Some markets within the city will undergo major rehabilitation and modernisation this year, according to Town Clerk Royston King.
“These markets have to compete with supermarkets and we are going to make them competitive for business,” King said on Monday.
Currently, works are being done at the La Penitence and East Ruimveldt markets.
At the La Penitence Market, King said, cleaning was done and efforts are being made for its refurbishment.
Cleaning was also done at the East Ruimveldt Market, where poles are being put in place to have lights installed. King said the city has requested help from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. He also noted that the market has a lot of space, which can be developed to foster a better business environment.
Speaking on the rundown Kitty Market, King said the city would be inviting the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to engage in a joint project to facilitate the repairs and modernisation. Vendors at the market have complained bitterly about the neglect of the historic structure, which they have linked to a slowdown in sales.
King said too that there are plans for refrigeration systems to allow better storage in the butchery and fishery sections of the markets. He added that money for the refurbishment projects are expected to be accessed from the city’s budget, while other projects, including the drive for modernisation, would depend on capital funding. He said the city would also approach the banks for loans.
