Work on the Kitty Market has recommenced and the City Engineers Department is working assiduously to complete the project.
Over a year ago, the Mayor and City Council had begun work to restore the iconic market structure which was rapidly deteriorating, but was unable to complete it in the initial four months’ deadline owing to financial constraints.
Chief City Engineer Colvern Venture told Stabroek News last week that workers were in the process of installing the necessary electrical fixtures and partitions for stalls. He also explained that they would be installing roofs over the stalls on the eastern side of the market.
Asked if a new deadline had been set for the completion of the rehabilitative works, Venture responded in the negative, while explaining that they are unable to set a deadline for the work since they might encounter unforeseen setbacks.
In February, Stabroek News had reported that 70 per cent of the restorative work had been completed in phase one of the project.
Work on phase two of the project which includes the erection of a structure on the southern side of the market is yet to begin.
The main building has been remodelled to accommodate a rates office and a municipal clinic on the upper flat of the building. The inclusion of these facilities is a part of the city’s administration plan to decentralize services to facilitate constituents in that area.
It is estimated that to date, approximately $90 million has been expended on the building. The sum of $240 million was the original estimate for the restoration of the market.
The initial plan included air conditioning for the entire upper flat, but owing to financial constraints, the administration decided to restrict the air conditioning to only the meat and fish sections. The remodelled design of the market aims to compete with supermarkets, Town Clerk, Royston King had stated.
Vendors due to take up stalls in the market had expressed concerns over poor ventilation. However, King has said that an adequate ventilation system would be put in place.
