With the construction of a tarmac at the back of the Hydronie Market on the East Bank of Essequibo, vendors are relieved that their selling woes would soon be addressed.
They are distressed that even though they pay a rent for their stalls, the road vendors are there rent-free and are preventing them from getting enough sales.
According to them, some shoppers would prefer to purchase “on the road and don’t even enter the market.”
That was one of the issues they raised with President Irfaan Ali when he and a team visited the market, listened to their concerns and promised to address them.
The tarmac is being built on one of two ball fields and space will be provided on it for those vending illegally, so they can get off the roadway.
The president had also looked at other ways to enhance the market and promised to build a canopy walkway or roof.
The project, which also includes the construction of the 1000 sq. ft. T-shape roof, a 300-foot concrete and steel fence and a four-chamber sanitary facility, is being undertaken at a cost of $29.2 million.
The roof will be fitted with translucent sheets that would allow natural light. Stabroek News spoke to some vendors and shoppers, who said they were happy that the conditions at the market would be improved.
They were concerned though, that the structure for the roof was completed about one month ago but the sheets were still to be installed.
They pointed out that with the rainy season on now, they urgently need the roof to be completed so that their vending and shopping can be done in a little more comfort.
The Hydronie market is reportedly the largest Sunday market in the country and in fact, starts from Saturday afternoon. There is a smaller market day on Thursdays, while a few vendors sell there on a daily basis.
The banks, insurance companies and other offices and businesses at Hydronie and Parika are closed on Wednesdays but they are opened to the public on Sundays.
