The long-awaited repairs to the dilapidated Kitty Market have begun and are expected to last for the next three to five months.
The $240 million restoration project started earlier this week, after the City Engineer’s Department concluded that it possessed sufficient expertise to complete all necessary works.
Repairs will be done in phases to accommodate the relocation of the few vendors who still ply their trade there.
When it was announced that the rehabilitation was due to start, vendors were vocal about their relocation and City Hall had proposed several possible sites, but none met with approval. However, as the renovations started, vendors moved and are currently located on the pavements adjacent to and opposite the market.
Sherida Ferguson, a fruit and ground provision vendor, said she is satisfied with the city’s decision to allow them to vend on the pavements. She noted that it is way better for them as their customers can easily find them.
While Stabroek News was there, vendors were observed informing customers of their new locations.
Ferguson said she is happy that the rehabilitation has finally started. She explained that they need a proper market and the project has been delayed too long. Ferguson, who said she was told that the project should be completed in three to four months, believes it might run to six months. Another vendor said she moved to the location opposite the market about three days ago. Grace Stewart said she is happy they have started work on the market because it was in dire need. She hopes the renovations would be completed in the estimated time.
Bashirdeen Zaman, who sells in front of the market, said he was given a grace period. He said that when work begins in front of the market, he would have to make his move. Asked if he has already acquired a potential spot, he said no but explained that when the other vendors moved back to their stalls after their area was finished he would be given a spot.
The 46 stallholders who operate in the market will be relocated on a rotating system to allow for the renovation. A section is currently being upgraded to house the clothing vendors and Ferguson told Stabroek News she understands that the area would be completed in a matter of days.
Though the municipality has and will continue to seek support from central government to fund the repairs, Town Clerk Royston King said the plan is to complete the work in phases using monies from the city’s coffers.
The Kitty Market has long been in a dilapidated state and in 2013 the Guyana Fire Service listed it among the derelict buildings in the city that were fire hazards.
Last month, during a city tour Mayor Hamilton Green had told reporters that restoration of the Kitty market would be in the hands of the next Mayor of Georgetown but the repair works were announced shortly after.
