Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on Wednesday met with minibus operators, vendors, and other stakeholders on plans to address current traffic congestion and road safety issues at the Stabroek Market Square.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement that the engagement, held in the auditorium of the Saint Stanislaus College, also saw the discussion of plans for the demarcating of road lanes in the area, completing road maintenance work in the Stabroek area, implementing a turn system at the bus parks, and the reinstallation of barriers at the Kitty/Campbellville bus park.
According to the statement, Benn noted that the stakeholder-engagement is the first in a series of discussions geared towards seeking the continuous improvement of the transportation and congestion issues at the Stabroek Market Square.
It quoted him as saying, “It is not our fundamental interest in moving people. The fundamental interest is to bring order, optimal efficiency and safety out there.”
He also highlighted the need for minibus operators and passengers to wear face masks in adherence to COVID-19 emergency measures.
The statement noted that against this background Benn added that tents will be placed at various bus parks to facilitate hand sanitising and the issuing of face masks.
It said stakeholders raised several concerns at the meeting, such as police-relations with minibus operators, touts at the bus parks, ‘hot plate’ buses, and the disrespect for police officers at many bus parks.
According to the statement, Benn assured that the concerns will be addressed.
Among those who attended the consultation were Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore, Commander of ‘A’ Division- Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle and President of the Minibus Association Eon Andrews.
