainty of the timeframe within which the rehabilitation project would be completed and if they would be able to reclaim the same spots that they currently hold.
A snackette owner, who has a thriving business at the wharf, said she is willing to move when they are told to move and sacrifice her daily living for her safety.
A ground provision vendor told Stabroek News that when the time comes to move he hopes City Council gives them ample time to do so. “They should give us at least six weeks of notice, so we would be able to make our plans,” he said.
The vendor, however, noted that the council should begin work immediately after their removal from the area. He explained that areas have already collapsed and what remains is unsafe.
A modernised design of the wharf has been unveiled and the council is focused on starting the project soon. The new municipal market wharf has been designed by civil engineer Kabila Hollingsworth.
The design features a two-storey building with a terrace on the top flat and stelling for boats to dock.
