Opposition Councillor of the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Prince Holder, has called on the government to give full compensation to all vendors at Charity affected by the recent fire at the market.
He was at the time speaking at the Region’s statutory meeting for the month of July.
Holder said that over 33 persons’ livelihoods were affected and it is time for the government to step in and offer financial support to the affected vendors. He added that some persons were trading in that location for over 20 years and in one day everything was destroyed.
In response, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Susannah Saywack, said that the government will give support but she could not disclose what form it would take. She told the region’s RDC that two ministers and regional officials met with vendors and an assessment was conducted. She informed that the Anna Regina fire station was conducting their investigations and would be presenting their findings shortly.
The REO also noted that due to the investigation the area was cordoned off but it has been re-opened for vendors to go and conduct their assessments. Based on the assessment conducted, she said that approximately $89 million worth in items were consumed by the fire. $5 million in items were also damaged by the water that had to be used to extinguish the fire.
Saywack said that currently the NDC and regional officials are looking at a paved area where a better market structure can be established as a temporary arrangement. She pointed out that some 33 vendors were affected and the NDC continues to work with them. Items damaged in the fire included clothing, food, jewellery, and engines.
Regional chairperson Vilma De Silva said that vendors are currently clearing the debris and that one vendor had more than six stalls. She added that the roof of the building was scorched and as such it’s not feasible to allow anyone to continue to vend.
Meanwhile, vendors are hoping that they will get help from the government and they can find a place where they can continue to vend. They are suggesting a completely new structure.
“We need to get back on our feet, we depend on this as a livelihood [and] every day is a day going I losing money. I need help, so much money I had invested” a vendor related.
