The Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) yesterday issued its final notice to vendors occupying spaces opposite the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) on New Market Street.
According to the press release, vendors between Thomas and East streets are being asked to remove all makeshift stalls, sheds, carts, caravans, motor vehicles, and other receptacles used for vending.
These vendors, an earlier notice had stated, have been impeding the smooth flow of traffic in the vicinity of the Georgetown Public Hospital, the main public health institution in the country. MoPW had served “Violation Notices”, giving the vendors seven days to vacate the area. Vendors were reminded that the seven-day period had expired. Teams from the ministry began the removal process yesterday.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has reiterated that this type of illicit activity can no longer be tolerated as vending in this area is causing serious traffic hazards and congestion.
“Health and safety must be a priority for all Guyanese, we have to try harder and we have to be conscious of what is a right practice and what is a wrong practice. There are times ambulances and other emergency vehicles will be trying to enter the gates at GPH and from the vehicles parking indiscriminately, to these vending stalls taking up the parapets in its way, we cannot allow this to continue”, he said.
The ministry has made it clear that it will not be responsible for any damage or loss when these encumbrances are removed.
